Cutting In

[LennyM1984]

I have a lot of decorating to do in the next few weeks...

I can paint a room very quickly but the bit I hate is taping up the ceilings to get a nice clean transition (I know the pros laugh at tape but I'm not a pro so I don't care).

Instead of masking, is it worth investing in a good cutting in brush and/or the various cutting in "tools" you see advertised in order to do it freehand? I'm a fond believer in buying the right tools and given the amount of painting, it'll be a worthwhile investment...if it will actually make it easier

[POIDH]

A decent brush, some care and technique (there's some good videos on YT) and I've never needed tape.

[BlindedByTheLights]

I was n the same position as you, hated cutting in and didn’t seem very good…and then I bought a decent cutting in brush 2” or 2.5” I think it was, game changer! Rub it across some sand paper a few times to wear it in and then hit that wall.

[Last Visit]

As above, decent brushes and a fee YT vids and you'll be set. Getting a good edge isn't that hard. Certainly worth practicing on a surface before you go for the real thing.

You'll also save loads of time faffing about with tape.

[Glassman]

Cutting in with a brush can be the most satisfying part of painting. It can also be the most frustrating if you don't get your breathing and concentration right. Sticking your tongue out to one side helps.

[Slow.Patrol]

Yep, the one I use is triangular, similar to this

https://amzn.eu/d/3IX1Tn9

Also, if you need reading glasses, get a cheap pair from B&M.

[hotchy]

I used a we square pad with wheels last time. You'd be better using a brush..

[thepritch]

Glassman said:

Sticking your tongue out to one side helps.

It’s true! My wife laughs at me as I do it with regularity with anything that needs precision. She never does it!

[bennno]

LennyM1984 said:

I have a lot of decorating to do in the next few weeks...

I can paint a room very quickly but the bit I hate is taping up the ceilings to get a nice clean transition (I know the pros laugh at tape but I'm not a pro so I don't care).

Instead of masking, is it worth investing in a good cutting in brush and/or the various cutting in "tools" you see advertised in order to do it freehand? I'm a fond believer in buying the right tools and given the amount of painting, it'll be a worthwhile investment...if it will actually make it easier

There’s a reason why builders paint new houses all white…..

We use frog tape, can cut in pretty well but with a very significant colour contrast it’s very very difficult without tape.

[DonkeyApple]

POIDH said:

A decent brush, some care and technique (there's some good videos on YT) and I've never needed tape.

That's my view and experience. Like the OP I've hated taping, especially ceilings but during the last bout of house renovations I decided to watch a bunch of YT videos and buy an appropriate brush. I am now free of the world of frog tape.

It transpires to be a much easier skill to master than I thought.

[Griffith4ever]

Brush, paint loading, pressure, speed, confidence, and most of all, the knowledge that no one, not even you, will be stariing at any imperfections years later - you just won't care, so take that knowldge and use it to up your confidence. Not even the brush is key. It's about paint loading and pressure. I find you "drag along" a bead of paint. Bit like welding.

[sleepezy]

I am not trusted to do the cutting in so I have to do all the large areas while my partner just does the edges.

I am currently painting the family bathroom - it has white ceiling/white walls; I am still not trusted to do the cutting in. I am in awe of those who have mastered the art.

[JimM169]

What brushes are people using to cut in? Just a decent quality standard brush or an angled one?
Seen the one linked above but it looks a bit small, I'd rather have something around 2" (or bigger) to give me a decent border for rollering up to

[wolfracesonic]

thepritch said:

Glassman said:

Sticking your tongue out to one side helps.

It’s true! My wife laughs at me as I do it with regularity with anything that needs precision. She never does it!

[DonkeyApple]

JimM169 said:

What brushes are people using to cut in? Just a decent quality standard brush or an angled one?
Seen the one linked above but it looks a bit small, I'd rather have something around 2" (or bigger) to give me a decent border for rollering up to

For ceilings, I just use a soft 4 inch brush. The wider the blade the cleaner the stroke. As others have mentioned ruined, it's just about putting the right amount of paint on the brush and the technique for getting the stroke started.

For door ways and skirting I bought a thin brush with a 1 inch angled blade and have found that works better.

[BlindedByTheLights]

JimM169 said:

What brushes are people using to cut in? Just a decent quality standard brush or an angled one?
Seen the one linked above but it looks a bit small, I'd rather have something around 2" (or bigger) to give me a decent border for rollering up to

Harris Angled Sash

[thepritch]

wolfracesonic said:

Edited by thepritch on Tuesday 25th February 09:50

[Trustmeimadoctor]

I love these

https://www.mypaintbrush.co.uk/picassobrush-pic52....

[ThingsBehindTheSun]

Paint every room white, problem solved.

[Craikeybaby]

sleepezy said:

I am not trusted to do the cutting in so I have to do all the large areas while my partner just does the edges.

I am currently painting the family bathroom - it has white ceiling/white walls; I am still not trusted to do the cutting in. I am in awe of those who have mastered the art.

We have the same arrangement here, which works well.