The Painting Hack That'll Get Sharp Lines On Textured Walls

Textured walls can be frustrating to paint. They require different equipment and different methods, but the most challenging part is trying to get a clean, sharp line between two colors on a textured surface. This comes up a lot ... you'll want crisp lines in corners, where walls and ceilings meet, and in transitions between rooms or areas. The problem, though, is that the texture allows paint to seep under the painter's tape, creating an uneven and unsightly paint line. In response, TikToker and DIYer @livingwithley zeroed in on a technique that virtually eliminates this painting problem by sealing the tape to the textured wall surface.

Who says common sense can't be genius? What @livingwithley recommends is painting over the tape with the color of the area you're protecting. So if you're painting a section of a textured wall, the part you're not painting gets the tape, of course, and then you paint over the edge of the tape that borders the area you plan to paint. The paint seals all the pores and ridges that could let the new paint seep through so that when you apply the paint and remove the tape, you get a really clean, sharp line.

This brilliant hack is basically foolproof, assuming you have (or are willing to buy) paint in the old/original color. One hack that'll help you paint match an already painted wall is to look for a sample on and/or under your outlet covers. However, there's also a twist to this painting hack that makes having the old paint color on hand unnecessary.

Similar to the above tape-sealing trick for textured walls, shared by @livingwithley on TikTok, is to use caulk to seal the tape instead. This slight modification is especially useful if you happen not to have the original paint color on hand. Simply use clear, paintable caulk to seal the tape at the paint line. As with the two-paint trick, this will keep paint from leaking beneath the painter's tape on a textured surface.

The process is the same as the painting trick, only you'll be using caulk. Simply apply a bead of caulk along the side of the painter's tape you'll be painting the new color and then smear it with your finger to seal it. Then, paint your new color. If you're wondering about the caulk working its way under the tape, know that it's fine if it does: You won't see it because the caulk is clear.

Caulk takes 30 to 60 minutes to dry, and not all experts agree on whether to let the caulk and paint dry before removing the tape. In fact, some experts, like masking tape manufacturer PPM Industries, believe that leaving paint to dry first is a common mistake when using painter's tape. A solution? Consider experimenting on a test piece or area first, or just follow the directions of the brand you're using.