Proper Tape Removal | ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape

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A person peeling blue painter's tape from a window frame. Proper tape removal

From the sharpest lines to the easiest clean-up, tape removal is an important step in your painting project. A little patience and preparation will help you avoid peeling away paint when you take off your painter’s tape.

Proper tape removal

From the sharpest lines to the easiest clean-up, tape removal is an important step in your painting project. A little patience and preparation will help you avoid peeling away paint when you take off your painter’s tape.

Proper tape removal

From the sharpest lines to the easiest clean-up, tape removal is an important step in your painting project. A little patience and preparation will help you avoid peeling away paint when you take off your painter’s tape.

A putty knife, a razor blade, and blue painter's tape.

Here’s how to pull it off

  • In the following steps, we’ll explain the importance of scoring. All you need is a putty knife or razor blade, and you’ll be on your way to a great reveal.

When to remove painter’s tape – Step-by-step instructions

  • Blue painter's tape on a baseboard. Wait

    Wait until the paint is dry to the touch before removing the tape. Check the paint can for the manufacturer's dry times.

  • A person using a razor blade to score along the edge of painter's tape. Score

    Use a putty knife or razor blade to score along the edge of the tape. This prevents paint from being pulled up with the tape and from cracking along the paint line.

  • A person removing painter's tape from a baseboard. Tape

    Taking your time, lift up the painter’s tape and pull it back on itself, removing at a 45 degree angle. If adhesive sticks to the surface, try a 90-degree angle.

  • A white baseboard and light blue wall. Clean finish

    You’ll get a sharp, clean line and a professional-looking paint job!

Related content

  • A paint roller and roll of painter's tape sitting on a plastic sheet on the floor.

    Prep and tape application

    Get some tips on proper masking and picking the right tape for the job. From sharp lines to easy clean-up, we’ll show you how to get an amazing reveal every time.

  • A window frame with tape curling off of it.

    Tape won't stick

    Tape not sticking properly? Usually, this is due to dirt and moisture. We have some solutions for that.

  • A cloth, painter's tape, putty knife, and paint roller on a sheet of paper.

    Protect a wood floor

    Keeping paint off a hardwood floor is a lot easier than trying to remove it after it drips or spills and then hardens.

  • A person removing painter's tape from a window frame.

    Tape windows, corners and trim

    Even hard-to- mask areas can be prepped quickly and easily. We have some useful hints, so you can get the job done right.

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