Cutting in tools

[namechange12a]

I'm wondering what are the best tools for cutting in, especially between wall and ceiling. I understand that a slanted angle hard bristle paint brush may be the best way or perhaps one of those sponges on wheels. Reviews are very mixed for the sponges so I'm thinking of going for the paintbrush.

Anyone have any tried and tested ways of doing this (not tape because that just doesn't work for me)?

Did you try using painter's tape like this or was it the cheap stuff? Decent tape makes a big difference.

Yes, it was that stuff. Frogtape. I put it all along the edges and painted it all wonky when the tape was taken off. I then took a small paintbrush and tried to straighten it up and got paint on the ceiling, which I then sanded and had to repaint and the edges are still wonky. For some reason I cannot use it there. Find on the skirting boards, around light switches.

Thank you though.

I use the slanty brushes all the time unless I am changing colour on a new wall (I.e. two walls are different colours and a clean split is needed) - I then use tape. Apart from that - slanty brush plus steady hand works a treat.

I'm surprised to hear that; it worked very well for me.

@Knittedfairies it's not the tape, it's me.

@Boopear do you recommend any particular make or size?

The Harris performance one is pretty good!

Hamilton performance! Although the Harris one is good as well.

Thank you. Will look into those.

I just use a normal brush and I get it really neat. I always paint below where I'm cutting in after reloading the brush so that the brush isn't too full of paint. I then turn the brush onto the side and kind of move from the area I've painted below up to where I'm cutting in, in a semi circle type mouton and then move along... I'm probably not explaining it very well, but I think the main point is making sure your brush isn't over loaded so you don't get blobs!

I use a normal brush, and kind of lightly guide the blob of paint along. Does take practice and a steady hand. Keep a damp cloth within grabbing distance for any wobbles.

Thank you both of you, I am envious of your neatness. I am not a neat person and get covered in paint when I paint. I try really hard to get the tape on right, and still get it wonky. I did try to neaten it with a small paintbrush but it just looks awful.

@NemoRocksMyWorld you are explaining it correctly, it's just that I can't paint in a straight line, it seems.

Another option is to paint everything the same colour!

A few years ago I discovered that I prefer white walls, ceilings and woodwork. Makes cutting in a doddle!

@Seeingadistance I have done that but am now sick of white!

Have you considered the new trend of painting the lower part of the wall a colour, and having a stylishly, deliberately not straight line where it meets white above?

pin.it/7oqD4Fp

It's certainly an idea, thanks.

A proform beaver tail oval angled brush 2.5", is the best cutting in tool. Use a decent water based emulsion paint, maybe add a small (10%) amount of water to the cutting in paint. wet the brush and spin it out before you use it. load up the brush by pushing it against the bottom, then pat it against the sides so you lose a bit of paint, you want it in the bristles, not on the sides of the brush.

when you start on the wall dont try to go straight into cutting a nice line, do a little brush back and forth a few inches from the ceiling, that also lubricates the wall so the brush doesnt drag as much, a nice steady speed helps, too slow and movement of your arm makes the brush move, and too quick its uncontrollable.

There's 2 big secrets about cutting in, first, if you start feeling out of control just pull the brush down and away, you can always try again. Second, just keep a damp cloth on you, touch the ceiling and just give it a quick wipe, dont scrub, most of the time you wont notice the wipe. (I still cut lines badly now sometimes and people pay me, dont feel too bad)

@SNDDecorating this is post of wonder and just amazing. Thank you so much. I looked up that paintbrush but it's £25, is there a cheaper alternative? Again, this is so appreciated and will hopefully make my cutting in a lot better!

@namechange12a www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/viewprod/f/FOSSA_VIPERTRIM_ANGLED_BEAVERTAIL_PAINT_BRUSH/ this is £7.50 for the 2" they are essentially the same brush, and properly washed out at the end of a day this brush will last you any other decorating jobs you take on. no more buying £1 brushes that make your job harder.

If i can on Monday I'll get a video made up, its hard to explain in text, much easier to show

That brush looking perfect. Thank you. A video would be great if you get the time but if not, the way you explained it was very clear. Thanks again.

looks, not looking.

Just another cutting in tip that I have just learnt is, after you have cut in go over as close (as you can to the edge) with a roller. It then gives the ‘cut in’ part the same texture as the wall.

@Ohchristmastreeohchristmastree brilliant, thanks.