Click for larger image.

If your ability to cut in a sharp edge with a paintbrush is sometimes on the shaky side and you don’t mind saving a dime or two, you’ll appreciate the masking tip that I came up with on a recent baseboard job.

As shown in the accompanying drawing, I use narrow strips of wax paper held in place by bits of masking tape to protect the floor and the wall.

• I bought a 25-yard roll of wax paper for $1.50 at the supermarket and cut it into four equal-width rolls with my bandsaw.
  
  
• For a two-piece baseboard, I put down the wax paper floor strip first and then nailed the base to the wall. Then, with the wall painted, I put the wall strip of wax paper on and installed the base cap.
  
  
• For one-piece base, I apply both wax paper strips before installing the baseboard.
  
  
• Then I paint.
  
  
• Now my shaky cut-ins have sharp edges.
  
  
• Once the paint dries, I cut away the tape with my utility knife and remove the wax paper. Then I caulk so that the caulk can bond to the wall.

This method works equally well for window casings — especially the side pieces where gravity works in your favor.

Just tape the wax paper at the top and let it unfurl.

— Scott Gibson; East Waterboro, Maine

Tips & Techniques provided by Fine Homebuilding.
©2010 The Taunton Press

To contact Fine Homebuilding, email Christina Glennon.

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