How to Cut in Paint

Want to ensure a precise, clean finish on your paintwork? Our guide has everything you need to know about edging in painting – also known as ‘cutting in’. Whether painting walls, ceilings or interior trim, this essential technique is one of the best ways to achieve professional results on any decorating job. Explore our top tips for cutting in paint and discover must-have tools for cutting in when painting here.

The best cutting-in paint tools

Brushes are a must-have for cutting in, thanks to their precision and various sizes. When surveying 102 professionals in the property and construction industry, 62.75% of respondents said angled brushes are the best cut-in brush for painting.

The Prodec Ice Fusion 2” Angled Brush is an excellent choice, as is the Lick Tools Angled Sash Brush. We also stock specialist cutting-in brushes, like the Hamilton Cutting In Brush 2”. However, 34.31% of respondents said you can use a regular paint brush – just make sure it has high-quality bristles and a fine tip.

Step-by-step: the best way to cut in paint

There are two ways to cut in paint – with tape and without tape – so you can find the right option to suit the surface you’re painting. Explore the steps for each method below to find your preferred cutting-in technique.

Cutting in with tape

Looking for a guaranteed neat edge on your paintwork every time? 25% of our survey respondents said cutting in with masking tape is the best way to get a clean edge. It also protects interior trim like skirting, doorframes, sockets and switches. Follow these steps to find out more:

1. Apply masking tape to the areas you don’t want to paint, lining it up accurately with any edges for a neat finish when cutting in.

2. Open and stir your paint to ensure an even colour and consistency.

3. Dip your brush in and remove any excess paint – 15% of survey respondents said loading the brush properly guarantees better results. You don’t want the paint to drag if there’s too little, but too much can cause dripping or bubbling.

4. Paint the area around the masking tape. Don’t worry if you get paint on the tape – this is the whole point of using it!

5. Remove the tape as soon as you’ve finished painting, before the paint dries, or it may peel off in other areas.

Cutting in without tape

If you’re confident with cutting in, you don’t need tape. An angled brush or cutting-in brush offers maximum precision, so you’ll want at least one size on hand. Remember, this technique requires more patience and precision than cutting in with tape, and 20% of our survey respondents emphasised the importance of a steady hand and patience when cutting in – so don’t rush!

Once you’ve gathered the right tools and accessories, follow these steps to cut in your paintwork:

1. Open your can of paint and stir it before you begin, ensuring a consistent colour and finish.

2. Pick up a small amount of paint on your brush, removing any excess on the edge of the can.

3. Start painting along the edge you’re working on, placing the longest side of the brush’s tip down first.

4. Once you’ve created a precise line at the edge, you can continue painting as normal. We recommend painting at least 5-10cm from the edge of the skirting, socket, window or doorframe when cutting in, giving you plenty of space to blend this section into the rest of the paintwork later.

How to avoid paint bleeding when cutting in

Nothing will spoil a neat cutting-in job like paint bleeding. This can happen when poor-quality masking tape is used, so always choose a durable, professional-standard brand. Explore the range at Dulux Decorator Centre to find the best decorator’s tape.

Our expert decorator Mike Kirk, Store Manager, Leigh shares several additional tips to help you achieve clean cutting:

• If you’re colour-blocking with two different shades, paint over the tape with the base colour to seal it before applying the second colour to the edge.

• Run a damp cloth along the edge of the tape to seal it.

• Only remove the tape once the paint is touch dry. Removing it too soon when the paint is still wet could cause smudging, but removing it once it’s completely dry could peel off paint from the areas where you want it.