A good paint job is as much about how well you put the paint on, as how well you keep it off everything else! Painting doesn’t have to be a messy do-it-yourself project - with some simple preparation, you can minimize clean up and be sure your furnishings and flooring are protected.

A good taping or “masking” job is important - it not only protects surfaces, it also gives you straight, crisp lines! Proper masking begins with a quality masking tape, one or two inches wide for most jobs. Do not use duct tape, electrical tape, regular masking tape or packing tape because these are not designed for painting – they won’t seal well and will damage the underlying surface when you pull them off. Instead, choose a “low tack” tape made to release easily from painted surfaces, like Dynamic’s EdgeWise tape. Its specially formulated adhesive provides instant and superior holding power, yet removes cleanly – even after 10 days in direct sunlight!

For curved or irregular areas, use a crepe paper masking tape. It maneuvers easily, stays on well and removes cleanly.

When painting in a warm area such as a metal window frame or in direct sunlight, or if you’re a beginner and may need the tape to stay in place for more than a day, Dynamic’s EdgeWise tape is the answer again. It’s lighter tack adhesive won't harden on a hot surface or when left on longer than a day.

If you need to mask off more than 2” wide, then you will need to use masking paper. A masking tool will make this job easier. This hand-held tool holds a roll of tape and a roll of paper and applies both in one easy step. You simply unroll a short length of tape and stick half of it along the edge of the paper. Pull the paper off the role and the tape will unwind with it. As it unrolls, half the tape will be stuck to the paper and the other half can be used to tape along the edge of your desired protected area. Once you’ve unrolled a perfect line of paper and masking tape. Tear off the tape and the paper using the built-in cutter bar.

Use drop sheets to protect furniture. Dynamic’s drop sheets are available in a variety of materials including plastic, heavy-duty cotton, and fabric coated canvas that is virtually waterproof. Which drop sheet is best for which job? The general rule is that the better the drop sheet, the better the protection, so your decision will depend on where you are painting and what you are trying to protect.

Floors and carpeting are best protected with drop cloths and Dynamic carpet shields. Carpet shields are invaluable when painting baseboards - they slide easily under the baseboard and act as a fool-proof bridge between it and the drop sheet.

Now you’re ready to GET PAINTING - for more paint protection tips, visit www.getpainting.com or look for a Dynamic dealer near you!