Hi there,
I am currently in the process of repainting my entire house. I have an archway between my foyer and my living room that has been giving me trouble because I am painting all three a different color. However I cannot seem to get a nice clean line on the edges where the archway meets either wall; the colors just keep spilling over onto either side. I have tried every trick that I know of to do this but it just doesn't come out as clean as I would. I have used tape, a flat piece of wood up against the wall and both of them combined, all to no avail. If anyone has any helpful tips or tricks I would greatly appreciate it. I can include pictures if its not clear but unfortunately right now I am in a bit of a rush and will have to take/post them later.
Thanks Again
Ok...try this. I'm gonna assume this is an older house since there's an archway - and chances are there have been many coats of paint applied over the years. If so: (If not, move on to step # 2)
1) sand the outside corners of the archway to smooth out any roller texture that may have built up over the years - you don't wan't any ridges between the three surfaces.
2) Once smooth, paint the archway and extend an inch or so (on both sides) into the foyer and the living room with the archway color, and allow the paint to dry...
3) For this next step, I use a 12" steel level but any sturdy straight edge will work. Tape a sharpened pencil to the end of the straight edge with the pointed edge pointing in (eraser at the end of the straight edge). I usually use electrical tape to affix pencil secure. The part of the straight edge beyond the pencil will need to be slightly wider than the archway...
4) Lay your straight edge flush against the newly painted arch, then position your pencil point to just lightly touch the living room wall (remember, you've painted some of the arch color onto the living room wall)...
5) Starting at the baseboard, strike your straight edge up to the arch - across the arch - then down the other side to the opposite baseboard...(Once done, flip the straight edge over and repeat on the foyer side...
In step 5, you have created a pencil line, 1/8 of an inch beyond the arch, in a perfect template of the arch on both sides (foyer and living room)...Also, and especially if your archway color is kinda light, it may not be a bad idea to wrap your straight edge in wax paper to avoid burnishing or stiker marks (which may eliminate the need to touch up later).
6) Using a steady hand and a high quality sash brush, cut the living room color against the pencil mark for a perfect line that follows the contour of the arch exactly and with a professional looking finish to it...do the same on the foyer side...
7) Allow for all colors to dry a day or so. If any of the pencil line remains visible, you can remove the pencil mark with a kneaded or elastomer compound pencil eraser (neither will hurt the paint film if used carefully)...
In my experience, this has been a much faster, cleaner and better looking way to paint outside (or inside) corners than trying to trim freehand or with tape.
Good luck, and let us know how you make out (send before and after pics if possible).
