To Mask or Not to Mask: Painting Furniture Edges Like a Pro

When it comes to refinishing furniture, achieving that polished, professional look can be a rewarding endeavour.

If you choose to refinish furniture that is part timber and part painted then you have two options where the paint meets the timber.  You can use masking tape to achieve a clean line between the two or a paintbrush and cut in around the edges. In this article, I'll walk you through the pros and cons of each method.

Checking Your Timber

Before diving into the comparison, it's crucial to ensure that you're working with solid timber. Nothing's more frustrating than intending to showcase exposed timber and discovering that you're dealing with chipboard or veneer.

Once you've confirmed the presence of solid timber, proceed with confidence.

The Masking Tape Method

Masking tape is a popular choice for many furniture refinishers due to its ease of use and clean results. Here's how to make the most of it:

• Prepare the Surface: Begin by applying masking tape along the edges of the timber you want to protect. Press the tape down firmly to ensure a smooth, secure surface.

• Efficient Paint Application: When using masking tape, applying paint to the piece becomes a breeze. You don't need to worry about carefully cutting in along the edge to avoid excess paint on your exposed timber. Simply use your paintbrush to cover the surface up to the tape line.

• Primer Application: For the best results, ensure that your primer reaches right up to the masking tape edge. This ensures good adhesion.
• Painting: Apply paint in the same way as the primer, making sure to cover the entire piece. You'll be able to see the clean edge created by the tape.
• Reveal: Once you've applied all your coats of paint, the exciting moment arrives. Gently remove the masking tape, revealing the crisp, neat lines.

• Finishing Touch: Use sandpaper to smooth out any edges where paint may have bled through. This step helps achieve that professional look.

The No Masking Tape Approach

Painting without masking tape requires a bit more precision but can be equally effective if done carefully:

• Cutting In: Using a paintbrush, cut in along the edges where you want to leave exposed timber. Be cautious not to paint the entire piece; you only want to cover these edges.

• Primer and Paint: Apply primer and paint as usual, ensuring that you don't spread paint onto the exposed timber.

• Clean Lines: When finished, you may notice some paint on the timber edges. Use sandpaper to clean up and define the lines for that sharp look. 

Comparison and Conclusion

In our example project, the end results showed no significant difference between the piece painted with masking tape and the one where we cut in. So, which method should you choose?

In reality, both methods have their place in furniture refinishing:

• Masking Tape: Ideal for situations where you want a clear separation between the painted and exposed areas, especially when dealing with complex components or details that are challenging to cut around.
• Cutting In: Suitable when you only have flat, straight edges to protect. It offers a more straightforward process and allows you to quickly assess how your piece looks during painting, aiding colour decisions.

In conclusion, the choice between masking tape and cutting in with a paintbrush depends on your specific project. Experienced refinishers often use a combination of both methods to achieve the best results. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting on your furniture refinishing journey, having both techniques in your toolkit will help you tackle any project with confidence.

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