How to get a flawless paint finish?

A flawless paint finish begins with excellent preparation. Ensure your walls are clean and smooth, then apply a quality primer for better adhesion. Use a premium paint like Dulux and apply two even coats with the correct brush and roller. This method ensures a beautiful, professional result for your Singapore home.

How to get a perfect edge when painting?

To achieve a perfect edge, use a quality 2-3 inch angled brush for precise control. For extra help, apply low-tack masking tape firmly along the line you are painting. Paint along the tape's edge, and be sure to remove the tape before the paint fully dries to reveal a crisp, clean line.

What does “cutting in” mean in painting?

"Cutting in" is the essential technique of using a brush to neatly paint edges and corners where a roller can't reach. This includes areas where walls meet ceilings, trim, or another wall of a different colour. It’s the key to creating the sharp, clean lines that define a professional-looking paint job.

Why does my paint bleed or leave uneven edges when I cut in?

Paint bleed and uneven edges are often caused by overloading your brush with paint or pressing too hard, which forces paint under your tape. Using low-quality masking tape can also be a factor. For best results, use a light touch, apply less paint more frequently, and invest in quality low-tack tape.

How to get a smooth finish when painting trim?

For a smooth finish on trim, proper prep is key. Lightly sand the surface, clean it, and apply a quality primer. Use a good angled brush to apply thin, even coats of a durable semi-gloss or gloss paint. This technique minimises brush marks and results in a hard-wearing, beautifully smooth finish.

If you’re painting your walls and ceiling two different colours, you’ll need to “cut in” the corners to achieve a flawless finish.

Learn how to 'cut in' for a flawless finish

Learn how to 'cut in' for a flawless finish.

If you’re painting your walls and ceiling two different colours, you’ll need to ‘cut in’ the corners to achieve a flawless finish. Cutting in can also be used to achieve straight lines when painting around windows, skirting board and other woodwork. For best results, follow our step-by-step guide:

To get started, you’ll need an angled 3-inch brush (8 cm). Hold your brush like a pencil, gripping the handle of the brush near the bristles, and keep it vertical so the long edge of the brush is parallel with the wall.
Dip your brush straight down into the paint, just enough to cover the first third of the bristles and tap off the excess (tip: stretch a rubber band around your open paint tin – you can use this to wipe your brush against when removing the excess paint).
If you’re cutting in along a vertical line (such as where your walls and ceiling meet) we recommend you start painting about 2 inches (5 cm) from where the corners meet. Paint in a single downward stroke along your wall – this will help push the paint from the bristles and create a smooth surface for the brush to glide along.
If you’re cutting in along a horizontal line (such as where your walls meet the skirting board), use the same technique as described above, but move the paint brush across in smooth, horizontal lines.
Work down the wall from wet to dry and eliminate brush marks by gently sweeping back over painted areas.
To achieve as straight lines as possible, we recommend painting in short bursts, reloading your brush with just a little bit of paint each time. Try to keep a steady hand and use a light touch – if you squeeze the brush against the wall you may experience pesky paint drips.
If you feel like you need a helping hand, apply masking tape along the edges where you’re painting. Just remember to use ‘low-tack’ tape (this can be purchased from hardware stores) and remove the tape before the paint dries. This will ensure the paint doesn’t seep under the tape while it's drying – and you won’t pull non-masked paint off when you remove it.
Remember, it can take a few go’s to master the technique of cutting in – but the results make it absolutely worth the effort. To boost your confidence before starting on joining walls, try practicing on a piece of board or a cupboard box first. Practice makes perfect!

Conclusion

Mastering the art of cutting in can make all the difference between an average paint job and a professional-looking finish. With the right tools, a steady hand, and a little patience, you can achieve clean, crisp lines that elevate the look of your space. Whether you’re repainting your HDB flat, condominium, or landed home, following these steps ensures a flawless and polished result every time. Remember —precision takes practice, so don’t rush the process. With each stroke, you’ll gain more control and confidence in your painting skills.

FAQ

How to get a flawless paint finish?

A flawless paint finish begins with excellent preparation. Ensure your walls are clean and smooth, then apply a quality primer for better adhesion. Use a premium paint like Dulux and apply two even coats with the correct brush and roller. This method ensures a beautiful, professional result for your Singapore home.
How to get a perfect edge when painting?

To achieve a perfect edge, use a quality 2-3 inch angled brush for precise control. For extra help, apply low-tack masking tape firmly along the line you are painting. Paint along the tape's edge, and be sure to remove the tape before the paint fully dries to reveal a crisp, clean line.
What does “cutting in” mean in painting?

"Cutting in" is the essential technique of using a brush to neatly paint edges and corners where a roller can't reach. This includes areas where walls meet ceilings, trim, or another wall of a different colour. It’s the key to creating the sharp, clean lines that define a professional-looking paint job.
Why does my paint bleed or leave uneven edges when I cut in?

Paint bleed and uneven edges are often caused by overloading your brush with paint or pressing too hard, which forces paint under your tape. Using low-quality masking tape can also be a factor. For best results, use a light touch, apply less paint more frequently, and invest in quality low-tack tape.
How to get a smooth finish when painting trim?

For a smooth finish on trim, proper prep is key. Lightly sand the surface, clean it, and apply a quality primer. Use a good angled brush to apply thin, even coats of a durable semi-gloss or gloss paint. This technique minimises brush marks and results in a hard-wearing, beautifully smooth finish.