HOW TO MASK A ROOM FOR SPRAY PAINTING? STEP BY STEP GUIDE

When it comes to spray painting it is normal to maximize your effort during masking time. Using the right masking products and some simple solutions, you’ll be a spray paint hero in no time. Getting the perfect paint finish and satisfying the customer begins with an accurate prep. Follow these steps to mask correctly any kind of room.

Safety Notice

Stay alert, take proper safety precautions, and be aware of potential hazards when operating spray equipment. Protect yourself by wearing gloves, safety glasses/goggles, a spray sock (hood), a hat, appropriate footwear, and dust masks. Ensure there is adequate ventilation. Turn off appliances when you are painting near them. (In sprayer operation manual, see Safety Precautions.) Always refer to the specific safety instructions and procedures for the spray equipment you are using.

Getting Started/Preparation

• After preparing the surface for spray painting, take a few minutes to carefully observe the job being sprayed and identify any surfaces that you do not want to be coated with paint or overspray.

• Any surface areas where overspray is not desired should be protected by masking these surfaces with masking tape and other types of masking film.
• Masking tape is the most common material used for masking before spray painting. Masking tape is available in different widths and in different qualities.
• Be careful not to damage the edges of the masking tape rolls, as this can cause problems when removing the tape from the roll and problems getting a straight edge of the mask.
• Larger areas can be covered with commercially available cut sheets, newspapers, masking paper or rolls of film.

• To make the job easier, make sure that all masking material is held securely in place and can’t spill out once you start spray painting.
• If you are using particularly water-based paints or working outdoors or in humid environments, normal masking tape cannot be left in place long after being exposed to moisture, otherwise normal masking tape it will become extremely difficult to remove.
• More durable masking tape products are available that are more waterproof and can be left in place for longer periods.
• Before applying any masking tape, clean and dust the surfaces to ensure good tape adhesion.
• Unroll some masking tape and stick it where you want to start, then unroll it completely before re-sticking the masking tape, if masking straight lines, to make the tape line as straight as possible.

• Press firmly along the tape to make sure it is secure. A large volume of air is generated when air sprays and airless sprays create high speeds that can expel poorly adhered masking materials from the surfaces to be protected.
• If you’re working in a corner, put a wide knife firmly on the tape and tear to finish cleanly in that corner.
• Good quality masking tapes stretch and generally can be easily worked around sharp corners and curves. If it is too difficult or slow to follow the curve correctly, drop the tape onto the surface to be painted, then lightly use a sharp cutting knife to cut the tape so that only the surfaces you want to protect are covered.
• Taking the time to properly mask before starting any spray paint job will make the entire spray job easier to clean and will achieve a better end result.
• Be careful when removing the masking tape while the paint is still soft, as scratches may occur in the coating of the newly spray-painted surface. Likewise, don’t wait too long to remove all masking after the paint has dried, otherwise, removal may be difficult.

CLEAN UP

• Allow the paint to dry for a considerable time before removing the tape from the trim. This will result in crisp, clean lines.
• Remove all covers from furniture and other areas.
• Replace any light fixtures you removed and move furniture or other items into place.
• Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the instructions in the user manual for Power Flush cleaning with water-based materials or use the bucket cleaning method, if applicable. For more information, see the Power Flush video or refer to the Sprayer Operation Manual.
• Put furniture or other items back in place.