Get clean and professional paint lines with handyman's caulk trick

Painting your home is no easy task. You may have noticed after living in your property for a while the walls can begin to look tired and worn, which is a clear sign they're begging for a new coat of paint.

This is particularly true around skirting boards and any panelling in your house, as furniture can scratch and scuff them over time, making re-painting a necessity.

But re-painting your walls or even just your skirting boards by yourself can be time-consuming and expensive. Paint isn't cheap, and the hours of labour you'll need to put in can be extensive and exhausting - especially if you can only fit in a couple of hours each day after work.

If you are embarking on a DIY paint job, however, one woman's trick to achieving perfect lines could help you in a pinch. Becky George shared a video on Instagram in which she said she's been painting her entire home by herself, including her skirting boards and the panelling in her kitchen.

Before starting her project, a handyman she was working with gave her an invaluable tip for achieving "clean, professional paint lines", and since implementing it into her routine, she has never looked back.

The handyman's tip is most useful for getting perfectly straight lines where two materials meet, such as the top of your skirting boards where they meet the wall, or around the edges of any panelling you might be using.

First, lay a strip of painter's tape where you want the paint to stop. This will prevent you from accidentally painting too far and help you achieve a clean edge. But next comes the most important step: you need to add a line of decorator's caulk along the edge of the tape, in line with where your paint job will finish.

Run a baby wipe along the caulking to create a seal, and then let the caulk dry. Once it's dry, you can paint over it, and peeling the tape away at the end of the job will leave you with a perfectly clean line.

In Becky's caption, she wrote: "Here's an easy hack for professional clean paint lines. It's a great hack for very visible areas where you want it to look crisp and perfect!"

Commenters thanked the woman for sharing the hack. Many said it would make their upcoming painting projects much easier, as they'd be able to guarantee clean lines.

One person said: "Thank you! I'm about to paint my upstairs hallway, which has plenty of woodwork that I don't want a single drop of paint to touch."

Another added: "Great hack because we have textured walls now and the tape does not cut it."

Tips for painting your home

1. Preparation is key:

• Clean surfaces: Dust, dirt, and grease can prevent paint from adhering. Wash walls with mild soap and water.
• Repair damage: Fill holes and cracks with spackle or filler. Sand smooth once dry.
• Remove hardware: Take off outlet covers, switch plates, and move furniture away from walls.
• Protect floors and furniture: Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting.

2. Choose the right paint and tools

• Paint type: Use latex (water-based) for most walls; oil-based for trim or high-moisture areas.
• Finish: Matte hides imperfections; satin/eggshell is easy to clean; semi-gloss or gloss for trim.
• Quality tools: Invest in good brushes and rollers for a smoother finish.

3. Use proper technique

• Cut in first: Paint edges and corners with a brush before rolling large areas.
• Roll in sections: Work in small, manageable sections. Use a "W" or "M" pattern for even coverage.
• Don't overload: Avoid too much paint on your brush or roller to prevent drips.

4. Allow proper drying time

• Follow manufacturer's instructions: Wait the recommended time between coats.
• Ventilation: Open windows and use fans for faster drying and to reduce fumes.

5. Clean up

• Remove tape carefully: Pull painter's tape off at a 45-degree angle before the paint fully dries.
• Touch up: Keep a small container of paint for future touch-ups.
• Wash brushes and rollers: Clean immediately after use (with water for latex, mineral spirits for oil-based).
• Dispose of paint properly: Follow local guidelines for paint disposal.