BetterHomesAndGardensAustraliaDecember2015_

the mask

ehind

T

he most basic of toolkits needs to include masking tape

because of its versatility and multiple uses. Here are four

ways that it can help you get jobs done around the home.

Paint sharp lines

■When painting two colourson
one wall, lay a strip of masking tape
along desired border and press down
firmly. Paint the existing wall colour
along the edge – this will seal the
edge of the tape. Leave to dry.
■Paint the new colouron the wall.
Because the tape edge is sealed, the
new paint can’t bleed out underneath
the tape. When you peel it off, you’re
left with a clean, straight line.

Guide drill depth

■Wrap tape arounda drill bit to mark
the distance from the end as the hole
will be deep. When drilling, the flap of
tape will whisk away sawdust from the
timber, letting you know that you have
almost reached the required depth.

Photography John Halfhide, Martyn Rushby, Shutterstock

Clamp a frame

■Making a frame?Cut your pieces

and lay them out flat in a line, in order,

so long points of mitre meet. Apply a

length of masking tape across each join

and have a length hanging off one end.

■Turn frame pieceson their edge and

apply glue to mitres. Draw frame pieces

together so joints are tight, making sure

frame is square. Apply extra tape across

corners to brace. Set aside while glue

dries, then remove tape from frame.

Mask fast and easy

■Unroll only 20cm of tapeand hold

roll flat against painting surface. Pull

tape tight, bring down onto surface to

be masked and press in place. Repeat,

again unrolling only 20cm at a time.

Soon you’ll get into a speedy rhythm.

SEENON

BHG

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