What is cutting in?

When decorating any room, technique is important. A beautifully decorated space takes time and skill, with that clean, crisp line between your walls and the ceiling above and skirting board below particularly crucial.

Read on to discover more about the decorating technique that will allow you to achieve just that, and the tools and tips to use for a truly professional finish.

What exactly is cutting in?

‘Cutting in’ is the term used to describe a key painting technique, and getting it right is vital to the look of a freshly decorated space. It involves the creation of a straight line of paint to make the joining of surfaces with the wall extra seamless.

Why is cutting in important?

You’ll need to cut in across multiple sites around the room. This includes along the ceiling and skirting boards as well as around other fixtures like windows, doors and coving.

Getting it right will guarantee the neat paint job every home improver desires, and an even, crisp join that connects one surface to another. Clean lines after all equal a perfect and professional finish that you, and any other individual visiting your home, can admire for years to come.

Cutting in also makes the wider paint job more pleasant, less time consuming and a lot less messy, especially if you intend to roll large areas.

How can I cut in like a pro?

As with any paint job, the secret to a great finish is equipping yourself with the right tools. Always choose good quality equipment; it’ll save you lots of time and money, especially when undertaking an intricate task like cutting in.

There are several paint edger tools available on the market. Going back to basics and cutting in with a good quality brush however is what we recommend, but not any old brush will do. Many experts use a sash brush, which is angled to make cutting in a breeze.

Whatever your weapon of choice, busting the budget to buy a good quality brush will minimise the appearance of brush strokes for an even better finish.

Any other cutting in tips?

You should also make sure that the area is well lit when cutting in. Decanting the paint into a smaller container is recommended for easier handling too. If you choose to use masking tape when cutting in, always select a low-tack product to reduce the risk of damage.

Remember, you don’t have to tackle decorating tasks like cutting in alone? Use our search tool to find a local decorator who can help.