What is the best brush for cutting in trim?

A high-quality 2.5-inch angled sash brush is the workhorse for most professionals. The angle provides precision for corners, while the width holds enough paint to create a long, smooth line without constant reloading.

How to Paint Trim Without Tape in Your NYC Home

Ask any DIY painter in NYC what the most frustrating part of their project is, and they’ll likely say “taping.” Applying painter’s tape perfectly along every edge of your baseboards, door frames, and windows is a time-consuming, tedious task. Worse, after all that work, you often pull it off only to find that the paint has bled underneath, leaving a fuzzy, unprofessional line.

Professional painters almost never use tape for edges. Instead, they rely on a technique called **”cutting in”**—using a high-quality angled brush and a steady hand to create a perfectly straight line. It’s a skill that seems intimidating but is achievable with the right tools, the right paint consistency, and practice. This guide will teach you the professional method, saving you time and delivering sharper, cleaner results for your next painting project in your Brooklyn or Manhattan apartment.

Section 1: The Case Against Painter’s Tape

While painter’s tape seems like a foolproof solution, it has several downsides, especially on the textured plaster walls common in pre-war NYC buildings.

Interactive Tool: Time Savings Calculator

Estimate how much time you can save by cutting in versus taping. Enter the number of windows and doors in your room.

Section 2: The Pro’s Toolkit for Perfect Lines

The secret to cutting in isn’t just a steady hand; it’s using the right high-quality tools. A cheap brush will make this technique nearly impossible.

Interactive Tool: Find Your Perfect Brush

What is the main surface you’re painting?

Recommendation: 2.5″ Angled Sash Brush. This is the workhorse for professionals. The angled tip provides precision for corners, while the 2.5″ width holds enough paint to create a long, smooth line without constant reloading.

Section 3: The 10-Step Technique for Cutting In

This is where practice comes in. Don’t expect perfect lines on your first try. Find an inconspicuous area, like inside a closet, to practice your technique before moving to a highly visible wall in your living room.

Interactive Tool: Cutting-In Simulator

Drag the slider to see how a professional painter “pushes” a bead of paint toward the line for a perfect edge.

Section 4: When a Pro Painter is Worth the Investment

While cutting in is a learnable skill, there are many situations where the time, effort, and risk of a subpar finish make hiring a professional from our Manhattan painting services the smarter choice.

Interactive Tool: Should I Hire a Pro? Quiz

Answer a few quick questions to see if your project is better suited for a professional.

1. Are your ceilings taller than 10 feet?

Section 5: Your “Cutting In” Questions Answered

Which do I paint first, the trim or the walls?

Professionals almost always paint the trim first. It’s much easier to create a straight line with wall paint “cutting in” on top of the trim than it is to cut in with glossy trim paint over a flat wall finish. We cover this in detail in our full guide to apartment painting.

My hands aren’t steady. Is there another option?

If you struggle with a steady hand, a high-quality painting shield or guide can be a good alternative. This is a flat tool with a metal edge that you press firmly into the corner as you paint alongside it. It requires practice to avoid smudging but is easier than freehand cutting in.

Want Razor-Sharp Lines Without the Hassle?

Our professional painters are masters of the “cutting in” technique. We deliver flawless, crisp lines on every project, saving you time and guaranteeing a beautiful result. Contact us for your free, no-obligation interior painting estimate.

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