09.Cutting In
How to Paint Clean Lines Next to Textured Ceilings—Without Tape
Painting walls next to rough-textured ceilings can be tricky. Traditional “cutting in” often results in unwanted paint smudges on the ceiling, and painter’s tape rarely solves the issue. A better method? Use a putty knife to gently scrape off the texture along the ceiling’s edge. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle and create a shallow groove where the wall meets the ceiling. Clean the groove with a dry brush or duster. As you paint, the bristles naturally follow the groove, giving you a sharp, professional-looking paint line—without damaging the ceiling or leaving visible texture gaps.
