The Viral Hack You Need For A Quick And Easy Painter's Tape Application

If you've ever tackled a DIY painting project at home, then you know that painter's tape can be a blessing — and a headache. On one hand, painter's tape is a toolbox essential if you want to achieve sharp, clean lines while painting. However, on the other hand, the application process, from prepping your surface to aligning each strip with careful precision, can be time-consuming. Fortunately, with this viral hack from TikTok, you can make the process of applying painter's tape quick and easy, and all you'll need is a tool you likely already have on hand.

This painter's tape hack, as demonstrated by TikTok content creator @.pinoy69, relies on using your paint roller to apply your tape. This covers the initial, and often trickiest, part of the application process, freeing up more time for you to get painting. And the best part? Since all that's needed is the right roll of painter's tape for your project and a clean, new brush roller, there's no need to find any other supplies outside of what you're already using to paint. However, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, especially if you plan on using your roller to paint after your tape is applied.

Using a roller to apply your painter's tape isn't just handy: it's easy. In fact, you can complete this DIY applicator in just a few steps, starting with sliding your tape roll onto your paint roller. For this hack to work, the tape should sit on the horizontal bar in between the handle and the plush roller head, with the adhesive side of the tape facing up. Then, pull the tape from the roll and wrap it around the plush roller once, so that the end of the tape is at the underside for the tape roll and the adhesive is now facing the floor. And that's all that's to this clever painter's tape hack.

Now, you can roll your tape along your wall or floor to create clean lines or tape down any protective tarps. After this, however, it's important to finish the rest of the application process: pressing the tape down to secure it and allowing it to set for up to an hour.

Using a roller to apply your tape can help cut out the one of the more notable cons of painter's tape: how tedious application is. However, while it can save you some time, there is one thing to keep in mind when using this hack. If you've used a paint roller before, then you may know that they often come with lint or loose fibers on the fabric head. This lint can transfer onto your walls while painting, leaving you with a noticeable texture or roughness compared to a smooth, flawless wall. When using your paint roller for this painter's tape hack, it may pick up additional lint and dust that needs to be removed before starting to paint.

Luckily enough, in the same way that your paint roller can help prepare your tape, tape can be used to remove lint from your paint roller. To clean your brush, pull a decent length of tape from the roll without cutting it. Then, secure the tape roll either by using your legs or asking a friend to help out. You can then roll your paint roller up and down the tape, making sure to cover the entire length of the roller. Any loose fibers or lint will cling to the tape, which you can simply dispose of when you're finished.