What do professional painters use for edging?

When it comes to painting the edges and lines in a room, professional painters have a variety of specialized tools they use to get crisp, clean results. Proper edging is one of the hallmarks of a professional paint job, so having the right edging tools is essential.

Paint Edgers

Paint edgers, also called edging tools or painting pads, are one of the key tools painters use for edging and cutting-in. An edger consists of a handle with a pad on the end covered in a thin layer of lambswool or a synthetic fiber alternative. The key benefit of a paint edger is the fine, tapered edge that allows painters to guide it along baseboards and edges to coat them neatly and evenly.

Here are the main types of paint edgers professional painters use:

• Angled paint pad – The most common style, featuring a pad set at an angle to the handle.
• Straight paint pad – Features a pad set in line with the handle, best for longer straight edges.
• Detail paint pad – A smaller pad for precision edging in tight spaces.

High-quality edgers are made with a flexible rubber or plastic blade to apply an even coat and durable synthetics on the pad. A key tip is to regularly clean and maintain the edger pad to prevent dried paint from clumping and affecting the finish.

Brushes

In addition to edgers, professional painters rely on high-quality brushes for cutting-in edges and smaller detail areas an edger can’t reach. The ideal edging brushes have tapered synthetic bristles and a thin profile to control paint flow.

Types of brushes painters use for edging include:

• Angled sash brush – Great for cutting in edges at any angle.
• Trim brush – Short bristles optimized for baseboards and trim.
• Combo edger brush – Can edge with one side and cut-in detail areas with the other.
• Artist and liner brushes – For precision edging of corners and tight spaces.

Quality brushes hold more paint and keep their shape better for smooth, consistent lines. Like edger pads, brush bristles should be cleaned frequently in the appropriate solvent.

Paint Pens and Markers

For edging projects requiring extreme precision, painters may rely on specialty paint marker tools. These feature a tapered felt or foam tip that dispenses paint in a thin, controlled line.

Paint pens and markers allow painters to crisply edge corners, moldings, switch plates, and other tight areas while minimizing mistakes and touch ups. Popular styles include:

• Latex paint markers – Dispenses latex wall paint for edging prior to rolling.
• Oil-based paint pens – For edging metals and other surfaces requiring oil-based paints.
• Express line markers – Quick-drying enamel paint for edging walls after cutting in with brushes.
• Pinstripe brushes – For freehand edging of fine details and stripes.

The key advantages of paint markers are control and speed in tricky edging situations. They can also create decorative hand-painted lines and effects.

Frogtape

Another important edging tool for pros is high-quality painters tape. Rather than attempting to cut a perfect freehand line, painters often tape off edges and trim before rolling wall paint. This protects the surface from drips and brush marks.

FrogTape is a brand of painters tape preferred by many professionals for its adhesion and paint seal. The treated edges prevent paint from bleeding under the tape line. Key advantages of quality edging tape like FrogTape include:

• Clean, ultra-sharp paint lines with no need to cut by hand.
• Time savings from taping off edges rather than brushing.
• Prevents drips and mess on nearby surfaces.
• Creates a guide to follow with the brush or edger.

Green FrogTape is designed for freshly painted surfaces, while Blue FrogTape can adhere to older painted walls. Proper tape removal technique is important for clean results.

Power Edgers

For commercial painters working on expansive edging projects, power edgers provide a major boost in speed and efficiency. These tools consist of a power handle that runs a rotary edging pad attachment.

Key benefits of power edgers include:

• Much faster than manual edging, especially on large surfaces.
• Even pressure for consistent paint coat and less fatigue.
• Interchangeable heads for different profiles and angles.
• Can also drive sanding and grinding attachments.

Popular cordless power edger brands like Festool, Flex, and Makita allow continuous edging without dealing with a cord. They can save enormous time on commercial jobs but require practice to control properly.

Paint Shields

Another handy edging accessory professionals rely on are paint shields. These thin metal or plastic sheets have a handle and a shaped edge that presses flush to the wall.

Shields protect surfaces like baseboards and ceilings from stray paint drips and wall paint overlap. Models with handles keep hands mess-free as well.

Key benefits of paint shields include:

• Keeps drips limited to the wall surface.
• Eliminates need to carefully cut along ceilings.
• Protects surfaces from accidental brush swipes.
• Reusable on multiple paint projects.

Plastic shields with an adjustable metal handle provide the best balance of economy, ergonomics, and coverage area.

Paint Trays

While not exclusively edging tools, paint trays are essential for properly loading brushes and edgers. The reservoir holds a pool of paint so tools can be reloaded smoothly and evenly.

Features of quality paint trays include:

• Ample well size to hold paint and minimize reloading.
• Ribbed slopes to remove excess paint from tools.
• Durable plastic construction that’s easy to clean.
• Metal or plastic handle for portability.
• Non-slip feet to keep the tray stable.

Specialized edging paint trays have a long, shallow well for optimal brush loading. Grid patterns and multiple wells are also available for keeping multiple paint colors separate.

Conclusion

Achieving professional-looking edges when painting requires using the right tools for the job. Paint edgers, quality brushes, painters tape, and accessories like paint pens and shields give painters the precision and control needed for clean lines and minimal mess.

Investing in high-end edging tools from leading brands pays off with faster application, reduced fatigue, and fewer mistakes. Proper edging technique also develops with practice using the tools most effective for each unique paint job.

With the right preparation and quality tools in the hands of a skilled pro, walls and trim can have picture-perfect edges that complement the entire paint finish.