A successful project starts with good preparation.
It is exciting to see how paint can transform a room! But prior to opening the first paint can, it is critical to properly prepare the surfaces you will paint. Many paint projects end in frustration and disappointment simply due to a lack of adequate surface preparation.
We invite you to visit a very interesting section of Sico’s website which talks about surface preparation. Simply click on the Sico logo below and you will find a “Virtual Advisor” that will show you what you need to do to prepare your surfaces. Just identify which surfaces you will be working with and carefully follow the advice offered.
Click on the link below to access
SICO’s Virtual Advisor website section.
Which tape to use?
Each masking tape has specific characteristics and adhesion properties suited to specific uses. Using the correct tape will ensure that your project will be a success. And since Masking tape is a small part of your painting costs, it is well worth using the one that will give you the best results:
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PAINTPRO®, 7DAYPRO® (available in USA only) and/or EDGEPRO®:
For use in achieving sharp lines and when the tape has to be left in place for a short period (up to seven days) on a delicate or semi-delicate surface like wall paper, natural or finished wood, freshly dry paint, painted gypsum, floors and carpets |
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PREMIUM QUALITY:
For use on brick, cement or any porous and non delicate surface. |
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14DAYPRO®:
For use on flat surfaces such as aluminum, PVC, vinyl, glass and/or if the tape is exposed to UV rays for a long period (more than 10 days) indoors or outdoors. |
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UTILITY GRADE:
Perfect for short duration (maximum 24 hrs) on non delicate surfaces and/or to join polyethylene sheets. |
For crisp and sharp paint edges
It is important to understand that "flat" surfaces may not be as flat as they appear. In fact, most surfaces have imperfections that no masking tape can properly adhere to.
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Since the tape does not make perfect contact with the surface (due to imperfections of the wall), it can create small "holes" on the tape border. Paint can flow into these holes and create smears or imperfections along the border of the tape. |
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 To avoid infiltration of paint under the tape's border, apply a small coat of matte varnish (or the base colour) along the border of the tape, allowing it to dry before applying the colour.
The matte varnish (or colour) will fill the holes to seal them, so when the second colour is applied the tape will create and ensure a crisp and sharp edge. |
Note: When you apply the tape on a base coat, use matte varnish to seal the holes. When the tape is applied on a paint colour you should use the same colour as the colour under the tape to seal the holes.
This technique works with all types of masking tape, but for optimum results we recommend EdgePro® tape. If you are creating curved forms, we recommend PaintPro® tape (7DayPro® in the US).
The mural and the artist
This magnificent mural was created by decorative artist Isabelle Leclerc. We invite you to visit her web site (www.atelier-leclerc.com) to examine and appreciate the variety and quality of her creations.
Isabelle created and painted this mural as per our request to showcase her expertise in the creation of "faux finis" using various Cantech masking tapes. This site guides you on the proper use of the masking tape and provides interesting advices and tips for the success of your project.
Isabelle was assisted by Stéphane Page.
