How to Tape & Paint in the Tight Spaces Above Kitchen Cabinets

How to Tape & Paint in the Tight Spaces Above Kitchen Cabinets
Written By
Ryan Lawrence
Ryan Lawrence
Published: Apr 29, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read
  1. Cover the kitchen cabinets with masking paper. Tape down the edges of the masking paper using painter's tape.

  2. Access the areas above the kitchen cabinets by scaling a stepladder or a step stool.

  3. Cover surfaces adjacent to the tight spaces above the cabinets, including the tops of the cabinets and the ceiling line, with painter's tape.

  4. Pour 1 gallon of paint into the 2-gallon painter's pail.

  5. Apply paint to the tight spaces above the kitchen cabinets using a long-handled latex paintbrush.

Tips

Long-handled paintbrushes are ideal for painting tight, hard-to-reach spaces. However, they can be difficult to control. Be sure to thoroughly cover adjacent areas with painter's tape to prevent unintentional messes.

If you are having trouble reaching the tight spaces to apply tape, you can put one foot on the cabinets while maintaining most of your weight on the ladder. This will allow you closer access, so you can fit your arm into the small area above your cabinets. However, be sure the cabinets are covered with masking paper, first, and do not stand on the cabinets with both feet.

Warnings

Do not use ordinary masking tape in place of blue painter's tape.

If you need to use a stepladder to access the tight spaces above your kitchen cabinets, be sure to read the safety guide printed on the side of the ladder before you begin work.

Photo Credits

ladder image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com

Ryan Lawrence

Ryan Lawrence is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado. He has been writing professionally since 1999. He has 10 years of experience as a professional painting contractor. Lawrence writes for High Class Blogs and Yodle. He has a…

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