DIY Network

We unfortunately taped the ceiling while painting walls, and have about a 1 inch strip of peeled paint at the edge where the tape peeled the paint. We had waited a few days after painting the ceiling to tape. The question is - shouldn't we sand smooth the edges where the new paint peeled? How long after painting does one neeed to wait before attempting to sand the edge? It's been about a week. (we won't use tape again!)

Hi parrothead,

The wording of your post makes it confusing to understand. If I interpret what you have posted correctly, basically you used painters tape and applied it to the ceiling near the walls and painted the walls. After allowing it to dry you pealed the tape away and about 1" of paint pealed away as well as you removed the tape. You wish to know if you should sand the edge of the pealed paint prior to painting to finish the walls.

The answer is yes, sand carefully though as you are in the area where the joint compound between the ceiling and walls meet and excessive sanding may expose the paper joint. Clean up all dust prior to touching up with paint.

Check the can to learn how long it takes for the paint to dry. But since it has been a week, it is very likely safe to sand and touch up the paint in the corner.

To avoid pealing away the paint in the future, remove the tape after you have finished painting. You should find that you will not peal way the paint if it is removed early but be careful to not have it touch any of the painted surface as you peal it off as the surface is drying and more easily damaged.

Others may have additional ideas.

Good Luck!

Thanks Simply!
I hadn't thought about the seam tape - thanks for the heads-up. The label says it cures enough to be washable in 2 weeks. I may test a spot or wait the second week to sand the edges. Thanks again for the advice!