PCA Articles

Why even pros should use painter’s tape every time

“I’m not happy with the job you’ve done.”

These are words that can send a shiver down the spine of even the most seasoned paint professionals. Instances like this mean a smaller profit margin, the potential loss of future business and less attention to other jobs. True professionals prioritize customer satisfaction and long-term relationships, knowing that happy clients are the best advertisement for future work.

Callbacks can hurt a paint professional’s reputation in many ways. Referrals are adversely affected when homeowners talk with one another and share their unpleasant experiences. And when those same homeowners take their displeasure online and leave negative reviews, the impact can be even more permanent. Callbacks can also hurt productivity by inhibiting the ability of you and your team to move on to other projects.

The good news? Many callbacks can be prevented, and the first rule to remember is that even highly skilled painters still need tape. In fact, 90 percent of homeowners consider the use of painter’s tape by a professional painter as an important or very important sign of a “job well done” according to a recent survey conducted by FrogTape®.

Homeowner survey results show that tape is essential

A survey of more than 600 homeowners from across the United States who planned to complete a home project in the next six months conducted in 2024 by the FrogTape® brand of premium painter’s tapes found that a majority of homeowners consider tape an essential part of the painting process. The survey results contradict the old notion that painter’s tape isn’t necessary for pros.

To tape or not to tape

Regardless of the project, the use of painter’s tape is key for obtaining professional results. While some pros prefer to skip tape, the truth is there are situations where cutting in just isn’t enough. For example, when creating patterns or working on detailed trim and molding, tape is the best way to achieve professional edges and clean lines. Even more, painter’s tape is often necessary for protecting surfaces from accidental splatters — it works as a safety net when working on high-stakes projects. In these situations, many pros are likely to enlist painter’s tape.

But even simpler, seemingly straightforward jobs can benefit from using tape. While professionals may feel that using tape, whether to create clean lines or to prevent bleed, is a sign of inexperience or lack of skill, the survey found that the homeowners who are hiring painters overwhelmingly expect them to use tape and see it as a mark of professionalism and competence.

Other key survey results found that:

• 87% of homeowners agreed or strongly agreed that the use of painter’s tape by a professional shows a higher attention to detail.
• 80% of homeowners want professionals to use painter’s tape to ensure clean lines and no paint bleed.
• 84% of homeowners agreed or strongly agreed that the use of painter’s tape is a sign of professionalism.
• 52% of homeowners need the pro to have a good online review or be someone they used in the past (57%).
• 69% of homeowners want pros to use protective measures to keep their home safe from unwanted paint.
• 53% of homeowners said they have asked a professional painter to use tape.

Beyond the numbers, survey respondents offered insightful input.

One respondent said: “Using painter’s tape is crucial for a professional painter to achieve sharp, clean lines and precise edges, ensuring a high-quality finish and protecting surrounding surfaces from unwanted paint bleed. By using painter’s tape, a professional painter can deliver a flawless, professional-looking result that enhances the beauty of your home.”

Or, as another respondent succinctly stated: “You cannot do a professional job without tape.”

The top areas where homeowners felt it was important or very important to utilize tape are:

• Trim (93% of homeowners)
• Accent features (93% of homeowners)
• Electrical outlets (88% of homeowners)
• Ceilings (86% of homeowners)
• Corners (86% of homeowners)
• Doorknobs (86% of homeowners)

Of those homeowners surveyed, 89% had completed an interior paint project in the last three years and 96% had used a professional painter.

The bottom line

Your reputation is on the line with every job you take. It may seem that skipping painter’s tape is just how real pros do it. The data shows differently, leaving pros wondering: will you win a customer “for life” or risk an unhappy customer experience by failing to use painter’s tape?

Using premium painter’s tape signifies professionalism and attention to detail—meeting homeowner expectations and leading to repeat business. The right painter’s tape can enhance your reputation, boost client satisfaction, and earn you those glowing reviews that generate more business for you and your team.

Are you a pro painter who is new to using painter’s tape? Check out these advanced tips.

Click here for more details on the 2024 homeowners survey and additional results.