how to paint straight lines

[hotpink]

i want to paint lots of 'candy stripes' vertically in the alcoves of my spare room. how do i get perfect straight lines and what is the easiest way of doing it, as i intent to use about 8 or so colours. i'm unsure yet whether i want all the colours next to each other, or whether i want to leave a little gap in between each colour so you can see a white background. thanks

[mrpeter]

Depending upon the surface to be painted it may be possible to use a low tacky tape from skirting to ceiling to create the lines and then paint between them. Several types of masking tape are available from DIY stores in different widths. I have used these for a similar effect before and it worked very well. Good luck.

[hotpink]

i'm just worried that when i put the masking tape on and paint, it might look a bit wonky once i've done it all. i may be worrying over nothing. does it just take a steady hand or do i have to keep cheacking with a spirit level?

[carrust]

Use this http://www.ehow.com/how_12235_snap-chalk-line. html first. Then use low-tack masking tape to create your straight line as mrpeter advised.

[abranei]

Test area first and let it dry because masking tape can allow paint to seep under the tape where the tape has not sealed against the wall fully.

When you take the tape of the wall after it has dried the finish looks horrible.

[mrpeter]

When painting with the tape on the wall move the brush strokes from the tape to the wall to be painted not from the wall to the tape. Do not overload brushes. If the gap to be painted is large enough you can also use one of the small rollers used for painting behind radiators. Again do not overload the roller. This should overcome seepage under the tape.