How long is it OK to pause a room painting job?

Factual Questions
1

While painting an indoor room with latex paint and blue masking tape, how long is it OK to interrupt the job?

How long can a 5 gallon pail of Behr paint sit without needing to be shaken again?

How long can Scotch brand blue masking tape sit on the adjacent latex paints without threatening to tear them up when it’s eventually removed?

Today we are on day 7 since applying the tape, and day 8 since having the paint mixed.

I’d kind of like to limit completely opening the bucket of paint because it has a pour spout and probably isn’t drying up in there, but breaking the big seam could start generating bits of dried detritus – don’t know if that’s a reasonable worry, though.

2

That’s not too bad. I’d give the paint a good shake and a stir after opening it, just on g.p.

I had tape up for a couple of weeks at one point, so 7 days is within it’s capacity.

If you need to interrupt once the actual painting has started, just get to a corner first.

3

I just discovered that the tape packaging says “14 day clean removal”, so I guess that part’s OK. Online hunting reveals that there are different grades available - different “days tapes” or some such - but I guess 14 day rating is what Home Depot stocks.

4

Your paint will be fine as long as it’s covered/can sealed. Might need a stir.

Despite what the tape says, you might have a small issue. Two solutions: (1) Remove the tape as soon as you paint final coat. Wet tape sometimes (note I said SOMETIMES!! ymmv) comes up very easily. Have to watch for runs and touching stuff with the wet tape. (2) Wait til the room is COMPLETELY dry to remove tape. While tape can be removed wet, if it’s in that in between stage, it is going to be a mess. Some tapes are a little fiddly despite what the instructions say. I don’t like to leave a room taped for longer than a couple of days, if at all possible. (Yes, I’ve been a pro painter for a few decades)

So, while wet (say, five minutes after painting wall), or absolutely, aridly dry.

One other issue you might have: flashing from the cut in to the rolling area. If the cut in is completely dry on a paint with a sheen (eggshell or semi), you might see the brush line even after everything is dry. You can re cut in, but it still might flash.