For reals, though - having painted several rooms--literally in the current process of painting another--you can use whatever "time saving" fucking scamstools are out there, but Frog Tape, friends! Tape, like you're sealing a space station, and a little extra. Or just pay a professional to do it all properly, because it's frankly a bitch, depending on your walls and layout.
I used to think that but honestly now I avoid it where I can. Like between a wall and cornice a sash brush is fine. Removing switches like like fittings and switches is better than taping too.
More power to you! I mean, I don't tape outlets, just remove the covers, and be mindful of the plugs.But, my own house is riddled with crown moulding, including around the doorframes, which is very pretty and all, the contrasting white is lovely with painted walls, but DAMN if its jutting edges, corners, and curvy bits don't sneak up on ya when you're using a brush or a roller, no matter how carefully. So, for my clumsy bum, tape and more tape!
I've hired two professionals now. One came in a taped like you described, and accounted for that time in the quote. The other charged less and did a better job overall because they didn't tape. They said real professionals just cut in.
Damn, that's interesting! I'd think like any profession, some are just that good?
I'm a "better-safe-than-touch-up these fucking baseboards until I'm screaming" kinda person, so I'll splurge my time on taping. I also tend to paint with strong-ass pigments, so I don't wanna try to fix those blunders, haha. The previous owners of our home basically had the entire interior sprayed with matte ceiling paint over plaster when they moved out, so the kitchen, stairwell, and bathrooms are going to pros, especially so they can be done in succession. I just wanna be able to easily wash my flippin' walls.
Fuck that man. I had two "professionals" doing paint jobs for me in the past, ended up with microscopic paint drops on other surfaces. I rather do it myself.