I use a good (newish) angled cutting-in brush and do it without tape. Much faster. My lines aren't perfect but they look good from the floor, and they definitely look better than if the tape pulls some of the paint off.

I paint the same way northcarolina paints. I don't tape either. I wouldn't use a paint guard on the ceiling...but I find them invaluable when I'm painting baseboards/shoe-molding.

I never tape where paint meets paint, like the ceiling, because you can always touch-up with paint if necessary. I only tape where I want to protect stained wood. If I accidentally made a mistake on stained wood, my only recourse would be to wipe the mistake ASAP or try to pick off dry paint later--not always a successful solution. I always carefully edge, as if the tape was not there, because build up is often a tricky thing when it comes time to remove the tape.

I never tape, can't stand the stuff! I feel it makes me a sloppier paint thinking I have some safety net to rely on. I find that the best quality brush, a steady hand, good eye, and a hold on coffee till I am complete makes the best combination for a successful paint job.

Tape can bleed, you might not see it until you take the tape off and everything is dried, it can also remove paint when you remove the tape, all in all I feel tape is a bad thing and haven't used it in years.

Never tape either. I have 2 brushes from Depot by Purdy that are awesome. I can't say enough how worth the money they are. Wish I remembered the sizes off the top of my head; one may be the 1 1/2 with the other being the next size up.

I do tape.... however, I used this thing ("as seen on TV") that my mom actually bought....I just had a full weekend of painting. I saw the ad a couple weeks ago, thought it looked interesting, and looked it up. The reviews were HORRIBLE! Well, when my mom offered it to me, I thought I'd give it a try. Point N Paint or something like that.... I had already taped most things...but the things I hadn't, I tried it on. Worked great! Despite the horrible reviews I read, I really liked this thing...and I got really nice lines on the ceiling too! I'm not an avid painter...I'm a once-every-five-year or so painter....but I'll definitely come calling to use this thing again. But...I tape, because I'm not an accomplished painter...and I can be rather sloppy. I don't like to paint...lol

I always wanted to try that Point N Paint. I may stop at BBB tomorrow and see if I can find one there. DH still needs to sand, so I guess no painting for me tonight so the ceiling can dry.

For tape, I like the Frog Tape over 3M, but I'm just too scared and don't trust myself to not tape. I still can't color inside the lines in my kids' coloring book. No way would I let myself run free with a paint brush.

I never tape, and I do not use any gadgets.

Just a good 2" angled brush, a steady hand, and patience!

I don't tape between ceiling and wall, but I do tape the moldings. I, too, like the Frog tape.

Home Depot has a new Shurline edger with retractable guides. Really makes sense because when you load the edger the guide wheels on the original would get paint on them .
The original got better reviews and I've used that one with OK success .I found to have better control by loading pad with a brush and not dipping into a tray.
Point and paint was the worst (sorry).
Go to Home Depot and try the Shurline.
I've also used the "metal ruler looking thing" You have to wipe it off after every stroke or you will drag paint .

Everything being said I free hand with a 2 1/2 " angled Purdy brush. Load brush..wipe-off excess on wall 1" down from ceiling..2 or 3 short passes with the brush picking up more paint from the wall if needed.
Also if you err onto the ceiling it will not show how straight your lines are unless someone puts their cheek against your wall and looks up.

I knew there was another gadget I was going to get! A 5-in-one painters too...and one of those painting shields!

Taping takes too long on a large area, and I don't have the patience or a steady enough hand (yet - takes practice, I know) to cut in perfectly on my own.

I always tape... a hand-drawn line is not straight enough for me, and I don't have a steady hand anyway. They have a blue tape at Home Depot that's less sticky than the original blue tape, I think it said it was for use on wood trim or something like that. It works really well. A trick to keep the paint from getting underneath the tape is to use your finger to wipe a very thin line of paintable caulk over the edge of the paint. When you pull the tape off, the line will be perfect!

Sorry, I meant over the edge of the tape!

I do the same as Northcarolina, as well. My favorite paint brush is a short 2" angled brush by Wooster called the "Shortcut." It can be used with all types of paints. It gives a nice, clean edge and leaves no brush strokes in the paint. They're available at HD or Lowes and I think they cost around $6-7. I stocked up on them for fear that they're discontinued at some point. LOL!

Whenever I've used tape or a straight edge, I've found that it makes more of a mess - especially a straight edge. You have to wipe it after each brush stroke and to me, that's a pain. And, when I've used tape, even the blue painter's tape, I find that the edge just isn't as sharp as the one I can get doing it freehand.

I have used Shur-line with the retractable guides for loading brush in three rooms now with excellent success. I also use about an 1/2" straight edge brush from michael's for getting into tight areas or fixing any other parts that I didnt get right with shur-line. Love shur-line - I did buy a new shur-line pad for painting each room. I am not going back to taping ever again!

I always use the Shurline edger and load it with a brush. Works great! I don't have a steady enough hand to just use an angled brush.

I don't tape. It's alot of trouble only to have paint bleed. I freehand everything,including around trim. I use a Purdy 2"-2 1/2" angled sash brush.

Much can be said about using a good brush. Granted, they're not cheap but once you use a good one you'll never go back to cheapo. Smooth, even coverage is a blessing when painting freehand.

Hope it turns out great!
Bridge

No one has mentioned that it's not a good idea to paint both a ceiling and walls the same day with an edger so I will. The edgers have little wheels which guide your pad along the ceiling/edge. They will destroy the outside edge on a new paint job. If you want to do both you have to do it with brushes alone and with two coats per finish....that's going to be a long day!

I've done a lot of painting and I've never had a problem with the wheels or guides of an edger marring a ceiling that was painted in the same day. If you paint the ceiling first and then start the walls on the side the ceiling was started it should be dry enough and not be affected. I'm not arguing that this is the way you should go, I'm just saying this has been my experiance.

I have never used tape- it seems like double work and I came from a family of no-gadget painting. I learned to use a cutting in brush early on.

Another non-taper, cutting-in with the brush painter here! I have tried tape in the past and found it messy and ineffective.

I never use the tape...I agree...you need a steady hand. But I use, and love, the Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush, 2-Inch. It has a short blue rubber handle and is easier to maneuver. Then I use a 3/4 inch flat artist paint brush for the fine touch up/detail.

No Tape here. Just a good angle brush. Don't get the one's that are 100 % polyester. Get a nice brush that feels good in your hand and take good care of it. The nicer brushes hold more paint and apply the paint nice and even. I also use one of those hand buckets that you put paint in and it has a slot for the brush. Cover with plastic wrap when you need to take a break. The only time I ever used a paint paddle was when I painted stipes in my daughters room. It was great for that, but for cutting in around ceilings, doors and windows, a good angle brush is the way to go. Just practice a little first with it dry. It's all in the wrist.

Bad news. I tried your tricks with a nice edging brush and a shurline edger (loaded with a brush) and I had all kinds of mess. So I had to stop and tape, and still tried to be very precise with the brush or edger and still ended up with paint all over the tape.

So, it looks like I'm a taper.

I don't tape but was helping someone learn to just cut in the corner without taping and realized that the secret was in supporting the arm. I painted the ceiling first than the wall. As I sliding the tips of the brush along I would rest my arm ahead of the wet paint against the wall to stabilize my brush and control the line. What ever works for you do it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Home Decor

I'm sorry your having such a bad time ....
Maybe you could check out some videos.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSaLGigxvYA&feature=related

Groovia; the trick is to not have too much paint on the brush. I usually load on one side of the brush; verses dunking the whole brush in. We usually use an old peanut butter jar; I also have one of those yellow hand bucket things. While getting the hang of it; it may be easier to start with an actual paint tray so you can see where you're loading the paint

The brush I use is a Purdy 1 inch; I also use a Purdy 1.5 inch - says "for all paint types" they are angled

I want to echo shashasmommy about using paintable caulk on the edge of the tape- use a very thin line of caulk along the edge of the tape, take off all excess with your wet finger or towel, paint your coats of paint color and tear off the tape while the last coat is still damp- very important- you get perfectly straight lines every time! No bleeding. It's an extra step but a lifesaver for those of us who can't paint straight freehand.Really, try it- it works!

The brushes that have saved my derriere on every kind of painting are the ones that brushworks recommended (Michael -- folks remember him?), the Corona Excalibur with Chinex bristles. The Purdy brushes seem--well, wimpy in comparison. I truly feel that once I went Corona, I knew in a moment I would never go back : ) Those brushes make me a much better painter than I had been before.

Yes, I tape, but I've gotten pretty good at it. It is a huge chunk of time, though.

Tips and free hand trimimg against a ceiling.
make sure your ladder is tall enough to get your head almost against the ceiling
Make sure you hold your brush correctly. Hold it by the head -not the handle. The handle should lay across the bridge between your thumb and index finger.
Loading brush ex. is for painting left to right:
dip your brush about 1/2"-1" in the paint
scrape the paint on the right side of your brush back into pail using the edge of the can
Lay your brush(about a 45 degre angle) against the wall with the point to the left.
Watch the bristles as your gradually increase the pressure and slowly pull the brush to the right.
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

You'll get faster as you get more practice. I know it sounds like a pain but it's really not. It just takes practice(I painted our whole build 10 years ago)

I only tape on trim. After I tape I paint over the edge of all the tape with the trim color so if any bleeds you don't see it. I'm not neat about sealing the edge either. I would MUCH rather do this than have a bunch of touch ups when I'm done. I like the blue painters tape best. Tried Frog Tape and if it's not sealed completely (makes sense, huh) there's bleeding underneath. I had issues with that when I did my stairs.