Abstract: A paint mask for a butt hinge and a masking method for protecting the hinge against paint spray or the like. The hinge paint mask includes a rectangular main portion sized to match and cover the front faces of the hinge leaves and the front of the barrel. The mask also includes central, respectively upwardly and downwardly projecting tab portions sized to fold over all parts of the upper and lower edges of the leaves adjacent the hinge barrel which are not shielded by the door edge or jamb recesses.