Streaks, drips, and roller lines; nothing is more frustrating than seeing them show up on your freshly painted walls! They are the telltale signs of a paint roller used improperly. Have you ever wondered how professional painters achieve that beautiful, smooth finish? Keep reading for our tips on how to roll on paint like a pro!
The Right Tools For The Job
We can’t stress enough the importance of working with good-quality tools. For rolling on paint you’ll need:
- 5-gallon bucket and bucket screen or a painting tray
- Paint Roller Frame
- Roller Cover
- Extender Handle
Don’t be tempted to purchase the bargain paint roller kit at your local hardware store. This may seem like a good deal, but you’re much better off spending a little more on a higher quality roller frame and cover. To get a smooth finish on drywall you’ll want a roller with a shorter nap (¼” to 5/16”). Look for a shed-resistant roller cover with a plastic core, not cardboard that will absorb paint and break down after a use or two.
Rolling Paint Onto Your Walls
Even if you’ve purchased a shed-resistant roller cover, it is still a good idea to remove any loose fibers from your roller prior to use. Dabbing painters tape against the roller cover is an easy way to work free any extra fibers. Once your the cover is lint free you’re ready to begin painting.
Roll your cover into the paint in your bucket or tray multiple times until the roller cover is completely coated. A properly loaded paint roller should have an even coverage of paint. It should not drip when moved or require much pressure to transfer paint onto the wall. Working in a ‘W’ pattern, roll paint onto your wall in two to three foot length sections. Shift your pattern to fill in the unpainted areas, overlapping the edges of your previously painted section slightly. Repeat until your wall is covered.
Additional Tips
- If your project requires more than one can of the same paint color, mix the remaining paint from your first can into your second to keep the color consistent.
- Always have a damp cloth on hand while painting to quickly clean up any spills or splatters.
- Start at the top of your wall and work down.
- Avoid applying pressure to the roller when painting. Pressing the roller firmly against the wall will lead to ridges along the edges of your roller lines. If you find yourself pressing harder to get paint on the wall, it is time to reload your roller.
Hopefully, these tips help you achieve a flawless finish the next time you paint a room in your home, but should you want help with your next painting project we’re here to help! Give us a call to get you free estimate.
