Jul 05 2010
Secret Painting Tool Tips That Work Every Time
I have a question for you, just how much time have you spent at the home store trying to figure out which, (if any) of the “handy dandy” paint accessories actually will save you time and money? I’ll bet you’ve even tried a couple of them and been discouraged.
You are not alone……
This is number 2 in a series of 3 articles that I’ll explain honestly what has worked for me over the years and why it well worth the small amount of extra time and money in order to have the finished product you truly want and deserve.
Let’s talk about paint rollers and how to make them your friend and work for you, not against you!
Roller Covers:
Here’s another area where your choices are natural or synthetic.
Generally speaking the synthetics are for water based and the natural for oil based. The nap of the roller cover will vary from very short for smooth surfaces and finishes, to very long and thick for rough surfaces. Think smooth plaster and cement block or rough stucco.
The natural roller covers are lamb’s wool and mohair and they are expensive. But if you take care of them, make sure they are washed out completely and “fluffed” to dry, they will last a very long time. I use the natural wool roller cover with water based paints with excellent results, and wouldn’t change to a synthetic cover.
How to Load a Roller:
Chances are you will be using a paint tray instead of a big 5 gallon bucket, so that’s what we’ll be addressing here.
A convenient option is to buy a metal paint tray and a package of disposable paint tray liners. That way, when you are finished with a color, you simply set that tray aside and move on to the next. When the paint on the liner is dry, it can be thrown in the trash. (as long as it’s water based paint)
Here’s a Real Tip: Before you touch the paint with the roller, lightly wet the roller with water. This will help the paint evenly “stick” to the roller for better coverage, and best of all the roller cover will be WAY easier to clean!
Fill the roller tray halfway with paint, set the roller into the middle of the well, lift out and roll down the slope two or three times to work in and even out the paint. Dip the roller into the well one more time and repeat on the slope. Roller should be saturated but not dripping.
Roll On:
Apply paint in 2 to 3 foot squares. You are basically going to go over the area 3 times with one load of paint. Paint a zigzag (M or W) pattern using medium pressure, without lifting the roller from the wall, then fill in the blank areas, smoothing as you go. Now go back and forth over the same area, again medium pressure. Finally go up and down one more time.
Reload the roller and move to the next square. Remember to overlap the previous section slightly. Always work into wet areas. This will prevent seams. Work out from the first square until the whole wall is finished.
When it’s time to clean the roller, (assuming water based paint) bring the whole thing to a laundry sink, work out as much paint under running water as possible then pull the cover from the handle. Then, still under running water work the rest of the paint out of the roller cover. When you can squeeze the cover and clear water runs out you’re done. Shake off the residue and fluff the roller cover.
If you are in a situation where you are unable to get to water or time is an issue, tightly cover the roller in a plastic bag till you can get it cleaned.
I know this may sound sophomoric, but honestly following these steps will give you a finished paint project you’ll be proud to show off. In fact, your friends might even ask you who did the work!
Debbie Fowler owns and operates Painted Walls, a faux finishing,decorative painting, color consulting and painting company. Debbie is dedicated to help people remove the fear and loathing from painting projects.