How to Use a Paint Roller
Painting using a roller is much more efficient than using a paint brush. There is a lot less technique involved when using a roller so even beginner painters can start painting like a pro in no time. Learning how to use a paint roller properly is quite easy because it is the most intuitive way to paint a surface.
When you are purchasing paint rollers it is best to buy the highest quality available. If you buy the cheaper ones the fluff on the roller cover will tear off easily and leave bumps and marks on the painting surface. In addition to buying a pack of roller covers, you will also need to buy the roller handle or “roller cage” and a paint roller pan to hold your paint. Before you get any paint on your roller you will want to get it moist first so that the paint won’t get stuck deep inside the roll. Running it under some warm water will do the trick. Be sure to give the roller a gentle shake to remove any excess water. Now slide your paint roller onto your roller cage making sure it clicks into place and does not slide from side to side. If you haven’t already, pour paint into your roller pan. Pour the paint onto the shallow end of the pan and let the paint run down into the deep end until the deep end of the pan is about half full. Dip your roller into the paint and roll it from the shallow to the deep end about three or four times to make sure the roller is completely soaked in paint. If there is a steady stream of paint dripping off of the roller then squeeze some of the paint out by gently rolling it on the shallow end of your paint pan.
The most efficient procedure to follow when you start to roll paint onto a wall is to first roll around the edges of the surface to create a border. Then slowly roll up and down the wall in a “zigzag” or “backwards N” pattern. Start from the right side and move to your left. If you are left-handed, start painting on the left side of the surface so that you can lean with your other hand without interfering with the painted section. Be careful not to roll too fast or some paint will flick off of the roller. Make sure you keep your roller in contact with the surface at all times to ensure full coverage and that no streak marks are made. Your first stroke on the surface should always be moving away from you. If you are painting a wall your first stoke should be going up. This is because a roller can leave streaks of paint on your wall if you start with a downward motion.