Choosing the Right Paint Roller
1. Choose a handle that is made of steel and has a comfortable plastic grip. The Paint Roller Handle should also be threaded at the tip in case you need to use an extension pole in order to reach the ceiling.
2. Make sure the roller cage allows for the roller cover or skin to come on and off without getting stuck and make sure the roller cover will stay on the roller cage without sliding off
3. Pick the right roller cover
- Oil-based paint, choose a roller cover made from natural fibers, such as sheepskin, lamb’s wool, or mohair. You can also use a synthetic-fiber roller cover.
- Water-based (latex) paint, use a cover made of synthetic fibers
4. Choose a roller cover with dense fibers. The smoother the surface, the shorter the fiber length should be. If the surface is textured or rough, you should use a roller cover with a thicker fiber length.
Preparing the Paint Roller
When using a new paint roller cover, it is important to remove the excess lint before painting. It can be removed by taking painter’s tape, sticky side up, and roll the cover along the tape. Do this several times to be sure that all the lint is removed.
Next, you should moisten the roller skin to prepare it for paint. Use water for latex paint and thinner for other types of paint. Roll out the excess moisture on a rag. Don’t use newspaper because the roller may pick up the ink.
Then fill your roller pan about half way with paint and set the roller into the middle of the well. Lift the roller and roll it down the slope of the pan, stopping just short of the well. Do this two or three times to allow the paint to work into the roller. Make sure it is saturated with paint on all sides. Be careful not to overload the roller skin. You don’t want the paint to drip off the roller when you are taking it to the wall. Also, the paint will not roll correctly if it is overloaded with paint. The paint will smear on the surface.
Using a Paint Roller
-Start your first stroke moving the roller away from you, so the roller doesn’t cause the paint to puddle under the roller and run down the wall
- The best way to paint with a roller is to paint 2 or 3 foot sections at a time
- Roll the paint on in a zigzag or W pattern. Do not lift the roller from the wall while painting.
- Fill in the strokes with the same zig zag pattern. And start again in the unpainted area.
- The last step is to lightly roll and blend between sections. Repeat this until your wall in complete You will need to re-load the roller as you go.
Cleaning the Paint Roller
1. Roll of the excess paint on cardboard, old newspaper, a rag, etc.
2. Soak out excess paint by swishing it around in a container of either water or thinner. I using water based paint, you can use the sink to rinse the roller pad.
- Oil-based paint – soak in thinner
- Water-based paint – soak in clean warm water
3. Rinse well in soap and water. Use a mild soap preferably a bar of soap as opposed to detergent.
4. Let the cover dry on a paper towel or piece of cardboard. Once it is completely dry, reassemble your roller and wrap the cover in paper in order to keep it clean.
Linzer Products RS611 11-Piece Paint Roller and Tray Set
