Methods of Application

The general practice in roller application is to “cut in” the walls and corners first with a brush about 2 to 3 inches in width, then roll in the area, coming as close to the edges as possible. The roller finish has a different texture than a brushed finish. Therefore it is important that you overlap the brushed portion as much as possible to get a quality finish.

After the roller is loaded with paint the painter first applies the coating in a “V or W “ pattern repeating the up and down motion until the paint is uniformly spread out. The roller is then dipped back into the paint and the process repeats itself. A final roll out to smooth out any lines will complete this area.

A common practice among painters is to “Back Roll” alkyd eggshells, semi-glosses and glosses. The paint is applied and then allowed to set up for approx. 10 to 15 minutes. This allows some of the solvent to flash off and any sags to form. The painter then takes the same roller and re-rolls the surface without re-dipping into the paint. Another method of rolling is to apply the paint with an airless spray unit. The paint is immediately "back–rolled" to work the paint into the surface and produce a roller stipple. This method is commonly used when first coating a drywall surface. Power rollers that are fed paint from an airless pump are also commonly used for large jobs. The pump and lines eliminate the time it takes to dip the roller into the paint and also does not require the painter to bring the paint pail with him.

Paint may also be applied by airless spray unit and then immediately "back-rolled" to work the paint into the surface and produce a roller stipple.