Floppy Roller Painting

Does anyone like to paint? Good question and I suspect the answer to be at least 95+ % no, and a resounding no at that! The least we can do for ourselves is to understand the tools we use and to utilize the ones that reduce our workload. If you have a room that has been waiting quite some time to be painted, I suspect it is high time to find out about “rollers.”

Rollers are best used for large flat surfaces: it is the best for ease of use and speed, and will give uniform coverage. This roller device was in the beginning designed particularly for inside walls, but has since been adapted for many other uses. An extension pole allows the height needed to paint ceilings without having to lug a ladder all about the room. Floors can be painted with out breaking your back!

The traditional roller frame has a spring type mechanism called a cage to hold the pile cover, or sleeve that applies paint. The cage should hold the sleeve securely yet allow the removing of the sleeve off and on with ease. The sleeve has nylon bearings and should spin easily. You can also choose a splatter free shield, which helps avoid those “plops” of paint right in the eye. A “yoke’ frame is also available this type is said to spread the paint in a more even manner. The roller frames come in many sizes, from a v shaped doughnut for inside corners to short rollers for trim.

The best covers or sleeves have fluffy lint free pile that is tough water-resistant center. Avoid the cheaper sleeves, they tend to mat and hold less paint. If you want a smooth finish, choose the short nap or pile of no more than ¼ in. or less. The general-purpose naps are ¾ in. This size is good for concrete floors, getting into cracks and crevices. A pile of ½ in. works well on rough stucco.

Sleeves come in different fibers. Oil base paint works well using lambs wool. Water-resistant paints will need the fiber of Dyne. Polyester or acetate can be used with either. Mohair covers give a smooth texture-less finish and can be used with varnish and enamels.

Loading a roller

Place the roller into the deep end of the roller tray, immersing it.

Rotate the roller back and forth over the ribbed end of the tray.

Make sure the roller is well saturated with paint but not dripping.

Distribute the paint evenly.

Professional painters work the paint-saturated roller up and down on a grid place in a 5-gal bucket. These metal grids can also be used in paint trays.

Now is the time, to grit your teeth, smile, and go to work. You are now armed with knowledge and a strong determination!

Painting tips & tricks of the day

Paint without removing fixtures
To avoid having to remove fixtures before painting, particularly when the pieces are difficult to get off, nothing works like Vaseline petroleum jelly. Just spread it on the surfaces to be protected before starting to paint and when finished, clean the fixtures with a paper towel or a soft cloth.