Painting the walls in any room is a great way to boost their appearance and create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. There are various methods and tools that can help you paint your room, but one of the most effective and efficient tools is a paint roller. Painting with a roller brush helps to cover a large area quickly and provides a smooth and elegant finish to your painting project.
Using our handy experience, Ooh Paint has put together this ultimate guide on how to use a paint roller, along with 7 tips to achieve the perfect look. Let's roll!
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Painting with a Roller Brush
Follow these 7 roller painting tips to enjoy fresh and smooth walls, sans the stress!
Step 1: Collect the Necessary Tools
To start, you’ll need to collect the tools that will help you paint your wall. These include:
- 9-inch paint roller
- Paint tray
- Paint stirrer
- Extension pole
- Drop cloths
- Paint
- Face mask
- Paint Tape
Step 2: Protect the Area and Yourself
Done with collecting all the tools? Now, it's time to make sure that you and the area are both properly protected from rolling paint splashes. For this step, we advise moving the furniture to another room and covering the floor with drop cloths.
In addition, use painter's tape to cover light fixtures, electrical outlets, and door handles so you don't paint them accidentally, ruining the aesthetics of your room. Most importantly, when using a roller to paint walls, you should wear old clothes and shield your skin and eyes with a face mask, gloves, and safety goggles.
Step 3: Prepare the Paint and Tray
Now, let's get your paint and tray ready for action! Start by picking high quality, low VOC, and quick dry paints like those in the Ooh Paint Easy Breezy Collection or the Ooh Paint Look at Me Collection. Thoroughly stir the paint in the bucket using a paint stirrer to ensure smooth consistency. Once you've stirred it properly, pour a moderate quantity of paint into the deeper side of the tray.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple paint cans of the same colour, mix them all in a large bucket before pouring them into the tray to get the same colour on your walls.
Step 4: Cut In
Many debate whether to cut in (paint the edges and tight areas) before or after rolling the wall. Well, the professional way to paint is to cut in before you start painting with your roller brush. Use a 2 to 3-inch paintbrush and carefully paint along the edges where the wall meets the ceiling, corners, and trims. This will create a clear border or frame, and your paint roller will give you the best possible finish.
Step 5: Dip the Paint Roller Into Paint
After cutting in, you should take the paint roller and place it on the extension pole. Next, dip it into the paint and try to move it back and forth several times to evenly distribute the paint throughout the roller cover. Make sure the paint roller is well coated but not overly saturated to avoid drips and splatters that may ruin the look of your walls.
Step 6: Start Painting with Rollers
The process of painting with a roller brush requires a specific paint roller technique. You need to apply a little pressure and start applying paint about 12 inches inward from the edge of the wall.
Wondering how to avoid streaks when painting with a roller? You should position your paint roller in the middle of the wall section and paint using up and down strokes, backrolling the paint on the downstrokes. Continue painting in sections, working your way across and down the wall.
Remember to reload the paint roller with paint when needed to ensure consistent coverage. It's also advisable to overlap each painted section slightly to achieve a uniform appearance.
Pro Tip: To avoid the paint drying out when you need to take a break, simply place the paint roller in an aluminum foil or wrap it in plastic wrap to stop the drying process.
Step 7: Let It Dry
Are all the walls done? Now, allow the paint to dry completely. Open the windows and doors and ensure proper ventilation to speed up the drying process. Avoid touching or leaning against the freshly painted walls, or you'll have smudges which will ruin the aesthetic.
Once the paint is fully dried, step back and admire your work! If necessary, apply a second coat following the same process for optimal and professional coverage.
The process of painting a ceiling with a paint roller is the same as painting a wall. However, for the ceiling, you need to have a lower nap, such as a 3/4-inch nap paint roller. In addition, if you are only painting the ceiling, you must cover the walls and other fixtures with drop cloths or plastic sheets.
How to Clean Up After Painting?
Cleaning up after completing your paint job is important, and the following tips can help you:
- Take Off Painter's Tape: Remove the painter's tape from all the fixtures, and don't pull them forcefully to avoid any damage.
- Clean Paint Rollers: When cleaning or washing a paint roller, simply dip the roller in a bucket filled with warm water. Add a few drops of any detergent or dishwashing liquid. Use your hands to remove every bit of paint from the paint roller head and rinse it with fresh water. That's it!
- Dispose Of Paint Products and Waste: You should properly dispose of leftover paint, paint cans, and other paint-soaked products. Remember, non-empty oil and solvent-based paint containers are considered hazardous materials in Canada and comprise 20% of Canada's total waste. You should consult your local or provincial government regulations and properly discard all paint products.
Start Painting with A Roller Brush!
Painting your home, be it the walls or the ceiling, is a great way to increase its value. If you are taking up this DIY project, you now know how to paint a wall with a roller! Simply cover the area, wear protective gear, and opt for high-quality paints. Mix the paint well and start painting with a roller brush. Let the paint dry completely before applying a second coat.
Wondering where to find top-notch and eco-friendly paints with low VOCs? Ooh Paint Store has got your back! Whether you are aiming for a neutral palette or bold colours, we have everything and then some. Contact Ooh Paint today to explore our extensive paint colour range and make your wall revamp dream a reality!
