If you’re looking to DIY interior painting, knowing how to roll walls like a professional interior painter can be helpful.
When it comes to refreshing a room’s look, a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. You don’t always need to repaint the entire home to get rid of smudges, and marks, or simply to give your walls a new vibe.
While hiring a professional interior painter is a good option, there are times when a DIY interior painting can be more convenient or budget-friendly. Rolling walls like a professional painter isn’t just about slapping paint on the walls, you need to learn a bit of technique, the right tools, and some insider tips to achieve a smooth, even finish. Whether painting a wall is the first time you’re going to do it or you’re someone with a bit of experience, learning the art of rolling can make your paint job look as if it were done by an expert.
In this quick read, you’ll get essential tips to help you roll walls like a professional, ensuring a refined and professional look.
Things you need for DIY interior painting your home
Before you start painting, gather all the tools you’re going to need. Having the right supplies readily available will make the process smoother.
- Paint Rollers– Paint rollers are used for covering large wall areas quickly and evenly. Rollers come in different sizes, with 9-inch rollers being the most common for walls. Choose a roller that fits the wall you’re painting- smooth surfaces need short nap rollers, while rough surfaces like textured walls need longer nap rollers.
- Roller covers– It is the part that applies the paint to the wall. Roller covers come in various materials like foam, wool, and microfiber. For most interior walls, a 3/8-inch nap roller cover is preferred.
- Extension poles– An extension pole attaches to your roller handle, allowing you to reach higher areas without needing a ladder. This is useful for painting ceilings or tall walls.
- Paint trays– A paint tray holds and distributes paint onto your roller. Look for a tray with deep wells and ridges to help remove excess paint from the roller.
- Drop cloths– Drop cloths protect the floors and furniture from paint splatters and spills. Plastic or paper drop cloths are cheap and can be discarded after use.
- Painter’s tape– Painter’s tape masks off areas that need not be painted, such as trim, windows, and door frames. It helps you achieve clean, sharp lines.
Choosing the right paint
If you know how to choose the right paint finish, it gets you the desired finish and durability for your project. There are several types of interior paint finishes to choose from.
- Flat or matte paint has no shine and is great for hiding imperfections on walls. It is used in low-traffic areas like bedrooms or ceilings.
- Eggshell is more durable than flat paint and is used in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
- The satin finish has more shine than eggshell and is highly durable. It’s often used for hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Gloss paint has the highest sheen and is used for trim, color for doors, and cabinetry. It’s durable and easy to clean.
After choosing your paint, stir it well to get an even color and texture. Pour a small amount into the paint tray, using the ridged section to coat your roller.
5 Roller techniques for a perfect wall
1. Load the roller with paint properly
For an even coat of paint, load your roller properly. Dip the roller half inch into the paint tray, and see that it’s partially submerged. Roll the cover back and forth on the tray’s ridged section to evenly distribute the paint without overloading. A well-loaded roller should be covered but it need not be dripping.
2. Start with the edges
Before rolling the main surfaces, start by “cutting in” around the edges and corners. However, don’t use a roller full of paint on the edges directly, rather paint a few inches away then move to the edges.
Use a brush to paint a 2-3 inch wide strip along the ceiling, baseboards, and around windows or doors. This creates a buffer zone so that the roller does not accidentally touch areas you don’t want to paint.
3. Use the ‘W’ technique
Use the ‘W’ technique for an even coverage when painting the walls. Start by making a large “W” shape on the surface, then fill it in without lifting the roller. This lays the paint evenly and prevents visible roller marks.
4. Maintain a wet edge
To avoid lap marks (the lines that appear where one section of paint overlaps another), maintain a wet edge. Work quickly enough so that the paint doesn’t dry between sections. Overlap a bit with the last section you painted while the paint still hasn’t dried.
5. Remove lumps immediately
Lumps in the paint can be seen on the walls but you can easily avoid them. Keep your roller off the floor to prevent it from picking up dirt. Cover the paint bucket with a wet cloth when not in use to stop dried paint from falling in.
If the screen gets dirty, clean it right away. Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe off any lumps you see while painting, and strain the paint through a mesh strainer if needed.
Conclusion
Following the above tips from local painters can make your DIY interior painting project successful. However, people often skip prep work in a hurry which can lead to a messy finish, so always clean and tape properly. Using the wrong roller and cover can cause an uneven finish, so choose one suited to your surface. Do not rush into the work as it results in mistakes and a poor finish.
For a professional-looking DIY painting job, prepare well, use the right tools, and work carefully.
FAQs
- How to avoid roller marks when painting?
To avoid roller marks, make a large “W” shape on the wall and fill it in without lifting the roller. This helps in laying the paint evenly. Keep a wet edge by overlapping a bit with the last section for a smooth, consistent finish.
- What type of roller should I use for textured walls?
Use a roller with a longer nap to reach all the surface’s contours for textured walls.
- How long should I wait before applying a second coat of paint?
Wait until the first paint coat dries completely, usually 4-6 hours, depending on the paint, and room conditions.
