Bob Vila Radio: Paint Rollers

When it comes to getting a room painted fast, a paint roller is a do-it-yourselfer’s best friend. Here’s how to get the best results from yours:

Listen toBOB VILA ON PAINT ROLLERS, or read the text below:

Paint the room from the top down. Start with the ceiling, cutting in from the edges first with a brush and rolling the rest in long, even strokes with a roller. Unless you’re working in a tight spot, attach an extension pole to your roller to keep your strokes and pressure even and to save your back.

Tackle one section of the wall at a time. Be generous with the paint: if you hear it ‘sizzle’, you’re rolling it on too thin. Make a ‘V’ with the roller, about the width of your forearm, then fill in horizontally. Smooth it out with a couple of downward vertical strokes and move on to the next area.

Some paints claim to offer one-coat coverage, but especially for strong colors, most walls need at least two coats with a roller: the first will hide any imperfections in the wall, the second will even out the finish.

If you clean it thoroughly right away and dry it upright, you can re-use your roller for the next job.

Bob Vila Radiois a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on painting tools, consider:

Painting Tools and Materials
Choosing a Paint Sprayer
Bob Vila Radio: Painting Tools