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Thoroughly clean the roller after use. Stand the roller on its end to dry, then store in its plastic bag so the fibres don't distort or flatten.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Quality is important, so look for a roller in the mid to upper price range.
[guest]
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Start with diagonal or zigzag strokes to transfer the paint onto the wall or surface.
Kevin Solway (173)
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When the roller is almost dry and the paint is distributed, go back over the area with long, vertical strokes for an even finish. This is called "laying off".
Kevin Solway (173)
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For solvent based paints, lay off from floor to ceiling. For water based paints lay off from ceiling to floor. If painting the ceiling, lay off towards the light source.
Kevin Solway (173)
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To avoid lap lines, paint the surface in overlapping blocks (approx. one metre square). If you work quickly, this will blend the edges together. For glossy paints, paint in smaller blocks as lap lines are more noticeable.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Choose a roller that will cover a large area as quickly as possible. Tradespeople recommend a 270mm roller.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Generally, the smoother the surface, the shorter the nap (length of the pile).
Kevin Solway (173)
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A long nap is best used for semi smooth to rough surfaces and painting large areas.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Most solvent paints are used on smooth surfaces so a 5-6mm nap is recommended.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Water based paints on smoother surfaces are best applied with a 5-10mm nap.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Lambskin covers work best on smooth surfaces and with solvent based paints.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Mohair sleeves are best for undercoats and gloss and enamels on smooth surfaces.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Foam rubber covers are best for gloss and semi-gloss enamels and clear finishes.
Kevin Solway (173)
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Pre-wet the roller with appropriate solvent or water, spinning out the excess.
Kevin Solway (173)
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If right handed, paint left to right. Of course, the opposite applies if you're left handed.
Kevin Solway (173)
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An extension pole makes the job much easier, especially when painting ceilings.
Kevin Solway (173)
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