As with all projects, the right tools make the difference. However, knowledge of the proper use of those tools is a requirement as well. The proper paint tools will increase the quality of the finished product and productivity, and used properly, will reduce inconvenience and the risk of injury.
How to Use a Paint Roller
Regardless of whether a roller handle is hand-held or attached to a rolling pole, the primary concern is keeping the roller cover level to the painting surface plane. Uneven pressure will cause roller marks, vertical lines of paint build up, and can distort the shape of the roller cover, making it conical and difficult to work with.
As with palm sanders, never press the tool, let the tool do the work. When rolling paint, let the weight of the roller against the surface be really the only pressure, with the hands being just guides and rudders. This is why it is difficult to paint ceilings without a rolling pole, because the applicator has to apply pressure to overcome gravity, which assists when painting walls.
It is always a good idea to use a rolling pole when painting ceilings and walls. The pole helps to balance pressure, provides greater reach, and eliminates the bending required when rolling walls and reloading the roller cover. Reducing the bending over reduces back strain and injury. Purchasing a sturdy, telescopic rolling pole, 4' to 8', will make a huge difference.
Painting Walls With an Extension Pole
With an eye toward even pressure on the roller cover, proper handling and stance is required when rolling ceilings and walls, though each is different. Hold the rolling pole lightly, no tight grip. Hold it loosely enough that it could be knocked out of hand. Let the weight of the paint-laden cover be the only real pressure.
When painting walls, choose a wall and start in the corner that matches the dominant hand. Right-handed people roll right to left. Stand with chest perpendicular to the chosen wall, facing the wall that shares that corner, standing about three feet out from the wall. The dominant hand should be on the handle grip, as the driver, while the other hand, underhanded, is just past halfway up the pole as the guide. The closed end of the roller handle should be pointing to the finish corner.
Position the rolling pan about four feet behind, toward the finish corner, the same distance from the wall as the stance position. When reloading the roller cover, pivot off the back foot, keeping it planted firmly, reload the cover and pivot back. Roll two roller cover widths, and then reload. Upon reaching the rolling pan, slide it another four feet with the foot, which reduces bending over. Always maintain the same distances and stance, wherever possible.
Painting Ceilings With a Rolling Pole
When painting ceilings, the handling and stance differ. The hands switch positions, with the dominant hand halfway up the pole. To reduce neck strain, extend the telescopic pole to the point where the top hand, the dominant, can be about chin level, with the other hand about stomach level, feet spread just past the shoulder line. Extend the arms to about the halfway point in front, which reduces the angle of the neck when looking up.
Position the rolling pan at one end of the room; roll one-half of the ceiling about two roller cover widths, then the other half, alternating back and forth. Upon reaching the halfway point, move the rolling pan to the other end of the room and finish the ceiling in the same fashion. As the roller handle goes side to side across the ceiling, the applicator should be gently rocking side to side.
Remember, when rolling ceilings, open the extension pole just enough to place the hands in the proper position and place the roller cover on the ceiling surface just enough to enable rolling without too much pressure. Never over-extend when painting ceilings. If a ceiling is too wide to do in two swaths, do it in three or more. The hand on the grip should never go too far past the shoulder line as this could cause a neck injury. This explains the rocking back and forth. The arms stay locked in position in front of the body and the rocking moves the cover back and forth across the ceiling.
General Tips on Using Paint Rollers
Whether rolling ceilings or walls, it is important to maintain a measured, consistent, and fluid motion. Attempt to maintain uniformity in paint pickup, when reloading, and covering the same amount of area with each load. This will give a uniform finish. Moreover, minimize lifting the cover off the surface, "steering" it around on the surface instead. Only lift the roller cover off the surface when reloading or moving, and always put the roller to the wall in an unfinished area rolling into the painted area.
Professional Results for the DIY Painter
As with any endeavor, practice makes perfect. Nevertheless, with a little insight, even the inexperienced can perform a bit better, while making the job easier. Using these few paint rolling tips will help the DIY painter produce closer to professional looking results. (Click on pictures below to view full stance.)
Joseph Sheridan - Joe Sheridan, born in Philadelphia, currently resides in Villas, NJ, outside of historic Cape May. He currently runs a small paint ...
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