Painting Tips and Information

The right brush or roller, used the right way, makes the difference between a finish that looks sprayed-on smooth and one that shows every stroke. These tips come from professional painters' real-world experience. Always follow your paint manufacturer's directions, and test on a scrap or an out-of-sight spot first.

Rollers

  • Choose a short nap. A 3/8 inch nap is a good general choice for smooth walls, doors and trim. Thicker naps such as 1/2 inch waste paint and leave a stippled texture.
  • Microfiber works best. A fine microfiber cover lays paint down evenly and leaves a smooth, low-texture finish.
  • Try high-density foam for the smoothest results. On doors, cabinets and trim, a high-density foam roller gives a very fine finish.
  • Dip once and roll thin. Load the roller with a single dip and roll the paint on in a thin coat. Thin coats go further and level out better.
  • Tip off with a brush. Roll first, then lightly pull a brush over the wet paint to flatten out any roller texture. This gives a flat, brushed-smooth look on doors and cabinets.
  • Keep cut-in and rolled paint consistent. If the paint you brush on the edges is thicker or thinner than what you roll, the two absorb differently and the wall can look uneven (flashing).
  • Thin paint rolls out smoother. A little thinning, within the manufacturer's directions, helps the roller leave less stipple.

Brushes

  • Brushing gives the largest profile, but with properly thinned paint it can also give the most beautiful finish on trim, doors, cabinets and furniture.
  • Match the brush to the job. The bristle type, shape and size all make a difference. An angled sash brush is the standard choice for cutting in and for trim.
  • Thin for less brush stroke. Thinning the paint slightly, per the manufacturer's directions, lets brush marks level out. A paint extender helps keep a wet edge so strokes blend while you work.
  • Apply thin, even coats and avoid overworking paint that has started to set.
  • Feather touch-ups. Blend repairs into the surrounding dry paint with light strokes rather than dabbing on new paint.
  • Back-brush sprayed or rolled paint if you want the look of hand-brushed trim.
  • Use a throwaway brush for putty. Brushing putty is applied with a brush only (no rolling or spraying), and the brush costs more to clean than to replace.

Roller and Brush Together

  • Roll the large areas, then tip off with a brush for a finish that is both smooth and free of roller texture.
  • When spraying the early coats, finish with a rolled or brushed and tipped-off final coat for a hand-finished look.

Choosing Your Roller or Brush

Not sure which tool fits your project? Browse our collections of brushes and rollers, or contact us at team@internationalcraftrevival.com and we'll point you in the right direction.

These tips are general guidance, and results vary with surface, product, tools and conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the paint and tools you are using.