How to Choose a Good Paint Roller | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique explains the different types of paint rollers and then demonstrates good rolling techniques.

#ThisOldHouse #AskTOH
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse

Cost: $10 and up

Skill Level: Beginner

Tools:
Paint roller [https://amzn.to/39OjfVa]
Paint tray [https://amzn.to/2UTDgFN]
Shopping List:
Paint roller brush [https://amzn.to/2wpkegZ]
Paint [https://amzn.to/2XiC542]

Steps for Choosing and Using a Paint Roller:
1. Mauro explains that paint roller brushes are measured by their nap length, which determines coverage and texture.
a. Shorter naps, around ¼-inch length, are good for smooth surfaces because they can cover the surface in paint without applying too much texture.
b. Medium length naps, around 3/8-inch length, are good for semi-rough surfaces because the slightly longer fibers can push paint into the dips in the surface, allowing for full coverage, but aren’t so long that they add additional texture to the surface.
c. Long naps, around 1-inch thick, can soak up a lot of paint and will therefore add a ton of texture to the walls. They’re best for things like popcorn ceilings or other surfaces that already have a ton of texture to them.
2. Mauro also points out that the packaging for paint roller brushes are usually labeled with their nap length and what they’re best used for.
3. Mauro also shares a few roller techniques for painting:
a. Fully saturate the roller in the paint tray before application.
b. Apply the paint to the surface starting from the bottom of the surface and at a slight diagonal.
c. Each pass should cover the previous pass by about 30%
d. Don’t stop until the entire surface is covered. If some of the paint is allowed to dry before the surface is done, stroke marks can be left behind on the wall and make for a poor painting job.

Resources:
Mauro explained the paint rollers have different nap lengths based on the texture of the surface being painted. In general, a roller with a shorter nap is good for smooth surfaces, and a roller with a longer nap is good for rough surfaces. 

The materials Mauro used to demonstrate these techniques, including the paint, the tray, and the roller, can all be found at home centers.

Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House INSIDER to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH

Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet:
https://bit.ly/34RYEP5

Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
http://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG

Keywords:
This Old House, Ask This Old House, DIY, Home Improvement, DIY Ideas, Renovation, Renovation Ideas, How To Fix, How To Install, How To Build

Watch the full episode:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/season-1...

How to Choose a Good Paint Roller | Ask This Old House
   / thisoldhouse