More often than not, roller marks occur when you fail to load your roller with enough paint, or have exhausted the paint in your roller and are trying to cover more area than you should. Finally, applying the wrong amount of pressure can cause paint to push out around the edge of the roller, creating a streak.

How do you prevent roller marks when painting?

How to Avoid Roller Marks when Painting Walls

  1. Use a synthetic, short-napped roller cover.
  2. Wipe off any lint from the paint roller.
  3. Don’t use too much paint.
  4. Roll in a “W” or “N” pattern.
  5. Use moderate pressure on the roller.
  6. Maintain a wet edge.
  7. Paint as close to the floor and ceiling as possible.

Why can I see my roller marks when painting?

Roller marks are exactly what they sound like — evidence of where the painter used the roller brush. They are often caused by a painter putting a second coat of paint on the wall before the first coat has completely dried.

Will roller marks go away when paint dries?

Roller marks, which painters sometimes call “holidays,” are a routine hazard when painting with a roller, and there are many ways to avoid them. When you notice holidays after the paint has dried, you can usually make them disappear by applying another coat after sanding lightly—if necessary—to remove drips and humps.

How do I get a smooth finish with a paint roller?

What is this? Dampen your paint brush with a little water. Immediately after rolling on your paint, lightly run the paint brush over the painted surface using long, even strokes. Once it dries, you should have a silky smooth texture.

Should you dampen a roller before painting?

Before you start a paint job, you actually want to wet the paint roller cover with water. “This primes the roller cover to soak up as much paint as possible,” Barr explains. But don’t go too crazy—Barr suggests removing excess moisture with a paper towel and a good shake of the roller so it’s just slightly damp.

Should I thin paint before rolling?

New, freshly mixed latex paint rarely needs to be thinned for most paint roller and brush applications. Paint manufacturers produce latex paint of a viscosity that works for an average number of applications.

How do you evenly paint a roller?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You want to saturate your roller dross thick film of paint into the sloped section and pass the roller through several times to force in the paint.

Why do my walls look streaky after painting?

This happens when the roller is full of paint and is pressed too firmly against the wall. To fix these paint streaks on walls you’ll need to sand down the raised edges. You may have to touch up the wall here and there but that’s only if you sand too closely. You’ll want to use 120 – 150 grit sandpaper and sand lightly.

How do you make a super smooth paint finish?

6 Secrets to Silky Smooth Paint

  1. Prep the Wood. Sand any bare wood to 120-grit and no finer. …
  2. Sand Your Primer. Without a smooth base, you can’t get a smooth finish. …
  3. Use Additives. …
  4. Buy The Right Paint. …
  5. Strain Your Paint. …
  6. Put it On, Leave it Alone.


How can I paint without brush marks?

Tip #4 – Painting Techniques

  1. Don’t press too hard on the brush. …
  2. Wet your brush with water before painting. …
  3. Paint in the details and then smooth over.
  4. Going back over semi dry paint will cause ripples. …
  5. You want to apply a thin coat, but don’t “stretch” the paint on the brush. …
  6. Always paint in one direction.


Is it OK to cut in one day and paint the next?

It shouldn’t be a problem. I did the cutting in, as it’s quite fussy work, and my husband rolled the walls the next day. On one of the paint forums I did pick up a helpful hint when using painter’s tape. You have to press the edge down firmly several times (I used a softer plastic putty knife).

Do professional decorators use rollers?

Hamilton are a brand associated with the trade and these rollers are possibly the most widely used by professional decorators.

What is the best paint roller for smooth walls?

¼-inch nap is best for very smooth walls, ceilings, cabinetry, and other surfaces without texture, including metal. ⅜-inch nap is good for lightly textured surfaces, including most interior walls. ½-inch nap is a good length for moderately textured walls, paneling, and painted brick or concrete.

Are cheap paint rollers any good?

Buying a Cheap Roller Cover



If your time is worth anything, a cheap roller cover is the most expensive tool you can buy. Cheap covers don’t hold enough paint, shed fibers on your walls, and in general are a pain to use. We prefer lamb’s wool roller covers, but any top-quality roller cover will work fine.

How do I paint like a professional?

21 Tips for Painting Like a Pro

  1. Clean Up Mistakes While They’re Wet. …
  2. Even Pros Use Painter’s Tape—Sometimes. …
  3. Remove Everything From the Room. …
  4. Find, Then Fix, Cracks and Dents. …
  5. Do the Sanding Two-Step. …
  6. Sponge-Bath Walls. …
  7. Caulk All Cracks. …
  8. Pick a Powerful Primer.

Why do painters wear white?

Painters wear white because painter’s pants and overalls are made in only one color, white. White is the combination of all colors, and painters deal with every color. Most colors used when painting are a light color. The light colors will blend in with the white pants or overalls.

How long should you wait between coats of paint?

Adding a Second Coat



After your first coat of paint is dry, it’s safe to recoat typically after four to six hours. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint or primer if it’s water-based. Waiting 24 hours is best for oil-based paint and primer.