Last Updated on October 24, 2021
We all believe that painting with a roller is easy; just dip the roller in paint and roll it over the surface, and the job is done. However, the reality is far from it.
In fact, when you first paint with a roller, the result could be disastrous, with streaks all over the surface and uneven paint. You may even have to repaint the wall. Thus knowing how to paint with a roller without streaks and uneven marks is a high searched question among DIY painters.
The key is to prepare the paint surface properly, choosing the right roller type, getting the proper sleeves, etc.
We will illustrate these techniques and tips to allow you to paint the walls without streaks with a roller.
Read More: Paint the walls with Wagner Paint Sprayer
Why Is There Paint Streak?
When you want to avoid streaks during painting, first, it is essential to know its reasons. It would help you better in bypassing the streaks easily.
- The main reason for the paint streak is the poor quality of paint material. If you are a beginner working with the matte finish is better since satin and gloss finishes are pretty difficult.
- The next responsible agent for paint streak is the poor roller sleeves and their nap size. The best roller sleeve for streak-free paint is made of 50% wool and 50% polyester. For painting walls, thin sleeves, and for rough surfaces, thicker nap or sleeves will work the best.
- The last reason is the poor painting techniques themselves. It includes not preparing the wall, painting too fast or abruptly.
How to Paint with A Roller Without Streaks
We know now the culprits of creating the uncomfortable streaks on walls and surfaces. But what are the techniques for streak-free wall painting?
Let’s see them one after one-
Use Screen for Loading
You may use a screen to filter the paint material for smoother paint. For this, we suggest you place a screen or filter right on the paint bucket. Dip the roller ½” into the paint to load it. Then, roll it a few times on the screen.
For a dry roller, you may need to load and filter the paint on the screen three to five times. When you have used the roller a few times, you won’t need to dip the roller so many times.
Instead, dipping it two to three times into the paint and rolling it on the screen should be sufficient.
Remember that using a fully loaded roller is the best thing to avoid the uneven and streak on painted walls and surfaces.
Use Sweeping Strokes
When you use sweeping strokes, the paint is most likely going to be smooth and even without any streaks. You should start from the bottom edge and slowly go up with a slight angle on the paint surface. Leave one foot at the bottom for painting it later.
The applied pressure should be mild to medium and stop the roller only a few inches from the ceiling.
Then roll back and forth with the same pressure. The paint speed must be decent. Otherwise, it will help in paint build-up and cause streaks.
Getting The Right Sleeves
You should remember that we talked about the importance of the right sleeves of the roller. Let’s illustrate it now.
It is tempting to get cheaper roller covers, especially if you are a beginner. But the decision can be suicidal as it won’t hold enough paint. Thus, investing in a high-end, if not expensive, roller sleeve is better.
The best one would have a 50% wool and 50% polyester combination. Wool ensures that there’re no inconsistent marks on the paint surface.
Get Closer Along the Edges
The roller won’t reach the corners properly. So, there’s a high chance of leaving the edges unpainted. Thus, it is recommended that you should brush right along the ceiling. Also, use the paintbrush for floorboards and corners.
But the brush will leave marks. Thus, reach as far as you can with the roller. Also, make sure its sleeves are fully loaded with the paint.
It helps in hiding the streaks and brush marks better.
Use Lighter Touch for Smooth Paint
Working with harder touch on the walls is tempting for quick paintwork. But it doesn’t fit well for smooth paint. Use a light touch as you start smoothening the paint.
It will spread the paint evenly all along the surface.
If you press the roller sleeve too hard on the wall, it will surely ruin the paintwork with uneven roller marks. So, be aware of it and work lightly.
Keep It Wet
If the paint gets fully cured and dried before applying the next coat or you take a break, it will be harder to keep it streak-free. Thus, speed will be a key player here. First off, plan the painting timing and work with a decent speed.
Make sure when you overlap the paint or by the time reach the bottom or edges from the ceiling aging, it is still wet. It will help you cover up the streaks if there are any. When you overlap the paint before it gets dry, it will help you in getting smoother paint.
Preparing The Wall Earlier
We could have easily placed this technique of smooth paint much higher up in the list. But it is better late than never including it, right! You must ensure that the wall is smooth before start rolling over it with the paint material.
Use sandpaper to remove the lumps of old paint and fill up the holes using putty. If there is any bump on the wall, smoothen it.
Don’t Over-Paint the Wall
If the roller has too much paint, there’s a highly likely chance of causing streaks on the wall.
Also, instead of spreading too much paint in one go, you should paint several times. It will increase the paint time, but it’s worth the added time for the smoothness you will get.
Make sure you overlap the paint several times with lighter strokes. You will find the paint much artistic and better.
Conclusion
These were the most common practices for how to paint with a roller without streaks. Also, you should paint the surface right from the bottom to the top and then come back in the same motion.
Also, before applying the second coat, don’t forget to clean off the roller. It will remove any paint lumps on the roller, if there are any.
Last but not least, you must work with patience. Otherwise, your entire paintwork will be ruined.
I am extremely happy to share with you my experience throughout SprayerBoss. As a painter, I like to experiment with new sprayers from different brands. Since my first painting, I love to learn new things every time I doing a painting project for my own or clients. I have painted fences, walls, furniture, cabinets, cars, etc. but painting furniture is more challenging to me. Hope you will get the easiest way I found myself to overcome the difficulties towards a better finish. My hunger is to find the best paint sprayer that took less effort but budgets friendly.