Use proper roller technique to avoid drips, lines, and uneven coverage
Load the roller by dipping it into the paint tray well and rolling it back and forth on the tray ramp 3-4 times until the nap is evenly saturated but not dripping. Start on the wall by rolling upward in a large W or M pattern covering about a 3x3 foot section. Without reloading, go back over the same area with light, even, parallel vertical strokes to smooth and distribute the paint evenly. Overlap each stroke by about half the roller width. Maintain light, consistent pressure throughout.
Why It Works
The W/M pattern distributes paint across a section without creating heavy lines from a single directional pass. The follow-up vertical strokes even out the distribution and eliminate roller marks. Overlapping each stroke while the paint is still wet prevents lap marks -- visible lines that form when you roll over a partially dried edge. Light pressure prevents the roller from squeezing paint out the ends (causing drip lines down the wall) and avoids the "railroad tracks" pattern caused by pressing too hard on a roller frame.
Tips
- Roll slowly and deliberately -- fast rolling throws paint splatter off the roller
- Reload the roller before it feels dry; a starved roller drags and leaves thin, textured patches
- Always maintain a wet edge: finish one section and immediately start the next adjacent section, overlapping into the wet paint
- Work from top to bottom on each wall section so any drips are rolled over on the way down
- Do not press hard to squeeze more paint out of the roller -- this causes heavy edges and uneven coverage
- A roller screen (metal grid that sits inside a 5-gallon bucket) is faster than a tray for large rooms and allows better paint loading
- Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat for the most durable, even finish
- Common mistake: overworking a section after the paint has started to tack up -- this pulls up the partially dried paint and creates a rough, orange-peel-like texture