Paint Rollers - Cut Any Room Down To Size

When you stare at a wall in a big room, armed only with a paint brush, you probably feel seriously overwhelmed. Luckily, there is a tool that makes the task much less terrifying - the versatile, amazing paint roller. Paint rollers allow people to drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to paint a large, flat surface, like a wall with few windows or a ceiling.

Most people don't realize that there are any options beside the cheap DIY grade paint roller handles that can be found in almost any big box store. They apply paint to the wall just fine, especially if the DIYer springs for the nicer roller covers. However, cutting in around windows and getting paint into corners is just plain impossible with these rollers. Still there are ways around this problem. You can cut in with a brush first and then go back and roll the rest of the walls.

Recently, I discovered a trick the pros use - a professional paint roller. Those little plastic end caps that keep the rollers from getting into the corners are missing on these rollers. That means that you need to do less cutting in and you can avoid using the brush to paint corners all together. However, you'll still need to paint the area where the wall connects to the ceiling and crevices that are too tight for the roller to get into by hand. If your baseboard trim is already installed, you may also want to cut in around the baseboard with a brush, too.

When you shop for a paint roller handle and covers, you should start by thinking about the job you are buying them for. The traditional short roller is fine for normal walls. If you are doing a cathedral ceiling, though, you may want to look for a rod extension. This extension screws into the handle and makes it much easier to reach higher spots.

Next, think about the texture on the walls. There are covers that work better with different wall surfaces. For instance, popcorn finishes need a roller that can handle that rough, uneven surface without falling apart and there are special roller covers for this type of wall.

You can also find covers that create a pattern. These covers make certain faux painting techniques much easier, since rolling is so much quicker than stenciling or freehand painting a design.

About Author:
Niall Roche - Painting a huge wall in any home can be a scary task. Painting rollers make that scary task a thing of the past. Click on over to PaintSplashes.com for more interior painting tips and ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

WallDreams Paint Ideas!

Paint Rollers and Covers 101
Cheapie covers are made with a cardboard roll inside and usually spatter paint profusely, while quality covers have a plastic roll.
A paint roller is the frame and handle that holds the roller cover. The most common size is the 9" and quality rollers are worth their investment. Some will easily release the cover by tapping the frame which is quite convenient.
3" to 4" trim roller - good for narrow areas.
Nap or pile - the length of fiber on the cover.
Synthetic covers - oil-base paint and primers.
Lamb's wool covers - water-base paint and primers.
Mohair covers - smooth surfaces, oil-base enamels, all paint types, varnish.
1/8" to 1/4" Short Nap: very smooth surfaces, enamels, gloss
3/8" to 1/2" Medium Nap: semi rough surfaces, latex, flat paints
3/4" to 1-1/4" Long Nap: rough surfaces, stucco, brick, block

Specialty roller covers:
Stippling - unique marking of paint and textured paint
Foam - smooth and textured available.
Fabric - good for rag rolling faux technique.
Stenciled - foam or rubber patterns, double roller available for blending two colors at once.

Roller cover prep - before using, roll the cover across tape to remove loose fibers.

Til we paint again,
Donna of WallDreams