I am about to tackle painting the living room walls in my new apartment. The existing paint job looks strange to me, as the color is inconsistent and there are light and dark hues, almost like the paint faded over time. That’s the best way to explain it, and I want to prevent my new fresh walls from looking that way.
Signed, Rolling It On
A: Dear Rolling,
It could have been that either the roller or application of the paint was to blame, and not actual fading of the paint (a quality issue). So here are a few tips in selecting the correct roller, as well as some painting techniques.
Rollers:
• When deciding on a roller, choose one with a heavy wire frame and a comfortable handle. Opt for one that is heavy and stiff, thus enabling you to work with constant pressure and get into corners without bending it. Choose a roller with a retainer clip (this will prevent your nap from taking a walk). Naps are sized according to function. Most walls are best served with a 3/8-inch nap.
• The biggest nap is necessary for jobs done on concrete and textured walls, because the larger the nap, the more paint it holds. It also enables you to get into and around those uneven crevices and bumps very efficiently.
Techniques:
• Begin by applying professional painter’s tape over the areas you want protected.
• You should paint with natural light as much as possible. This will provide you with the truest picture of how the paint will look. Another key to painting like a pro is to always use an adequate amount of paint, so don’t hesitate to load it on. This actually lets the paint (rather than you) do all the work.
• The best approach is to do one workable section (a 3-4 foot span) at a time. Tape it off from the ceiling, roll the paint on and move to the next section. For flawless blending, always remember to lighten your stroke as you head toward the completion of each section.
• The most common mistake people make is that they apply the paint in a long up-and-down motion. This creates “holidays,” or an uneven distribution of paint. This is because there is a heavy concentration at the top that fades more and more, the farther down you go. The most practical approach and the one that guarantees even distribution of the paint is to direct your roller — left to right — in a series of “W” movements. As final coverage assurance, go over the same space once again, but this time with horizontal strokes.
• The trim is done last — windows and doors — then base molding.
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.