5 Insider Secrets on Using a Paint Roller

Here are a few tips you can try next time you're using the paint roller.

1. Double-use your paint tray.

Before you start, put a covering on your painting tray using a plastic trash bag or grocery bag. Tape the bag to the tray with a strong adhesive. After that, you can use your tray just as you would normally. This makes it easy to clean up by simply letting dry any remnants of paint after which you can take the bag and dispose of it. Additionally, you'll get twice (or triple) use from one paint tray.

2. De-fuzz your roller.

Remove any loose dust from the cover of your roller before you begin. Give it a clean-up using painter's tape to stop any loose dust from getting stuck to the paint. Alternatively, you can give your cover a clean wash in plain water, using liquid soap, and wash it thoroughly.

3. Make sure you have plenty of paint.

It shouldn't be too difficult to paint. When it comes to putting the paint onto your rolling, you'll need to search to find the ideal middle ground: not too much but definitely not too many (you don't want it to drip). The paint should be sufficient to evenly cover the roller to make it appear wet. Think "ample."

4. Learn the art of spinning the roller.

The trick to getting an even coating for your rolling? Spin it.

Here's how:

• Pour a large quantity of the paint into the "well" of the paint tray.
• Then, take your roller and dip it into the paint and move it slightly, so you get an adequate amount.
• The roller should be pushed over the ridged, slanted portion of the tray to the point that it turns. Be mindful of splashes. This is why it's crucial to avoid putting too much paint. Turn the roller 6 or 7 times to evenly spread the paint over the roller.
• Apply the paint to your surface using straight swaths.
• When the roller has run dry, you should go over the areas you've painted, this time in straight lines, in order to smoothen it and eliminate any excess paint.
• Repeat.

5. Save your roller cover for later.

We usually went through the roller covers with furious speed when we were painting believing that we'd need another one after every coat. But not with this tip. When you're taking breaks between coats, you can wrap your roller cover in a moist paper towel to prevent the cover from drying. You can also cover your tray of paint using a paper towel, too. Alternatively, wrap the cover of your roller with plastic wrap or a bag.