5 More Tips for Working with Paint

Recently we told you how to paint trim and furniture without getting everything dirty. Today we continue the topic and suggest how to properly work with a roller so your hands don't get tired and the paint applies evenly.

How to Keep the Tray Clean

Before you start, cover the tray with a plastic bag or food foil. After finishing the work, wait until the paint dries and remove the bag. Now it can be thrown away, and the tray can be reused several more times.

Decontaminate the Paint Roller

To begin, remove any excess from the furry roller attachment so nothing gets into the paint. You can use sticky tape or rinse the roller under water with a small amount of soap.

Make Your Work Easier

Have you ever noticed how your wrist aches after long painting sessions? The problem is that there's not enough paint on the roller. You have to exert great effort to evenly apply it to the wall—your hand starts to tire.

If the roller's fur is matte and dry, you need to add more paint. Just don't overdo it or the paint will drip onto the floor.

Apply Paint Evenly

How to make sure the paint spreads evenly on the roller and then on the wall? It's simple:

• Pour more paint into the tray;
• Dip the roller into the paint and roll it slightly to gather enough (you can refer back to the third point here);
• Quickly swipe the roller across the ribbed part of the tray (just don't splash paint): 6–7 rotations will be enough to distribute the paint evenly;
• Apply the paint to the surface with straight movements;
• When the paint on the roller runs out, go over the previously painted area to evenly distribute and remove excess;
• Repeat all steps again from the beginning.

Extend the Life of the Roller

Any paint should be applied in several layers. Between painting sessions, wrap the roller in a damp paper towel to prevent the fur from drying out. Or store it in a bag or plastic wrap. That way, the fur won't clump and will last longer.