5 Insider Secrets to Using a Paint Roller

Here are a few tips to consider the next time you're using the paint roller.

1. Double-use your paint tray.

Before you start, covering your painting tray with a plastic trash bag or grocery bag is the first thing to do. Tape the bag securely in place. Then, you can use the tray in the same way you would normally do. This will allow for easy cleanup and simply letting any remnants of paint dry after which you can take the bag out and discard it. In addition, you'll get double (or triple) use from one paint tray.

2. De-fuzz your roller.

Remove any loose dust off your cover prior to your start, or give it a clean-up using painter's tape to prevent any loose dust from getting stuck to the paint. Alternatively, you can give the cover a thorough wash in plain water using liquid soap and wash it thoroughly.

3. Make sure you have enough paint.

Painting shouldn't be a hassle. When it comes to putting paint on the roller, you'll need to search to find the ideal balance of not too much and certainly not too excessive (you don't want it to drip). The paint should be sufficient enough to cover the roller in a uniform manner to make it appear wet. Think "ample."

4. Learn the art of spinning the roller.

The key to getting an even coating of your roll: Spin it.

Here's how:

• At first, pour a large quantity of the paint into the "well" of the paint tray.
• Then, you can dip your roller in the color, and then roll it a little, making sure you get an adequate amount of paint.
• Move the roller across the ridged and slanted area of the tray to the point that it turns. (But be cautious not to spill paint; this is why it is important not to overdo this on your paint.) Turn the roller 6 or 7 times to evenly distribute the paint on the roller.
• Paint the surface using straight swaths.
• When you've run through the paint you've used on your rolling, go back over the areas you've just painted, this time in straight lines, in order to smooth it out and get rid of any excess paint.
• Repeat.

5. Save your roller cover for later.

We went through the roller covers in a flurry as we painted, believing that we'd need an entirely new cover for every coat. This isn't the case, thanks to this tip. If you're taking breaks between coats, then wrap your cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the cover from drying. You can also cover your tray of paint using a paper towel, too. Alternatively, wrap the roller cover completely with plastic wrap or a bag.