How to Prepare a Roller For Painting

Three Essential Steps to Prepare A Roller For Painting

A roller can be an indispensable tool for any painter. Used correctly, they provide a smooth, even finish while allowing you to work quickly with few pauses to reload paint.

Step One: De-Fuzz Your New Roller

You should always start by de-fuzzing your new roller nap. For this, you’ll need a 5-in-1 tool. Quickly scrape the curved blade on the 5-in-1 tool along the length of the roller nap, on all sides, until the roller stops shedding. Taking a few extra minutes to do this will keep your finish smooth because it removes loose fibers that would otherwise have caused your paint to clump.

Step Two: Dampen the Roller for Even Absorption

Next, lightly dampen the roller nap, scraping off excess water with the 5-in-1 tool. This will help your paint to absorb more evenly into the roller.

Step Three: Correctly Load The Roller

Lastly, it is important to load the roller correctly. To do this, roll down the roller grate or pan into the paint, do not dip the roller directly into the paint and roll upward to remove the excess. Continue this motion with short, even strokes until the roller is evenly loaded. This will allow for easier cleanup and will help you achieve a much more uniform coat of paint. Go try it!