Painting Walls

[junediamanti]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "Jen Reese" <stevejjen at e...> 
wrote:
> It took a month, but I finally finished painting my bathroom--I'm 
> very thorough, OK? (It couldn't be all the time I spend on HPFGU 
> <g>). 
> 
> So here's my question: What's the secret for a smooth finish when 
you 
> use a paint roller? I always end up with streaks, drips, etc. Is it 
> the quality of paint, type of roller, technique? You can always 
tell 
> where I start a new section. :(
> 
> I would love to hear any tips, painting stories, etc.  Jen

the curse of Yahoo has crossed the Atlantic.  Have replied to this 
but Yahoo ate my post.

Here goes again.

Use a cardboard box - a large one - flatten it out and before rolling 
paint onto the wall, work the roller on the cardboard. This will 
ensure paint is evenly distributed on the roller before you touch the 
wall.  This tip was from a professional.

Less is more - don't overload the roller with paint.  Use the best 
paint you can afford - "trade" varieties tend only to work well on 
new plaster.  Do not believe the boasts of any brand that claims to 
be able to cover walls in one coat only.  Again this only tends to 
work on new plaster.

Work quickly and use roller strokes in different directions to avoid 
lining and streaking.  Ideally one coat should be completed in one 
session.  Several thin coats is better than few thick ones.

If the plaster surface to be coated is poor, consider applying plain 
lining paper to the wall before painting.  A professional did my 
staircase this way and it looks great.  (Have contacts - not wealth!)

June