How to Fix Paint Roller Marks After Drying

Sand any areas of the painted surface that are not perfectly smooth with 120-grit sandpaper. If there are bubbles or ridges in or around the roller marks, sand them away until the surface is flat.

Wipe sanding dust off the wall with a clean, dry cloth.

Apply primer to the wall if you originally painted over flat paint. If you painted over flat paint, the roller marks left behind are not necessarily the result of improper painting. Flat paint has a tendency to soak up any paint that is applied over it, making roller marks and brush strokes more noticeable. Applying primer prevents this from occurring. If you did not paint over flat paint, primer is not necessary and you can skip this step.

Place a drop cloth to protect the floor. Tape off the ceiling, baseboards and windows with painter's tape. Set a paint screen in a five-gallon bucket. Mix the paint well and pour it into the bucket.

Wrap masking tape around the lambswool/polyester roller sleeve. The tape will pick up loose fibers on the sleeve, preventing them from coming off on the wall while you paint. Peel off the tape. Repeat a few times. It is only necessary to do this the first time you use a new lambswool/polyester sleeve.

Slide the sleeve onto the paint roller. While more expensive than synthetic roller sleeves, the lambswool/polyester blend ensures that the new coat of paint goes on smoothly and thickly, reducing roller marks.

Dip the paint roller into the paint until the roller is completely saturated. Run the roller against the paint screen to remove excess paint. Remove the roller when it is full of paint but not dripping.

Apply a thick coat of paint to the walls using long, steady strokes. A thick coat of paint is necessary to cover up previous roller marks. Do not apply hard pressure while painting, as doing so will mat the roller. A matted roller can leave marks on the walls. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Examine the wall. If the roller marks are completely gone, remove the painter's tape. If not, allow the paint to dry and apply a third coat.