How Not to Get Lines When Using a Looped Roller With Textured Paint

Zigzag Motion

• Use a zigzag painting method when you apply textured paint to a flat wall surface. Apply textured paint in a motion that resembles the letter W or the letter M. This zigzag motion helps spread textured paint without leaving unattractive lines and fat edges behind. The zigzag application method dispenses textured paint evenly from the looped roller each time it rolls across the wall’s surface. Repeat the process until the area is completely covered.

Nap Only

• Dip only the looped roller brush’s nap in the paint tray or paint bucket each time you apply the paint. Since a looped roller brush is constructed with small circular fibers, you want paint to soak into the individual loops without dripping and running off the brush’s edge. Excess paint smears, streaks and clumps, leaving lines and edge marks on the wall. Avoid submerging the entire roller brush in the paint.

Quick Application

• Work quickly so that you never apply wet paint to dry paint. According to Family Handyman, one of the biggest problems with roller-brush paint application is painting too slowly. Each time you get more paint on your looped roller, quickly apply the paint so that the new application intermixes with the previous application. This is especially important with textured paint, since it is thick and contains a minimal amount of water. Spreading the paint evenly while it is still wet avoids unwanted lines between roller-brush strokes.

Paint Volume

• Apply the proper amount of paint to your wall surface. Too much or too little paint results in paint lines, paint creases and visual flaws. Textured surfaces require a thick application to avoid bare patchy spots that show through newly painted surfaces. Make sure the nap on your looped roller is completely covered on all sides each time you apply paint to the wall. Applying light pressure when you paint ensures that the textured paint is effectively adhering to the wall. Avoid accumulating excess paint on the looped roller’s edge that can create lines and fat edges.