Rolling Vs. Brushing High-Gloss Paint Onto a Wall

When Brushes are Best

• Brushes work well for detailed areas such as corners and crevices. Although this doesn't consist of the majority of a wall, brushes are important in applying wall paint near cornices, molding and baseboards. For high-gloss paint, brushes with natural bristles work best to achieve a smooth and flowing application of the oil-based paint. Detail brushes with rounded edges work well for a smooth finish in corners and tiny areas.

When to Use Rollers

• Rollers are typically used for the majority of wall painting, except for detailing and edges. Although nylon and polyester roller covers work well for latex paints, high-gloss application goes best with covers made from natural fibers, like the brushes. Wool and mohair are common materials used. However, if you paint often and want to keep the roller for other projects requiring non-oil based paints, blended covers are made from synthetic and natural fibers, so they're a compromise between use for high-gloss painting and versatility. Mohair offers the smoothest high-gloss application because it picks up and applies the most paint at once.

Practicality

• Brushes and rollers are both practical if used for the proper purpose. Most 9-inch rollers work much better for painting large walls evenly in a short amount of time than a brush. Brushes require hunching, crouching, reaching and up-close application, while rollers allow you to apply in sweeping motions. However, even smaller rollers designed for trim and details may not get as much coverage as a brush the same size. You also have more control over a brush.

Technique

• A quality high-gloss wall depends largely on a painter's technique, whether she uses a brush or roller. High gloss requires a light and controlled hand so no brush or roller marks appear. The painter must be careful to apply even pressure throughout the process so one area doesn't seem more saturated than another. Proper sanding and priming are also necessary, and each layer must be allowed to dry completely before moving on.