1. Roll paint along the edges for consistent texture
Brush along the edges, then immediately roll it out before it dries. This will ensure consistent texture.
2. Prime and texture wall patches to avoid a blotchy appearance
The color is uniform, but the sheen isn't consistent. This usually occurs over the holes and cracks you patched with a filler or drywall compound. Prime with a roller, feathering out the edges. Choose a nap thickness to match the surrounding wall texture
3. Cut the tape before pulling it
Let the paint dry, then cut the tape loose for a perfect edge. Once paint is dry, you can't just pull the tape off the trim. Paint forms a film between the wall and the tape, and removing the tape tears pieces of dried paint off the wall. So before pulling off the tape, cut it loose.
4. To avoid lap marks, roll the full height of the wall
To avoid lap marks, roll the full height of the wall and keep a wet edge. The key is to maintain a “wet edge,” so each stroke of your roller overlaps the previous stroke before the paint can begin to dry.
5. Feather out the paint where you can't keep a wet edge.
You can't cover large areas like ceilings, extra-tall walls or stairwells in single, continuous strokes, so the best way to minimize lap marks on these areas is to feather out the paint along the edges that you can't keep wet.
6. Use cotton drop clothes rather than plastic
The thick canvas stays in place, so you don't need to tape it, and you can use it to cover any surface
7. Sand trim between coats for an extra smooth finish
One coat of paint usually won't hide the underlying color and sheen on trim. And if you don't sand the surface smooth between coats, the finish may have a grainy texture. For a smooth finish, sand the trim before applying each coat of paint.
8. Mix cans of paint for consistent color
Mix paint from several cans to assure even color on your walls. For large jobs, use the bucket and a roller screen rather than a roller tray. It's much faster to load your roller with the screen than to use a roller pan. Simply dunk it into the paint bucket, then roll it along the screen until it stops dripping.
9. Clean dirty surfaces so the paint can form a strong bond
Paint doesn't adhere well to skin oils. Clean areas that hands often touch.
10. Paint the trim first, then the ceilings and walls
Once the trim is completely painted and dry, tape it off, then paint the ceiling, then the walls. It's quicker that way.
Courtesy of The Family Handyman
