Paint Roller Marks - Causes & Solutions
Paint roller marks are among the greatest sources of frustration for do-it-yourself painters. Amateur painters can spend hours covering such marks with fresh coats of paint, only to find the new coat reproducing the same marks. These marks typically result from one or both of two causes: poor-quality paint rollers or incorrect technique in applying new paint. Fortunately, solving these problems is relatively simple.
Causes of paint roller marks
Most often, paint roller marks are the result of poor quality roller heads. As pressure is applied to roller head against the surface, the paint on the roller is squeezed and pushed to the edges of the roller head where it collects and thickens. At the same time, the bristles on poor quality roller heads tend to loosen and gather at the edges of the roller. When excess paint gathers with loosened bristles at the edge of the roller head, streaks and marks generally result. Roller marks also result from uneven pressure upon the roller head. It is common for amateur painters to "push" paint into corners and uneven surfaces by 'digging in" with one side of the roller. This uneven pressure applies excessive paint and can leave roller marks.
Solutions for paint roller marks
The most important solution for paint roller marks is to use high quality roller heads. Even with such heads, however, some bristles inevitably loosen and gather at the edges. It is therefore helpful to clean the roller head periodically by scraping the head surface with a comb or brush and removing the loosened bristles. Uneven pressure in applying paint is more easily remedied. Work paint into corners or uneven surfaces with multiple, even coats rather than trying to push paint into crevices. If the paint coat dries with roller marks in it, a second coat generally covers the underlying marks (not reproducing the same marks in the second coat is trickier and depends on solving the cause of the marks.) Where marks are too thick, sanding and re-preparation of the surface may be necessary.
Paint roller marks are a common source of frustration but also remedied with relative ease. Paying a little more for quality tools and applying even pressure upon the roller solves most roller-marks problems.
Primers and Finishes
Priming is essential for better adhesion, sheen uniformity, mildew control and durability.
Select a top quality interior paint in the color and sheen of your choice.
Substrates, Primers
Substrate: Various
Primer: Sand First
Finish Coats: 550 Super Latex Interior Flat Wall Paint
1610 Sat-N-Sheen Int. Low Sheen Finish
1650 Acry-Plex Interior Latex Semi-Gloss
1685 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Semi-Gloss Acrylic En.
1680 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Gloss Acrylic En.
