The two best paint rollers for a smooth finish is a High Density Foam Roller with a Rounded Edge and a Lint Free Low Nap Roller, but I will say that even though both of these are good rollers one wins the prize for the smoothest finish.
Do not over fill your roller. Wet it in the bottom of the tray. Do not submerge it to a depth greater than the nap. Then roll it out on the upper ridged surface. Roll out the paint smoothly and slowly. Avoid quick motions that will fling paint off the roller by centrifugal force.
Yes, best to wet roller and brushes, shaking off excess water before using. Reason for this is two-fold. One, brushes and rollers are much easier to clean afterwards. Also paint flows much more even, and smoothly wetting or soaking them down first.
Not Fully Loading the Roller
The roller needs to be fully loaded with paint to the core, otherwise you'll get air bubbles on your wall, resulting in “paint acne.” To avoid this mistake, roll back and forth on the roller tray until all bubbles are gone and the roller feels heavy.
Usually, it's because you either didn't attach the cover to the roller frame correctly, you're applying too much pressure to the rollers, or there might be too much paint on the roller.
Also, a second coat of paint helps remove roller marks by allowing you to feather out some of the unevenness in the finish. You can do this by overlapping the uneven areas to create a more uniform finish.
Use enough pressure on the surface to ensure control of your painted line, but don't press hard. The bristles should flex slightly as you paint. TIP: Work in strokes twelve inches or longer.
One of the most popular types of wall paint, eggshell finish provides a low sheen and a soft, smooth finish just like a true eggshell. Perfect for low- to mid-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, entryways and family rooms.
There are a few ways to fix paint brush strokes. You can use a thinner to make the paint flow more smoothly. Use a liner brush and clean up the edges of your stroke. Also, you can use a dry brush or another type of brush with a smaller tip to blend in your strokes.
Primer is your base; without a smooth base, you won't have a smooth paint finish. Apply a layer of primer, let it dry, and then sand it down using 220-grit sandpaper or fine sanding sponges. Keep sanding it down until the layer generates dust. Don't overdo this process, or you will have to reapply a layer of primer.
White China—These natural bristle brushes are best used with oil-based paints, especially enamels and varnishes. Ideal for woodwork, enamels, or marine applications, White China bristles virtually eliminate brush marks.
Quality 12mm nap rollers will apply an even paint film to your walls and ceilings and give you a great finish, without splattering paint all over you and the floor. Professional painters actually use 20mm nap rollers on ceilings, and 12mm nap rollers on walls.
The process involves using a wet ultra-fine sanding sponge or paper over the surface of the paint, removing any imperfections and leaving a silky-smooth, even finish. And it's really easy!
This happens when the paint coating fails to dry to a smooth film. You might be seeing unsightly brush and roller marks, or other unintentional textured patterns left in the paint by the roller.
When you're waiting to apply your second coat, leaving paint on your brush or roller can cause them to dry out and become unusable. Save time washing them out – instead, wrap up your tools in aluminium foil between coats. This will keep the paint on your brush and roller fresh for a long period of time.
Patchy paint can result if paint has been applied unevenly. Patchy paint can be down to a variation in surface absorption. Walls might appear patchy if they have variation in texture. Using paint that is not fully mixed can cause a patchy appearance.
Many painters “break in” a roller cover by priming it with water or thinner. In our lab we never prewet a cover before painting. If you choose to, you must spin it out with five or six strong pumps so it is only lightly damp. Then take even more moisture out by blotting the cover with a paper towel.
Always cut in first then continue painting with a roller. Cut in and paint with a roller one wall at a time. If you cut in all areas first and then roll the entire room, the paint that was applied when cutting in will have dried quicker and you will be left with a patchy, uneven finish.
Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best. Smooth Surfaces - Use a white woven short nap roller for an ultra fine finish.
If you're painting a smooth surface, use a White China Bristle for a super-smooth finish. When painting a textured surface, a Black China Bristle will work best because it's slightly stiffer, more durable, and is excellent for high-productivity applications.