If there is a very noticeable amount of air bubbles during application, try slowing down application speed. Follow label and data page directions for the appropriate applicator. Determine the correct roller cover type or nap based on the coating being applied and the surface to be coated.
Air bubbles will appear on the surface when working with a foam roller. This is a natural process. It is the air within the foam that is being transmitted onto your surface. Allow for air bubbles to dry naturally (no breeze or wind within the room) and it will vanish completely once dry.
Apply the paint correctly: Avoid over-stirring the paint vigorously, as this can introduce air bubbles. Instead, stir gently to mix the paint thoroughly.
Using the wrong type of roller can cause foaming of a paint film. Sponge or foam rollers should be avoided with water-based paints. Long pile rollers must be wetted out properly. Foaming happens when air gets into the wet paint film to create air bubbles.
Never roll over bony prominences – bones can be mistaken for adhesions but repeated rolling could result in inflammation of the periosteum. Avoid rolling over joints – rolling joints can cause inflammation of the tendons and ligaments around the articulation. Also, avoid hyperextension of unsupported joints.
To put it simply, yes, it is possible to foam roll too much. Overdoing foam rolling can do more harm than good to the tissue connecting your muscles. You should only do it for up to 20 minutes. As mentioned, 60-90 seconds is suitable for most muscle groups.
Potential cons of foam rolling
Of note is the fact that foam rolling doesn't penetrate as deep into the tissue as a true massage or a myofascial release session with a professional.
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.
High density foam rollers are trade quality and have the same qualities as the low density foam but are more durable and are popular with trade. Most of our trade customers avoid foam for solvent based paints but this option can be useful on occasion and for water based glosses etc.
If there is a very noticeable amount of air bubbles during application, try slowing down application speed. Follow label and data page directions for the appropriate applicator. Determine the correct roller cover type or nap based on the coating being applied and the surface to be coated.
Bruising: Overzealous or prolonged foam rolling can cause bruising, especially on sensitive or thinly-muscled areas. Over-irritation: Excessive rolling might irritate the muscles and fascia, potentially leading to inflammation.
Dealing with minor paint bubbles
Apply a thin coat of smoothing paint to even out the surface. Apply a primer before coating with another layer of paint. If you are applying a glossy or satin paint, you will have to repaint the entire surface as any patched-up areas will be clearly visible.
In fact, you can do more harm than good if you start rolling your lower back area. “When you think of typical foam rolling, like rolling out the calves or quads, you move up and down over that tight muscle,” says Danielle Weis, PT, a physical therapist at Spring Forward Physical Therapy.
Foam roll each muscle group for about one minute, making sure not to exceed two minutes on a particular muscle group. As you're foam rolling, make sure the muscle you're targeting is extended and in a stretch. Your pace while foam rolling matters less than making sure you're rolling through the entire muscle.
Common Foam Rolling Mistakes to Avoid
The following are common foam rolling mistakes that can lead to bruising, injury, and decreased effectiveness: Rolling too fast. Rolling over the same spot for more than 90 seconds. Bearing down, instead of letting your body weight do the work.
Yes, you can. If you overdo foam rolling on a specific area, it can leave you in more pain, and increase injuries. We recommend that you limit foam rolling to 2 minutes per muscle group and make sure to stretch for 10 seconds between each roll. Setting a timer can help you keep your timings to the recommended limit.
When googling “foam rolling”, we're coming across the following definition: Foam rolling is the application of pressure to eliminate scar-tissue and soft-tissue adhesion by freeing up your fascia. The good news is fascia and trigger points can be released.
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.