How to avoid roller marks when painting cabinets?

Author: Ms. Concepcion Gleason Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, June 9, 2025

Avoiding roller marks is easier than preventing brush marks–just add enough paint to the roller and overlap each stroke of the roller whenever possible. Once you've applied the first coat, check your work thoroughly for any paint drips and brush marks and rectify them before the paint dries.

How to paint with roller without leaving marks?

Avoid Roller Marks When Painting Walls by using a paint extender like Floetrol or M1. This product will slow down the drying time and stop the pant from stippling and creating roller marks when painting your home.

How to get rid of roller marks on cabinets?

Sanding and Cleaning: Sand the surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any previous imperfections like roller stipple, brush marks, or bumps. Sanding will also de-gloss the surface, improving paint adhesion.

How do you get the smoothest finish when painting cabinets?

It is important to sand down the top layer of protective finish, if you are painting existing kitchen cabinets, or to use a degreaser. I use 120-grit sandpaper to level out any imperfections in my cabinets, then finish with 220 grit for a smooth surface. Vacuum and wipe down any debris with a tack cloth.

Will a second coat of paint cover roller marks?

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. However, you need to apply the paints with the proper technique for this to work.

How To Paint With a Roller to Avoid Roller Marks and Streaks - One Coat Tips

Why can I still see roller marks after painting?

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.

How to correct roller marks?

How To Fix Roller Marks or Excessive Stipple in Paint
  1. Make sure the paint is completely dry. Once it has dried, take a smooth piece of sandpaper and sand* paint down slightly until the surface is smooth.
  2. Repaint the surface and maintain a wet edge on your roller at all times.

What do professional painters use to paint cabinets?

We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).

Is it better to roll or brush paint cabinets?

Using a brush for cabinet painting ensures that you will get a smooth, even finish on your cabinets. A brush can also help get into all the nooks and crannies of your cabinets, which a roller might miss.

Should you paint cabinets flat or gloss?

There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean. No matter the types of paint you choose, prepping is an important step in the process.

How to avoid streaks when painting cabinets?

When painting larger cabinet surfaces like doors and drawer fronts, it's essential to maintain a “wet edge.” This means overlapping your brush strokes slightly while the paint is still wet. This technique helps to blend the brush marks and achieve a smoother finish.

What paint roller gives the smoothest finish on cabinets?

For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.

Is the first coat of paint always patchy?

DIY beginners sometimes assume that one coat of wall paint will do – and end up with patchy or thin paintwork. Usually, you'll have to apply at least two coats of paint to achieve a smooth, even finish. Applying multiple coats also helps build up the paint so it's more durable, and less prone to chipping.

What is a common mistake when painting with a roller?

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.

How do I get a smooth finish with a roller?

Smooth Out the Paint

After applying the paint, look out for any imperfections. In case there are any, use a dry roller to smooth them away. Roll over the part of the surface very lightly to achieve total coverage. This will blend the paint and do away with any kind of lines.

Are two coats of paint enough?

Weathered Surfaces: If the existing paint is weathered, faded, or peeling, applying two coats is generally recommended to ensure proper coverage, adhesion, and protection against moisture and UV damage.

How to paint cabinets like a pro?

Instructions
  1. Choose your color: ...
  2. Clean your cabinets: ...
  3. Take off doors and drawers: ...
  4. Remove any hardware: ...
  5. Protect contact areas: ...
  6. Scuff any wood to be painted: ...
  7. Prime the cabinets: ...
  8. Start painting:

Should you apply primer with a roller?

Applying primer first is the best way to ensure a perfect finish later. Just as it does with makeup and on cars, primer creates a smooth base that promotes better adhesion and truer color from your topcoat paint. Pro-tip: Apply primer using a brush first to “cut in" around edges, then use a roller to fill in.

What is the best paint brush for smooth finish on cabinets?

A nylon 2.5” angled brush is the professional choice for a smooth, even finish.

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color for 2024?

The Newest 2024 Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends
  1. Stained Cabinetry. “Stained cabinetry is definitely having a moment right now,” says Cheyenne Ely, owner and principal designer at Cheyenne Paige Interiors in The Woodlands, Texas. ...
  2. Moody Green. ...
  3. Warm Neutrals.

What paint does Joanna Gaines use on cabinets?

MAGNOLIA HOME BY JOANNA GAINES® TRIM, DOOR + CABINETRY INTERIOR SEMI-GLOSS PAINT 4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value.

Which is better for cabinets, satin or semi-gloss?

Durability: Satin: While satin paint is durable, it's not as tough as semi-gloss. It can still withstand normal wear and tear, but it might show scratches and scuffs more easily. Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss paint is more durable due to its higher sheen.

How do you prevent roller marks?

Method to prevent roller marks

When rolling the paint on, start at the top and work your way down. Apply even pressure and avoid going over the same area multiple times. If you do see any roller marks, try using a brush to smooth them out.

Will a second coat of paint cover brush marks?

Brush marks are caused by strokes that leave the paint with a rough texture and visible brush strokes. The rough texture and visible brush strokes can be easily covered in a second coat of paint by using a slightly different technique than you used for your first coat.

Why does my roller paint look patchy?

If your roller runs dry, you'll find yourself with uneven patches, leaving your walls looking inconsistent. Also resist the urge to rework wet paint and trust the process… it will look patchy whilst drying! Another common culprit in achieving a patchy effect is not maintaining a wet edge whist cutting in.

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