Professional home painting services can tell you that, generally speaking, rollers provide smoother, more even results with less effort than brushes. This makes sense, considering the size, capacity, and mechanics of rollers allow for more coverage with fewer strokes.
Professional painters typically use both brushes and rollers when painting. Brushes are used to apply paint in tight spaces or areas with intricate details, while rollers are used for larger surfaces like walls and ceilings.
You absolutely want to use a brush for most exterior surfaces, and definitely the siding and trim. The only time to ever use a roller is on a large flat surface (think drywall, or plywood paneling) -- in the image you provided I might use a roller for the white soffit, but that's it and only if it's a large house.
Cons. For a painting project such as a mural, abstract design, or small detail work, a paint roller is not the right tool. While rollers can come in different sizes, they are not as precise as a small brush. Since rollers are similar to a sponge, they tend to soak up a lot of paint.
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.
Paint rollers are designed to efficiently paint large flat surfaces, such as walls and ceilings. A paint roller can hold more paint than a paint brush and will distribute an even layer of paint quicker. Similarly to paint brushes, paint rollers also differ in sizes, styles and material.
The porous surface of the roller holds much more paint than a brush and distributes an even layer of paint much faster. Different finishes can be achieved with different rollers: Rollers with a smooth surface will produce a smooth finish.
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.
Cut in the wall at the ceiling corners from left to right if you are right-handed. If left-handed, do the opposite. This way you'll be able to see how well the paint is flowing. Pressing the brush against the wall with just enough pressure to flex the bristles, use the narrow edge of the paint brush when cutting in.
A quality roller will leave a smooth finish with no fibre residue and can complete your project faster. But keep in mind, you still need to cut in around the ceilings, floors and hard to reach areas that a roller cover can't reach. That's where brushes can be your best friend.
Some professionals recommend using paint pads instead of rollers for smooth surfaces. Because there is no rolling action, there is less paint splatter, and the regular shape of the pad means you can paint into corners and edges, so there is less cutting in to be done.
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.
The type of surface:
Paint rollers can sometimes be best for smoother surfaces, while paintbrushes can work well on both smooth and textured surfaces.
Is it better to paint trim with a roller or brush? Brushing is generally the best option for most trim.
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.
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.
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.
Soften dried-on paint with hot soapy water, just make sure to work quickly. Never soak or let the water seep into the base of the filaments, into the ferrule. After the dried paint has softened, work the soap through the brush bristles and follow with a clear water rinse. Repeat the process if necessary.
Method to prevent roller marks
One is to make sure the paint is mixed well before using it. Another is to use a high-quality roller cover and make sure it's in good condition. 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.
Key Takeaways: Cut-in and painting on the same day are recommended for the best results. Wait for the trim to dry completely before painting to avoid an uneven finish.
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.
Simply put, brushes are perfect for minor (but nonetheless crucial) painting tasks like cutting in edges, touching up coats, and covering small, thin, and/or angled surfaces (i.e. trim, moldings, frames, outlets), while rollers are designed to efficiently cover large, open, uninterrupted areas (walls, floors, ceilings, ...