Natural fiber roller covers made with mohair or a blend of polyester and lamb's wool are usually recommended for oil-based paints, varnishes and stains. Synthetic fiber roller covers, on the other hand, are most often recommended for applying latex paints.
Paints and primers with glossier sheens, like enamels, are most compatible with woven roller covers that shed less lint and deliver smoother finishes. Oil- or water-based paints are best applied using knit roller covers, since they have a more “open” fabric construction to pick up and release greater amounts of paint.
Use the same type of brush you would use for an oil based paint. Any good natural bristle brush is fine and will tend to do a better job than a synthetic bristle brush.
Foam roller covers work well with oil or high-gloss latex paints, particularly on porous surfaces such as bare wood. They may not last as long as other types of rollers. Roller covers made of versatile blends such as natural wool and polyester are effective for multiple uses and different kinds of paint.
Starting at the top of the cabinet, brush on the primer across the grain, then “tip-off”—pass the brush lightly over the wet finish in the direction of the grain. Always tip-off in a single stroke from one end to the other. Make sure to follow the underlying structure of the cabinet or door with the brush.
Foam brushes are usually of poly construction, and are commonly safe for most one-part paints, primers, and varnishes.
Natural bristle paintbrushes work best with oil-based paints and finishes because the bristles don't absorb oils and lose their shape the way that they do with water. They also tend to hold a greater quantity of material so you don't have to dip your brush as often as you do with synthetic bristles.
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.
Although each surface and base color will be different, it's a safe bet that two coats of primer will achieve any priming goals you have.
Most acrylic and oil-based primers will accept both acrylic and oil-based top coats. For example, acrylic paints can be used over oil-based primers. If your project surface has an existing oil-based top coat and you would like to repaint it, either use another oil-based top coat, or the appropriate bonding primer.
Under optimal conditions, these BEHR® primers listed below are ready for topcoat after one hour. Once completely dry, apply one to two coats of the desired BEHR water-based topcoat. Allow two hours of dry time in between coats.
You can use turpentine, white spirit or paint thinners to thin down oil-based paints for use in a spray gun. The best ratio for oil-based paints is 3/1. That's three parts paint and one part thinners.
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.
Water based primer is usually used for walls and ceilings where there is new work and preparation is required, and oil based primer is primarily used for doors, windows, metal or woodwork. Enamel is hardier so surfaces that require heavy traffic or exposure to the elements are usually painted in enamel.
Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, oil stains and oil-based polyurethanes. The highest quality bristles come from mainland China. Experienced, traditional painters will say there's nothing like the finish that a China bristle can provide for oil-based coatings.
Yes, just as you would with a paint brush. Natural fiber roller covers made with mohair or a blend of polyester and lamb's wool are usually recommended for oil-based paints, varnishes and stains. Synthetic fiber roller covers, on the other hand, are most often recommended for applying latex paints.
Mixed roller sleeves use a combination of synthetic and natural materials. They are best used with oil-based paints, such as gloss. Natural roller sleeves can be made of materials such as lamb's wool and mohair. They are suitable for use with any type of paint.
Most rollers are compatible with oil- and water-based products. This information is usually listed on the packaging, so make sure to check for it when selecting an applicator. Regardless of how you choose to apply the coating, the quality of the applicator makes a big difference.
Black china brushes are a bit stiffer and better suited for textured surfaces using primers, oil base paints, and enamels. These brushes are stiffer, which helps when trying to cut a straight line, and have thicker hair which helps hold more paint on the brush longer.
Opt for Purdy's White Bristle brushes to provide an extremely smooth finish and top-of-the-line results onen woodwork, furniture, or marine surfaces. White Bristle Brushes are designed for use with oil-based paints, stains, and clears.
Shellac-Based Primers: Shellac-based primers are known for their superior adhesion, which makes them an excellent option for surfaces that are challenging to paint, such as lacquered or oil-based finishes.
The most important thing you can do to get a smooth wood finish is to start with a good sanding job. Unless my wood is already sanded, I start with 80 grit to knock down the rough spots. I then move up to 120, then 220 and 320. The 320 grit sandpaper is where the magic happens!
Take Your Time Sanding
Use 120-grit sandpaper on the orbital sander (or by hand). Take your time working over all of the surfaces of the cabinets. As you work, try to gently create a roundover edge on new cabinet doors. This takes a steady, light touch.