Back Rolling: Your secret weapon

by Mike Miller
(California)

One of the most effective and lesser-known tricks that the professional painter uses is called back rolling. Back rolling is the act of using a roller to spread paint across a surface immediately after spraying. Back rolling pushes paint into cracks and wood grain, dramatically improving the finished look of the paint job.

The technique is effective when painting overhangs and exterior walls. When painting stucco, it is absolutely necessary, as the rough texture of the stucco prevents proper coverage by spraying alone. When back rolling stucco, the bigger the nap (thickness of the roller) the better (say 2" lambs wool roller cover). For backing rolling wooden surfaces, a half or quarter inch nap will suffice.

Back rolling is most effective when two people are working together. This ensures that the paint is still wet when it is being rolled. One person sprays, while another back rolls. The primary job of the person back rolling, aside from rolling, is to make sure the person spraying applies a sufficient amount of paint. If you do not have a roller pole and do not want to buy one, try attaching your roller to a push broom pole.

I hope this tip was useful and helps you produce a beautiful and professional finish on your home. This and many more secrets that the painting pros use can be found in the DIY Instructional DVD at www.Paintyourhouseandsave.com