Isabella Flores
Painting corners can be a tricky task, and while some people opt for paintbrushes, others explore the use of rollers. Non-beveled end rollers, for example, the Wooster Brush R281-9 Non-Beveled Super/Fab Roller, are said to work well for painting ceilings and getting into corners without much trouble. However, some people still prefer brushes for corners, as rollers might not provide the precision needed for certain corner-painting tasks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use case | Painting corners |
| Pros | Gets into all corners, good for creating a new cut line, no need to cut in with a brush, saves time, hassle-free, good finish |
| Cons | Not suitable for precision work, doesn't work well with different colours on each wall, doesn't work well with textured walls, may need to be cleaned correctly to work over and over |
| Tips | Use a 4" roller for corners, paint the edge of each wall, use a brush for precision work like cutting corners and painting trim |
| Alternatives | 9" Corner+ Microfiber Roller, Lambswool corner roller, brush |
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What You'll Learn
Using a non-beveled roller for inner corners
While rollers are ideal for large, flat surfaces and textured surfaces, you will still need a paintbrush for areas that demand precision, like inner corners. However, some people find that using a roller for inner corners is a faster and better alternative to a paintbrush.
If you are painting inner corners with a non-beveled roller, one technique is to paint the edge of each wall, rather than the corner itself. Load your roller and repeatedly drag out from the corner in a perpendicular direction, about 3-4 inches. Then, pull the roller parallel to and along the corner to even out your stroke marks and paint application.
Another technique is to roll one side with the end of the roller pressed to the other wall, then roll the other side with a small gap of about 1/8 inch from the wall. Finally, run your cutting brush lightly down the corner.
If you are painting vaulted ceilings, a corner roller can be useful, although they are mostly just used for primer.
For the best results, opt for a high-quality roller. Budget rollers tend to shed fibres and deteriorate with numerous washings. A quality roller may cost more, but it will last longer and provide more uses if maintained properly.
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Using a brush for inner corners
Painting corners can be a tricky task, and while some people opt for rollers, using a brush can give you more control and a smoother finish. Here are some tips for using a brush to paint inner corners:
Choose the Right Brush:
Using a high-quality brush designed for corners is essential. The Zibra Triangle Brush is specifically created for painting corners, trim, nooks, and crannies. Its triangular shape allows it to easily fit into corners, and its smooth bristle technology holds the right amount of paint, reducing the need for constant dipping.
Angled Brushes:
Angled brushes are ideal for getting into corners. You can fan out the angled tips to get a fine line of paint, and the angle makes it easier to manoeuvre into tight spaces. A 2-1/2-inch wide brush is suitable for most interior room painting, but a smaller brush is recommended for painting windows or small woodwork to increase accuracy.
Tapered Brushes:
Tapered brushes with angled bristles help uniformly unload the paint as you cut in. Remember to dip the brush into the paint and then tap (not wipe) each side to remove excess paint. Avoid 'pushing' the paint with the bristles to prevent leaving ridges.
Wiggle Technique:
A useful trick for painting corners is to wiggle the brush slightly. This helps release the paint into tight corners and fill in any missed areas. Just a little vibration is needed to achieve this effect.
Painting Technique:
When painting, focus on one wall at a time. Start by brushing the paint about 1/2 inch from the trim, and then make a second pass, cutting in all the way to the trim. To keep the brush steady, move your entire arm instead of just your elbow.
Dipping Technique:
Rather than dipping your brush directly into the paint can, use a dipping pail. Pour only about an inch of paint into the pail to prevent over-dipping, reduce weight, and make cleanup easier in case of spills.
Painter's Tape:
While painter's tape can be time-consuming and costly, it is useful for avoiding spattering on woodwork. Apply tape only to the tops of windows, doors, and the baseboard.
By following these tips and choosing the right brush, you can achieve a professional-looking finish when painting inner corners.
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Using a roller for vaulted ceilings
Painting a ceiling can be a messy job. It is recommended to put down drop cloths and wear a hat to avoid paint splatters in your hair. If you are painting an entire room, it is best to start with the ceiling before moving on to the walls. Use a sturdy step ladder as needed. For extremely high ceilings, such as vaulted ceilings, consider hiring a professional.
When painting a vaulted ceiling, it is best to brush from the floor, using extra-long roller extensions. Start at the highest point and work your way down. Use a paint roller extension pole to alleviate the strain and awkwardness of reaching above your head. You can also use a long-handled duster to clean hard-to-reach areas before painting.
Before applying the paint, use a paintbrush to "cut the corners" or paint the edges where the ceiling meets the wall. This will ensure that paint covers areas the roller might miss. For smooth ceilings, use a low-nap roller. For textured ceilings, use a roller with a thicker knap (the fibres covering the roller) that is made for textured surfaces.
When painting, work in grid-like sections of 3 to 5 square feet each. This helps keep edges wet and allows you to see your progress to ensure an even coat. Roll paint in overlapping rows to flatten out previous rows. Do not roll directly over your head. Slightly vary the direction of your rolling, as a perfectly straight roll may show overlap marks.
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Using a roller for textured surfaces
While some people have used non-beveled rollers to paint corners, reviews are mixed. Some people find that rollers leave streaks, drips, and bleed-through, especially in inner corners. However, rollers can be used to paint corners if you are only focusing on painting one side of the corner at a time.
When using a roller for textured surfaces, it is important to choose the correct roller cover for the desired results. For textured surfaces, a higher nap is required so that the long fibres can reach into the valleys of the texture. A higher nap will also provide better coverage on rough surfaces. For textured plaster or stucco, siding, decks, concrete block, brick, or corrugated metal, a nap of 3/4" to 1 1/2" is recommended.
To texture a wall using a roller, you can follow these steps:
- Prime the surface with flat white latex wall paint or drywall primer and let it cure for about two hours.
- Mix drywall compound with water in a 4:1 ratio to achieve the consistency of smooth cake batter.
- Use a paint roller to apply the texture product to the walls or ceiling, being careful to reach tight areas such as corners and edges with a paintbrush.
- Let the texture dry and test for dryness by pressing your thumb into the surface gently.
- For a bumpier, more rustic look, roll over the surface a second time.
- Alternatively, use a dry roller to pull up the partially dried material, creating a rougher texture.
Another technique for texturing walls with a roller is rag rolling, which uses old clothes or fabric as an improvised paint roller to create a thick, mottled, and rhythmic appearance. For time-sensitive texturing effects, have an assistant follow you with a drywall knife as you roll out the texture.
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Using a roller for large, flat surfaces
Paint rollers are ideal for large, flat surfaces as they are efficient, offer a smooth finish, and reduce splatter. They are especially helpful for textured surfaces like stucco, concrete, and brick.
The thickness of roller covers is called the nap or pile, and the rougher the painting surface, the thicker the nap you should use. Roller covers are typically available in thicknesses of 3/16 to 1/4-inch, 3/8 to 1/2-inch, 3/4 to 1-inch, and 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch, each designed for a specific purpose. For instance, 3/16 to 1/4-inch thickness is perfect for smooth surfaces like metal doors, interior doors, trim, and cabinets. Thicker rollers, ranging from 3/4 to 1-inch, are suitable for semi-rough surfaces like stucco, while the thickest rollers, at 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch, are ideal for rough surfaces like brick and masonry.
When painting large, flat surfaces, it is also important to consider the type of paint being used and the roller's material. Natural fiber roller covers made of lamb's wool or mohair are ideal for oil-based paints and can be used on any surface. Polyester covers made of nylon are effective with water-based latex paints and are also suitable for any surface texture. Foam roller covers work well with oil or high-gloss latex paints, especially on porous surfaces like bare wood, but may not last as long as other types of rollers.
Additionally, it is recommended to choose quality over cost when selecting a roller. Budget rollers tend to shed fibers and deteriorate with multiple uses, whereas a quality roller cover may cost more but will last longer and provide a better finish.
For large, flat surfaces, a standard 9-inch roller is commonly used and can be rolled close to corners and edges. However, for narrow areas and hard-to-reach places, mini rollers of less than 5 inches are more suitable.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-beveled end rollers are not the best tool for painting corners as they do not provide a smooth finish. It is recommended to use a paintbrush for corners and edges, and then use a roller for the rest of the wall.
One technique is to paint the edge of each wall, rather than the corner itself. Load your brush and drag it out from the corner, and then pull the brush parallel to the corner to even out the paint application.
For large, flat surfaces, a roller with a 9-inch cover is recommended. For tight spots, a smaller roller is more suitable.
Yes, a corner roller can be used to paint into corners without having to climb a ladder.
