Prior to using your brand new cover, you need to condition it. To do this, you’ll want to place the new cover on the paint roller, fill a spray bottle with water and then spin the roller and spray the roller cover until it’s noticeably wet.
You Need to Do This Before Using a New Paint Roller Cover
Just because there’s not a big, bold sign on your brand-new paint roller cover telling you the hacks you need to know to paint evenly and smoothly, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any!
“It is a misconception that rollers are ready to go out of the package,” says Docia Boylen, owner of Handyman Connection of Golden. “Conditioning a new roller goes a long way to preventing roller marks and streaks.”
Whether your roller is made from wool or another natural fiber cover or synthetics (man-made), if you don’t condition it, you’re likely to get spotty coverage or streaks in your painting project (Pro-tip: The best roller covers are made of a mix of wool and synthetic.)
Here’s a simple way to make your next roller painting project a whole lot smoother.
Prior to using your brand new cover, you need to condition it. To do this, you’ll want to place the new cover on the paint roller, fill a spray bottle with water and then spin the roller and spray the roller cover until it’s noticeably wet.
Next, remove excess water by dry spinning the roller, allowing excess water to spin off. Then, roll the cover onto a bare, clean surface, like a piece of cardboard. This conditioning process ensures any loose fibers on the roller cover are removed so that they don’t get into the paint and onto your wall or ceiling. Note that if the roller cover will be used with an oil-based paint, the cover should be conditioned with the solvent used to thin the paint, instead of water.
This quick and easy process of conditioning your brand new paint roller cover results in a more flawless paint job. Save time and money by learning how to clean your paint rollers the right way—and without a lot of effort!
FAQ
What kind of painting projects are paint rollers best for?
Paint rollers are ideal for covering flat surfaces such as walls and ceilings, because they can efficiently cover large expanses evenly.
How do I prevent roller marks?
“Conditioning a new roller goes a long way!” says Boylen. Also take care not to overload the roller with paint (it shouldn’t be dripping), and always maintain a wet edge while rolling. “This helps blend in the new strokes,” she says. “Don’t push hard on the roller; let the roller do the work.”
Also, clean and store your roller properly. “In addition to helping extend the life of your rollers, regular maintenance helps ensure a future of smooth, streak-free results on every project,” says George Crew, a principal at Chicago Paint Crew.
About the Experts
- Docia Boylen is owner of Handyman Connection of Golden, Colorado, and was honored with several awards at the 2024 Handyman Connection Annual Conference.
- George Crew is a principal at Chicago Construction Crew and Chicago Paint Crew and has more than 30 years of experience as a painting contractor and general contractor.
