Using the Right Kit to do the Best Job
On the face of it – decorating seems a simple process – you pick up a brush, or a roller, dip it in paint and slap it on the wall ( or ceiling here as you see Marc doing ). That’s it. OK – so that’s over-simplifying things, but it’s important to us that we do a better job than that, and do the best possible job we can.
One thing that makes a huge difference is selecting the right tools for the job. In the picture above you’ll see Marc painting the ceiling at a recent job we did, brightening up a room and completely changing the feel of the place. We always do large roller-work jobs using an adjustable balanced-pressure roller frame like the one you see here – with a fibreglass or carbon-fibre pole. If you picture a paint roller you might picture the alternative – a ‘hook’ shape that joins on one side to the pole, or something with a roller ‘cage’ around the roller sleeve.
The roller sleeve – the round tube should also be the best quality available and chosen specifically for the paint being used, and the texture finish required. Yes, they’ll all work – but we want great, not “will do”.
The Best Possible Finish
The use of a ‘balanced pressure’ dual-arm paint roller offers several advantages over a traditional one-armed paint roller, particularly when it comes to achieving a high-quality paint finish. Firstly, the balanced pressure design ensures an even distribution of weight and pressure across both arms of the roller. This allows for a more stable and controlled application of paint, resulting in a smoother and more consistent finish. With a traditional one-armed paint roller, the weight is usually concentrated on one side, making it harder to maintain a steady and balanced stroke. This can lead to uneven paint coverage, visible roller marks, and an overall inferior finish. Additionally, the dual-arm paint roller provides better manoeuvrability and control. By using both arms to hold and guide the roller, the painter can have a firmer grip and a greater range of motion. This enables more precise movements and the ability to navigate around corners, edges, and intricate details with ease. In contrast, a traditional one-armed roller often requires more effort to handle, which may result in accidental smudges, drips, or uneven lines. Furthermore, the balanced pressure design helps to reduce fatigue and strain on the painter’s arm. By evenly distributing the weight, the workload is shared between both arms, reducing the strain on a single arm that is common with a traditional roller. This allows for longer and more comfortable painting sessions, enabling the painter to maintain a steady hand throughout the entire process. Consequently, this contributes to a superior paint finish as it minimises the chances of shaky lines, inconsistent coverage, or accidental slips. In conclusion, the advantages of using a ‘balanced pressure’ dual-arm paint roller in terms of the quality of paint finish are evident. The even weight distribution, improved manoeuvrability, and reduced strain on the painter’s arm all contribute to achieving a smoother, more consistent, and professional paint finish.
Using a quality synthetic brush we can then cut the edges in before the finishing coat. We want a smooth flawless finish that doesn’t reveal any roller marks or areas where a roller frame might have caught.