Basic Interior Painting Techniques

Four basic techniques exist for painting interiors. And while the methods of applying paint have remained the same over the years, with few exceptions, the quality of the products used in the applications have arguably improved.

With a very real importance resting in the execution of painting skills, the main ways that how paint is applied are:

brush – in a full spectrum of choices; with the square shaped brushes for less detailed work and the sash/angular brushes for trim and cut-in. Natural bristles are designed for use with solvent-based paints. The nylon-fibered brush is for latex and acrylics. The brush shapes are maintained by their cardboard cases when cleaned and stored properly. Which will show the next time around. Typically walls are brushed in at the border before rolling.

roller – normally comes in 7”or 9” widths. However many a painter has been know to saw the nap to fit the narrow cages - but beware since this practice can result in increased shedding on the surface. And to help address the problem of shedding, it is a good idea before rolling to wrap blue tape around the nap pressing lightly. Then remove the tape to lift the loose fibers and this will prevent them from transferring to the painted surface. Usually for repaints: a 3/8” thick nap will do for glossier paints and 1/2" for flatter sheens. For new drywall, up to 3/4” naps do the trick. If rolling oil or solvent based paints, either a mohair nap or a foam nap will help make the application become shedless.

To apply paint to tight spots - the thin ‘hot dog’style roller normally gets in easily around cabinets, inside closets, around laundry and tight utility areas with piping and also behind toilets. The handles are handy even for getting the paint material on door panels before brushing out. For some of the cleanest applications, woven or foam naps are the preferred roller nap. One way to extend the life of naps is wrap them foil, which is pliable and seals out the air - though not for too many cycles on the same nap, and you will buy fewer naps as a result.

spray – mainly the pumps are utilized by the pros. But if gotten at the local rental yard, be extra cautious, since the pressure lines can clog without too much effort and they tend to not get cleaned properly as they should. Types of spray include: electrostatic (mainly for interior metals & fine finishes) and HVLP - high volume low pressure for applications such as doors – though the HVLP approach does mean only a single pass with the paint and therefore no touch up - due to the fact that it is visibly noticeable on the ultra-smooth coating.

The last type, the airless sprayer normally satisfies needs for production across a diverse range of surface applications. Although it does occasionally require an additional step, it still is worthwhile under most circumstances. For example, like when spraying paint or sealer with a capable gpm (gallon per minute) outfit onto new absorbent drywall, a common practice, another painter backrolls the material evenly across the wall while working it in.

- Same concept for any number of porous surfaces with the airless rig.