How do you paint with a small roller?

15 Apr.,2024

 

If you’ve been on the hunt for the best paint roller for walls I encourage you to read this post until the end. Seriously, don’t turn away at the sight of the little roller below because friends, good things DO come in small packages, and I never thought the solution to my painting problem would be so simple.

This post contains affiliate or referral links. It is a way to earn advertising fees by advertising or linking to certain products and/or services. Click here for the full disclosure.

Painting: The Cold Hard Facts 

I would’ve never considered writing a blog post about painting. Because, let’s get one thing straight.

I hate painting.  Especially painting walls. And frankly, I’m not very good at it, so I felt I had  nothing to offer.

Until now.

Many people say painting is relaxing, but for me, it’s kinda stressful. Every time I decide to paint a room I’m faced with the same dilemmas:

  • What is the best paint roller for walls?
  • What kind of paint brush should I use?
  • Do I paint the edges first?
  • What about floor coverage? Plastic or fabric?
  • Should I use one of those paint stick roller thingies that holds my paint?
  • Should I try to wash my old paint tray or should I just buy a new one?
  • How many coats of paint should I do?

What usually happens when I paint

What typically happens when I get ready to paint a room is I head to the paint store and get a hold of a nice worker. I then proceed to ask all of my questions. Then I go home and watch an insane amount of YouTube videos. This usually results in me purchasing even more painting gear, namely highly-reviewed fancy gadgets, in hopes that painting will be as relaxing as sitting on a beach on a hot summer day.

Once I begin painting, reality sets in, which comes down to severe frustration because the edges I brushed look darker than the walls I rolled, or vice versa. My arms and my neck are sore from all the rolling back and forth and from carrying the weight of the fancy gadgets.

When I’m finished (after approximately 36 hours), the result is meh…

What’s most frustrating, is the fancy tools I paid -lot$$$ of dinero for- end up in the garbage, because I’m too tired, sore, and cranky to spend 15 minutes squeezing and rinsing paint in my utility sink so I can use them again. Use them again, I ask? Are you kidding? I’m never painting again!.

Phew! How’s that for a painting rant?

Can you relate? Or am I just a BIG BABY??

Maybe I’m so bad at painting, there’s no hope.

Best Paint Roller for Walls: A $2 Solution to my Painting Frustrations

The other day I was casually talking to my sister-in-law Natalie (also a DIYer) griping about needing to paint my master bath. Here is how the conversation went:

  • Natalie: “I’m getting really fast at painting”.
  • Me: Cool. Do you cut in with an angled brush before or after you paint the walls?
  • Natalie: “Oh I don’t cut in at all. I don’t use a brush, I just use a roller”
  • Me: “Wut”
  • Natalie: “My favorite paint roller is little and cheap, and it does the edges, too”
  • Me: “Wut”

The next day I headed to the paint store. This time I asked no questions. I headed straight to the paint roller section and grabbed the rollers I had always skipped over because I assumed they wouldn’t do a good job.

Update: Try this link if the rollers are still out of stock on Amazon 🙂

I bought a pack of 6 for about $12. Then I made sure I grabbed the proper handle. This is important to make sure the roller rolls right (say that three times fast) instead of just gliding across the surface of the wall.

Friends, I painted the entire master bathroom with two rollers out of my package of 6. I could’ve done it with one, but I didn’t feel like washing it out after the first coat, and given that they’re so cheap, I felt no guilt throwing it away and using a fresh one for the second coat.

The fact that the roller has “fuzzy stuff” all the way around, helps paint the edges at the same time you’re rolling the walls.

You mean, I don’t need an angled brush?

I didn’t use one. So, unless you have super tiny spaces, you will not need to cut in with a brush (see video below for more on this). The only drawback about not cutting in, is that you have to tape the entire space first, unless of course, you want the entire room to be the same color and you have no windows.

Not having to bother with a brush was worth taping to me.  To make sure I didn’t get paint on the ceiling and around the window frame, I used my favorite tape all around the room. It is critical not to use cheap tape to avoid paint seeping under and through. This tape is the BOMB!

I also bought the small disposable paint tray and it was easy to fill and carry around. This little roller holds a LOT of paint. More than I expected for its size. The result was stunning. I’m not a professional painter (shocking, I know) and I found this tool to be the best paint roller for walls I have ever used. I feel like painting walls is SO much easier now! Much less dreadful.

Even after the second coat, my arms were not tired at all because the rollers are so light weight!!. So, until I find something better, I can honestly say this is, hands down, the best paint roller for walls.

Materials ahead are affiliate links. Click here for the full disclosure

This bathroom has come a long way!! Starting with my re-purposed light fixture makeover, to the stick-on mirror frame. I think I’m almost done with it!

Are you motivated to paint your walls now!???

Be sure and join my email list for the full reveal, and to get access to my resource library! I will not crowd your inbox, I promise!

Let me know how these little guys work for you!

Pin this for later, will ya!?


Like it? Share it!

shares

  • Tweet

The best tasks for a small paint roller

Some places are just more challenging to paint than others, and in these circumstances, you’re going to need a smaller paintbrush or roller. Smaller paint rollers can help you get to those hard to reach places. Paint smaller surfaces with ease while still providing an even professional finish. 

Small paint rollers can do the job just as well as larger rollers, and they can do what big rollers can’t as well. If you’re not sure when and where you should or could be using a small paint roller, here are some tasks they are best suited for. 

Furniture 

Small rollers are great for upcycling items, such as tables, chairs, desks, you name it. Whether you’re looking to change the look of your items to match – i.e., painting your dining set white – or are looking to refurbish your coffee table or other furniture items. You can easily do so without the hassle of needing excess protective gear when using a spray gun by using a small paint roller. 

You can achieve all your DIY dreams with a small paint roller, saving you time and money in the process. 

Behind toilets and sinks

No matter how you try, you probably won’t be able to get your large or regular sized roller into hard places such as behind toilets, free-standing sinks and bathtubs in your bathroom. These areas can also make it tricky for you to use paintbrushes and spray guns, so the best tool is a small paint roller that can easily fit behind these items and still provide smooth and even finishes. 

Staircases

Using a big roller or a spray gun can be difficult on stair banisters and spindles. You could use a handheld paintbrush, but a small paint roller can be used more effectively, getting into all those nooks while saving you time. Using a paintbrush can be time-consuming, so if you need to get the job done, a small paint roller will be your best option.

Doors and windows

Smaller surface areas such as window frames and even doors can be hard to do with a regular-sized paint roller, as you might not be able to reach corners as well, or the surface areas are just too small. You could create a huge mess here. Thankfully small paint rollers and can do the job even more effectively by being smaller, less messy and capable of getting into those hard to reach corners. 

Skirting boards

Other hard to reach places include skirting boards. These can be tricky areas to paint, but a small roller can make the process easier while allowing for that same smooth and even paint finish. 

Paint touch-ups

If you’ve accidentally damaged your wall or need to fill in holes because you’re moving or you’ve just noticed some chips in your pain, a small roller is an excellent tool for helping cover these up. Rollers provide a lovely, smooth streak-free finish when used properly, and a small paint roller is perfect for these small jobs, making the process quick and easy for you. 

Paint rollers you can trust 

Here at Two Fussy Blokes, we have a great range of small microfibre paint rollers that can help you with these touch-ups and get into those hard to reach places. You can choose from 5mm, 10mm, and 15mm paint rollers. They apply a flawless finish, just as well as a spray gun or a large roller. 

Head to our store to check out our range of microfibre small paint rollers or contact us today for help choosing the perfect roller for whatever project you have in mind.  

How do you paint with a small roller?

The best tasks for a small paint roller