Spray or roll?

Question

I’ve heard that rolling paint provides for a better looking finish over rolled.  Anyone here require their painter to roll instead?

Aaron Hill · Answer

It depends on what you are painting. I am a professional painter, we typically spray and backroll any drywall or other wall/ceiling surfaces. If the paint is flat, you could get away with spraying drywall without backrolling, but I still recommend backrolling. Rolling (or backrolling) gives a more uniform sheen and finish on walls and ceilings.

Trim, doors cabinets etc. we usually spray - but those can be brushed and look professional if the painter is skilled.  We typically do not backroll exterior siding either.

feel free to message me with more specific questions.

Shawn Parsh · Answer

Ron,

I prefer to have it sprayed and rolled afterwards as well. I find that if you have to go back and touch up paint down the road it will look different if it was just sprayed originally. When I go back and touch up a spot with a brush or roller I can always see right where it was touched up unless it was also rolled the first time.

Kellie Powell · Answer

I'm just here to say I appreciate the fact that you used the word bougie in your post.  LOL  I'm here for it! It's a good term that you really can't explain any other way.

Jesse Lopez · Answer

Hi Ron, it depends on the texture of the walls, finish of paint and quality of paint but usually rolling is easier for most people. If you need any help i am a painting contractor and can help with anything you need.

Jacob Sherman · Answer

spray and then back roll

Andrew Syrios · Answer

Perhaps but it takes much more time. I would definitely go with spraying. Roll afterward spraying as needed

Jonathan Greene · Answer

This made my day. We need a little more fun in here.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

And then there's the stipple effect....

Jonathan Greene · Answer

I agree with everyone else that just spraying is likely not going to look the way you want. It's a great way to get a base coat or two, but not the end game. For basement ceilings or basements that are finished, but not bougie, I don't mind multiple spray layers, but interior rooms you are in all the time need that extra care.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

My painters (on high-end projects) would usually spray primer and roll 2 coats. Of course brush all trim.

Cabinets and doors were all sprayed, cabinets with lacquer.....

Spray or roll?

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