Painting Techniques - using a roller

Applying emulsion with a roller is the quickest way of covering a large surface area, although you may need more coats than when painting with a brush because the paint goes on thinly.

Roller sleeves are available in a variety of sizes and textures. Choose a short-pile sleeve for a smooth wall surface, and a shaggy sheepskin sleeve for a more textured surface.

The areas the roller cannot reach will need to finished with a brush. Solid non-drip emulsion, which comes in a tray, is also applied with a roller. As you apply the roller, the paint liquefies and allows the roller to pick up the right amount of paint.

1. Pour the emulsion paint into the paint tray reservoir - it should be a third full. Dip the roller sleeve into the paint and roll it firmly up and down the tray's ribbed incline to spread the paint evenly. Don't overload the sleeve or paint will splatter everywhere.

2. Move the roller over the wall surface, using random strokes applied with a light, even pressure. Try not to work too fast or you will create a fine mist of paint spray. Each time the roller is dipped in the paint, move it to an adjacent unpainted area and work your way back to the painted area in overlapping strokes to blend in the wet edges.