How To Prep A New Paint Roller

Whether painting walls or cabinets, it’s important to take a few minutes to prep a new paint roller before using it for the first time. Otherwise you can end up with a lot of little fiber hairs stuck to your new paint job…which totally sucks.

When painting cabinets I use a mini roller with 1/4″ nap to get a smooth surface. They are recommended for walls (you know, for hard to reach areas…) but I like them for cabinets and furniture too. My “paint guy” was surprised when I went in to buy them. He asked, “Don’t you end up with little particles all over in your paint?”

Well no. No I don’t. And this is why…

I wrap new rollers (that I’m going to be using for furniture or cabinets) with painters tape before I use them.

Then I pull the tape off, and with it comes all the loose hairs. Do this a couple times (with new tape) until the tape comes off clean and then you’re good to go…paint!

Did you find this tip helpful? You might also like these other Painting Tips!

26 Comments

Oh, and the saddest thing was I went to a Home Depot to buy some paint and Floetrol and do you know that the paint guy had no idea what Floetrol was and obviously they didn’t carry it. When I found it at my local hardware store, I bought it, even though I have yet to open it. I just wanted to have it the next time I might need it. (PS: Floetrol spelled without the “e” is a substance used to relieve urinary incontinence! 🙂

Gonna remember this!

Now why didn’t you post this last week. I have been de-linting a painted surface. I then switched to foam so I would not get lint. Those were too drippy. This is perfect for next time.