Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 08:18am | #1

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   It may be possible to get a better paint job with a brush, but I think it would take an exceptional talent to do so. A rolled wall can look great, and a rolled wall can look like crap. The same with a brushed wall. But there is a much better chance of finding a painter competent with the roller.

   For me, painting is the worst job, its even work.

   Rich Beckman

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 09:15am | #2

   *The walls are rolled.The woodwork is brushed. If you want the brushing to go faster, and to lessen to risk of runs, roll on the paint then brush it out smooth. Dont leave any stroke marks.An old painter told me this. I questioned him about why no brushing on the walls. He laughed. Told me to get back to work.Later, at lunch, he told his friends what I had said, and they all laughed together. I asked why do you laugh? Told me to get back to work.So, ever since, I just roll the walls. And I dont ask why. Unless I want people to laugh.

2. 
   Scott_Randall | Jan 29, 1999 10:33am | #3

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   You will get the same quantity of paint on the surface weather you roll or brush, approx. 400 sq./gal. The difference is in the time it takes and the appearance, rolling done right, will give you a great wall but fair to poor doors and trim. The only place in the world that I know of that brushes the walls is MT. Vernon where all work must be done as it was 200 years ago. I am quite certain that if George were alive today he have the painter use a roller.

   Scott Randall
   6454 Gildar St.
   Alexandria, VA. 22310

   703-971-4335
   [email protected]

3. 
   Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 10:39am | #4

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   BTW, we've had somewhat better luck on semi-rough plaster surfaces with the brush (and much better than the sprayer). It is easier to get complete coverage at a more consistent depth, and it is easier than fighting with the roller (a thick nap helps). With a 4" brush you can go VERY fast, as you have to anyway with (*&%! latex paint. None of this means, however, that I don't use a roller! Painting is tiring work, especially if you are picky.

   -- Andrew .. in Arlington, VA

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 12:06pm | #5

   *Brewskie, I painted our ancient pine paneled den with both a roller and brush. Around here its called back brushing. I'd roll a section(not more than 12inches wide) out, foor to ceiling then I'd go back and brush it out. I did this because the wood paneling, like moulding simply looks better brushed. The rolling however made the job go much faster. I've also seen this done on a lapsided building with a big paint crew. One peron is running the sprayer and then 3-5 folks follow behind back brushing. You gaurantee that a lot of material is put on the surface and then you insure its adhesion with the back brushing. At least so I'm told. In a typical home with sheetrock or plaster walls I'd always roll. A brush would take forever. Hope t

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 29, 1999 07:53pm | #7

   *Applying with roller and brushing out is an excellent technique. I'm doing my house exterior that way - 2 1/2" exposure claps - many times faster than brush alone. Did a porch ceiling with spar varnish - no drips! Use a long nap roller - at least 1/2", longer if you can handle it. Bless Ray the painter down the street that suggested it to me.

4. 
   Brewskie | Jan 29, 1999 07:53pm | #6

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   Being in the restoration business I see a lot of very good paint work.

   However, I get conflicting accounts on what is the best way to apply paint.

   On most of the very high end projects, I've been on, the paint was brushed. But does that mean it's better?

   To get the very highest in quality, what method should be used? Why?

   Some say that the mill-work and plaster-work should be brushed and the walls rolled. Would not a brushed wall get better results?

   Brian

   OrnamentalPlaster.Com

   PS....If I'm going to paint my mothers house I only want the very best .....