How the pros paint a wall without streaks

February 14, 2023 · Painting

Roller technique, wet edges and drying times — the difference between DIY and done.

Streaks, flashing and roller marks almost always come from technique, not paint quality. Our decorators paint thousands of square metres a year — here is the method they all use, step by step.

Prep is half the paint job

Wash walls with sugar soap, fill every dent, sand flush and spot-prime the filler — paint magnifies flaws instead of hiding them. Cut in edges with a quality brush first, keeping a wet edge so the roller can blend into it rather than over dry paint.

Roll in overlapping W-patterns, working wall to wall without stopping mid-wall. Two thin coats always beat one thick coat: thick paint sags, flashes and takes twice as long to cure properly.

Drying, light and the final check

Respect recoat times on the tin — rushing the second coat pulls the first one off in patches. Check the finish with a work light held at an angle to the wall before calling it done; raking light reveals every miss while it is still easy to fix.

• Buy the best roller sleeve you can — cheap sleeves shed and streak.
• Keep a wet edge and never stop mid-wall.
• Two thin coats beat one thick coat, every single time.
• Check with raking light before the paint fully cures.

Or skip the ladders and dust sheets entirely — our decorators do all of this while you get on with your week.