How to Prep a Paint Roller – Always Do This BEFORE Painting

Use this easy trick before using paint rollers on cabinets, furniture and even walls. It removes tiny hairs from the roller and helps it to accept the paint evenly.

Have you ever painted that first roll of fresh paint on your project, only to get close and see tons of tiny fibers everywhere? It’s definitely never the look I’m going for when painting walls, and especially not cabinets and furniture.

Thankfully, there are three easy steps you can take before painting that will help stop this from happening on your future projects. It works for all types and sizes of paint roller covers and only takes a minute or two.

Included in this post is a video comparison between a new roller cover straight out of the bag versus a new roller using this technique. You’ll see that following these steps on how to prep a paint roller really do help!

Materials You’ll Need

• Painter’s tape or packing tape
• Water in a spray bottle
• Brown paper bag or piece of cardboard
• Utility knife or sharp scissors

Step-by-Step Roller Preparation

There are three main parts to this process: removing the stray fibers, conditioning the roller, and taking a test run with your roller.

1. Remove Excess fibers

Wrap the entire paint roller cover in painter’s tape or packing tape. Press down gently. Then remove the tape. This lifts away any loose fibers that could otherwise end up stuck in your paint job.

I’ve also tried using a lint roller for this step, but I never find it to remove as much of the stray hairs as a large piece of tape. I personally use packing tape or masking tape because it’s cheaper than painter’s tape!

This step is especially important for a brand-new roller. It’s the best way to get rid of loose hairs and fibers that are almost always present on new covers.

Note: If you’re using a high density foam roller, you can skip this step.

2. Add water to the roller

Place the roller on the roller frame. Then, spray room temperature water over the entire surface of the roller. Alternatively, you can run the roller under a little bit of water.

You don’t want a ton of water here, just a little. We’re going to try to remove all the excess water in the next step anyway.

Note: If you are painting with oil-based paints, do not use water during this step. Instead, lightly moisten the roller with mineral spirits or paint thinner.

3. Remove excess water

We want the roller to be damp, not wet. To do this, shake off any excess moisture. Then, use your hand to spin the roller, which flings excess water droplets off the roller.

Finally, roll your paint roller over a piece of brown paper bag or cardboard box. Make sure this material is completely clean! You don’t want to roll over something that has hair or particles on it!

4. Prime the roller

Roll it in the paint tray and cover it completely with paint. Then roll off the excess paint in the paint tray or on a paint grid.

The roller needs to be saturated with paint but not overloaded. It’s the key to a finish that’s even, without drips or globs.

5. Paint a test run (optional)

I’ve never seen this trick recommended anywhere else, but I find it does help to remove any last stray hairs (especially when using mohair or velour rollers which tend to shed initially).

I always roll a couple of passes onto a dry spot on my piece of brown paper bag or cardboard. I’ve seen a couple of small hairs come out in this last step, which means I saved them from going into my painted project!

Note: I don’t use this trick for walls, but I LOVE using it when painting cabinet and furniture for the smoothest finish.

Taking these extra prep steps will separate amateur painter from the pros. This little bit of extra will help ensure you gave the smoothest finish as soon as you start painting.

Tips for a Professional Finish

Prepped your roller? Great, now let’s apply that paint. Dip the roller lightly into the paint, you want it coated but not drenched. Start with a small area; this keeps the paint from drying out before blending it smoothly with the next section.

Also, don’t press too hard. Let the roller do its job. If you find yourself using muscle, it’s time to reload with paint.

Applying Paint to Walls

Apply the paint in a ‘W’ pattern on the wall or furniture. This method ensures even coverage and reduces the tendency to miss spots. After rolling on the ‘W,’ fill it in without lifting the roller. This avoids creating streaks or lines.

Keep a wet edge; that’s your secret weapon. It means working from one wet painted area to the next to avoid lap marks. Always work from top to bottom, it’s just the natural order of things, gravity does the rest.

Check out my full post on the best order to paint a room for the cleanest edges.

Applying Paint to Furniture or Cabinets

Use a brush to paint in any crevices, grooves, and along edges. Then, roll the paint on a flat surface in long, linear strokes. Be sure to overlap the next row slightly and keep a wet edge, so the new paint is always hitting paint that is still wet. This helps to minimize roller marks as the paint dries.

I have a full post with details on the best way to paint cabinet doors for a smooth finish with a brush and roller.

I promise, taking a moment to prep your paint roller will make all the difference on your next painting project. I’ve tried it both ways, and the results don’t lie. With a prepped roller, those pesky fibers are few and far between.

Pair these tricks with the best roller covers and you’ll have the perfect finish!