1. Thoroughly stir the paint (unless it is non-drip). Emulsion is particularly suited to rollers because it is easy to clean off.

2. Line the roller tray with aluminium foil, which can be thrown away later to reduce cleaning. Fill about one third of the tray with paint.

3. Dip the roller into the paint, then run it lightly on the ridged part of the tray. This will then spread the paint evenly on the roller sleeve.

4. To apply the paint, push the roller backwards and forwards, alternating diagonal strokes at random.

5. Don't keep rolling over the wet area or you will cause the paint to dry too quickly giving the surface a blotchy look. Roll paint on with a firm pressure, but do not press too hard or paint will be forced off the ends of the roller and leave ridges in the finished work. Not only that, but the roller sleeve will distort resulting in an uneven distribution of paint.

6. As the paint runs out, go over the painted area to ensure an even spread. Lay off in straight lines on upward strokes.

7. Cut in the edges around doors, windows, corners and where walls meet the ceiling as you work. Use a small paintbrush with bristles in good condition for the cutting in. You will not get a neat finish with a large brush or a roller.

8. Keep plenty of paint on the roller and don't try to spread it too thinly. Do not leave a 'dry' roller or the residue of paint will quickly set, making the roller sleeve useless. Load the roller immediately after laying off the previously coated section.

[edit] Using Rollers on Exterior Walls

Large areas of exterior walls made of masonry, timber or cement fibre sheeting (fibro), are easier to paint with a water based product than an oil based paint. The new, 'long life' acrylic paints (guaranteed by the makers for 10 years) are probably the best compromise among the wide range of paints available as they are easy to use. Matt finishes are better for brick, fibro and concrete block, and gloss is better for weatherboard.

Even though fibro is classed as a smooth surface, it is better to use a roller with a thicker pile when painting the outside than would be the case for the inside. This is because the sheet is likely to be a little warm, even on apparently mild days. The higher temperature will cause the newly applied paint to evaporate more quickly.

When painting previously unpainted bricks or concrete blocks, hose the wall first. This will help to get the paint into all the pores in the masonry and into the mortar joints. Then roll on a watered down coat of paint to partially seal the wall. Use a long nap roller for this operation but be sure you are well covered up, it can be a rather messy job.

[edit] The Range of Rollers Available

A. Orion, 5.5mm pile. For use on smooth surfaces with gloss and semi gloss paints.

B. Mohair blend, 5.8mm pile. For use on smooth and semi smooth surfaces with gloss and semi gloss.

C. Synthetic blend, 9mm pile. A multi purpose cover for use with flat or gloss plastic, acrylic, vinyl and enamel on smooth and semi rough surfaces.

D. Wool blend, 14mm pile. For use with plastic, vinyl and acrylic paints on rough surfaces. Heavy paint carrying load is ideal for brick and concrete.

E. 'Super Nap', 38mm pile. This is a rugged roller designed for very rough surfaces or where an extra heavy protective coating is required. Applications include painting paths, drives and wire mesh fences.

A. Orion, 5.8mm. For high-quality finishes with gloss and semi gloss enamels and acrylics on smooth surfaces.

B. Wool blend, 11mm pile. Designed for both turps and water thinned paints, especially acrylics. Use on smooth and semi rough surfaces.

C. Polyester, 10mm pile. For plastic paints on smooth and semi smooth walls and ceilings.

D. Wool blend, 10mm pile. For applying plastic paints to plaster walls and ornate ceilings.

E. Estafoam. Designed for use with high gloss and semi gloss enamels, paving paints and varnishes. Not recommended for paints with strong solvents.

F. Open mesh texture foam. For decorative finishes using texture paints only.

A. Lambs wool, 11mm pile. For general use with most paints on smooth and semi rough surfaces. The pure wool resists being broken down by strong solvents in the paint.

B. Synthetic blend, 8.5mm pile. A utility cover for use with most types of paints on smooth to semi rough surfaces.

C. Mixed fabric, 10.3mm pile. Used by professionals with most types of paints on smooth and semi rough surfaces.

D. Lambskin, 16mm pile. Resistant to strong solvents. Suitable for most finishes on a wide range of surfaces.

E. 'Long Nap', 20mm pile. Designed to hold more paint, this roller can be used with both turps and water thinned paints for application to semi rough and rough surfaces.