Cutting in is the process of applying paint or stain to the perimeter edges of the project area with a brush prior to rolling. It is done in areas the roller does not, or cannot reach without painting undesired areas such as the ceilings and trim. So using a brush to cut in, follow these steps:

• Step 1. Using a stir stick, thoroughly stir the paint. This ensures that the sheen is uniform and that your color pigmentation is well mixed. A great way to mix paint properly is to pour the paint into a 2-gallon bucket. But be sure to pour no higher than 1/3 full.


• Step 2. Get your brush ready to paint by loading a 2-3" wide brush by dipping 1/3 of the bristle length into the paint. For the smoothest finish and best looking results, use a high quality brush.


• Step 3. Remove excess paint from the brush by tapping the bristles against the inside of the bucket. This will also improve the end results.


• Step 4. Starting in the top corner, cut in a 3-4" wide area around the perimeter of the textured wall.


• Step 5. Blend things well, or make them easy to blend by brushing the paint from the non-paint area to the previously painted applied areas. Then, smooth out the cut in by lightly brushing the tip of the bristles over the paint to create a feathered edge.


• Step 6. Reload the brush as necessary to maintain a wet edge, approximately every 4-6"


• Step 7. Repeat steps until the perimeter of the walls or paint areas are complete.

• Step 1. Pour the paint into a paint tray or a 5-gallon bucket, but be sure to pour no higher than 1/3 full.


• Step 2. Place an appropriate nap roller onto a roller frame, this will vary depending on your particular project, so choose the right nap for whatever technique and paint type you are using. If painting a high wall or ceiling then it would be smart to also attach an extension pole onto the roller frame.


• Step 3. Dip roller cover completely into paint covering the entire nap area.


• Step 4. Remove excess paint from the roller cover by rolling onto the ribbed section of the paint tray or bucket grid. You do not want excess paint as it will create drip marks and not be as nice of an application.


• Step 5. Starting in the top corner of the wall, place the loaded roller approximately 3-4" away from the cut in area.


• Step 6.Working in sections of a workable size. This may be 3' x3' or much larger depending on the working time of the paint type you choose. For example, texture paint only has a short working time, so a smaller section is advisable. In your sections, roll a "W" onto the wall.


• Step 7.Continue rolling from the top edge of the wall to the bottom. Roll into the cut in area, and try to blend as you go. A great way to get a uniform finish is to back roll as you go. By back rolling through the completed area prior to reloading the roller, you will make the paint application even and give the wall a uniform finish.


• Step 8.Reload as necessary.

• Step 9.Continue applying, starting with the "W" technique working from the top down being careful to back roll the width of the roller being used into the last section applied.


• Step 10. Continue until the wall is completely covered.