The "W" Method: Rolling Walls Without Streaks

Rolling looks simple, but random rolling leaves streaks and patchy spots. The W method fixes that.

1. Load the roller evenly. Roll it into the paint in the tray, then roll it back and forth on the ridges until it's fully coated but not dripping.
2. Roll a big "W." Start about a foot from a corner and roll a W (or M) shape about 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall. This spreads the paint out.
3. Fill it in. Without reloading, roll back over the W to fill in the gaps, using up and down strokes.
4. Finish with light passes. Roll gently from top to bottom in one direction to smooth everything out.
5. Move to the next section. Reload, and start your next W right next to the last one, slightly overlapping the wet edge.

Tips

• Let the roller do the work. Pressing hard creates lines and splatters.
• Don't try to stretch paint too far. If it looks thin, reload.
• Keep working while edges are wet so sections blend together.

Bottom line: Load, W, fill, smooth, repeat. It's the easiest upgrade to your painting technique.

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