[oscarMadison]

Okay, I've read some here. Can't find one thread that was long and really good, talked about not doing the w that you see on all the shows, nice even strokes and a bunch of other stuff.

Probably stupid questions, but here goes. I've been priming some rooms, treating them as practice sessions (couple had issues and felt it was worth it). I'm trying not to apply pressure with the roller on a pole, but I still am getting a little squeeze out sometimes. Any suggestions? Also, how much paint should be on the roller to start with? I've been practicing doing the cutting out and feel good about that. Feel pretty good with roller right now, but figured I'd ask since I've been putting a lot of work on the house and rooms and didn't want to mess them up now. I'll be using BM Regal, at least I think that is the name.

 

[RegeSullivan]

Make sure you are using a quality roller frame and sleeve. Cheap frames don't roll smoothly and tend to squeeze paint out of the sleeve. I prefer the Wooster brand but also use Purdy brand but you may find one that works better than another for you. Take a few minutes to “tack off” a new roller by using the sticky side of a little masking tape to get the fuzz of the new roller. I find a well cared for used roller works better for me than a new one. It seems like it takes a couple of gallons of paint to break a new one in. Make sure to clean them out well at the end of the day and keep them in plastic bags when taking a break while painting. Buy a roller scraper to make the cleaning job a little easier. If you paint a lot make a spinner from an old roller frame that goes in your drill and spin them out in a laundry tray or 5 gal bucket.

 

[Wana Fix It]

Throwing in the towel, how do I select a decent painter for hire?

I'm painting a huge house (a multi year project as it turns out), and we want to let someone else finish it. Is it better to pick an independent or perhaps a chain? I live in Indianapolis and have gotten quotes from an indianapolis painter that's a chain. How do I tell if they're any good? They've supplied references, but they could be "cherry picking."