Roller Spattering

Tendency of a roller to throw off small droplets of paint during application.

Possible Cause

• Incorrect rolling technique; applying paint too rapidly.
• Use of a low quality roller or incorrect roller cover.
• Use of lower grade paints.

Solution 

Higher quality paints are formulated to minimise spattering. Using high quality rollers, with the appropriate nap length, can help. Overloading the roller with paint will result in excess spatter, as will overworking the paint once it is applied to a substrate. Working in three feet square sections, applying the paint in a zigzag "M" or "W" pattern, and then filling in the pattern, will also lessen the likelihood of spattering.

Images courtesy of the Paint Quality Institute from Dow Coating Materials

Colourplus recommends Colourplus Ultra Premium Colourcare Ceilings for interior ceilings, it is formulated to have low roller spatter properties.