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Joined: 6/14/2007
Posts: 355
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I do several different trades and typically work alone but every once in a while I work with someone that does one trade all the time. Whenever this happens I try to learn labor saving tips and shortcuts from them. Most people are pleased to find that I am interested and are willing to share tips. I have been working with a painter recently who shared a couple of tips with me that hopefully will be of some use to some of you. One problem I have always hasseled with is cutting in before rolling a surface. My problem is that if I use a brush I can see the brushstrokes through the rolled on surface since the paint sets up before I can roll over it to get rid of the brush strokes. If I try to use a roller at the same time I am brushing I find it a pain trying to lug a big roller around especially when up on a ladder. In addition to that where am I supposed to put my brush while using the roller? I honestly have held the brush in my teeth while rolling since the brush always seems to fall in my paint bucket or on the floor if I try to balance it on the rim of my paint container. After the painter I was working with got done laughing he admitted that he used to do the same things I was doing until he was shown a better way. He uses a small one gallon size bucket with a small 6 or 7" grid and a small weiner roller. As he cuts in with his brush he uses the weiner roller to roll out the brushed on paint. By doing this there are no brush strokes left and whenever he gets around to rolling the rest of the wall the texture of the roller blends right in with the cut in/rolled part. The part I was really impressed with was what he did with his brush while using the roller. See attached pics to see the simple/cheap/brilliant solution. One additional feature is that the whole setup he uses is small and easy to handle especially when on a ladder. You have everything you need and it's easy to manage. I only put about 2 or 3 inches of paint in the bottom of the bucket which is plenty for the cutting in but is low enough that your brush and roller aren't immersed in paint. I also use this set up for baseboards/trim/etc. Hopefully I'm not embarassing myself by thinking this is a great solution to a problem I struggled with but it has made my painting jobs a lot easier and hopefully will for you too.
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Joined: 3/6/2009
Posts: 100
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That is using the old hatrack. I am fixing to do a little painting, looks like a plan. totempole--at the great salt lake
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Joined: 4/12/2009
Posts: 216
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Good Job!!!   Thanks for sharing that!
Cheers
John Schaben
"I haven't failed, just discovered a lot of ways that don't work"
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Joined: 6/14/2007
Posts: 1395
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Get yourself a small earth magnet and glue it to the inside of your bucket, about 2 inches below the rim. Then press the metal ferrel of the brush against it and it stays in place. They are also selling painting pots, etc. with a magnet in them.
Ray, Monroeville Pa
If you don't have a license plate on your butt, don't walk in the middle of the road.
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Joined: 7/20/2007
Posts: 2710
 
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Ray has it right on with the magnet. I have mine on a large spring clip that attaches to the paint container. The brush is applyed to the magnet by the metal band around the brush and the brush hangs on the inside of the container. Don't have a magnet handy...... The screw should work very well also except for me as clumsy as I am I would knock the brush off the screw and into the paint. LOL
"Oldman"
Wishing ALL a good day and a better one tomorrow from the central town of Owosso, Mi.48867
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Joined: 7/3/2007
Posts: 996
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I am no pro but it seems to me that brush hanging in your paint bucket would interfere with using the roller -- why can't you just hold the brush in the other hand? Might get a little paint on the ladder.
Bill Glendora, California 91741
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Joined: 11/24/2007
Posts: 889
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Heck, you're better than me Oldman. I'd knock the brush OFF the bucket. Then I'd have to climb back down the danged ladder, pick up the brush, and probably have to clean it before I could continue. I use a magnet also, except I have mine bolted to the side of my bucket. 3" round magnet will hold the brush, painters tool and even a screw driver if I need it to. Oh yeah, I also use a 1 gal. square plastic ice cream bucket. Hangs against the ladder better than round ones.
Bob from coastal Georgia. 31323
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Joined: 10/5/2009
Posts: 19
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I have done a lot of painting and never thought of these great ideas. Thank you very much.
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Joined: 9/6/2009
Posts: 21
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I hate to admit it but I never have noticed brush marks in my painting with the brush, all trim and corners. Maybe because i painted so many pipes in the boiler room, or never got the "navy method" out of me of one way apply, brush out 90 degrees, then final smoothout the original direction? And I Aways use two coats at least, no matter what they say about a "one coat" paint on the can, so maybe i spread a little farther per dip than most? And i always scape brush over rim of bucket or can before every dip to have virgin paint on each dip. I am also a mix freak, before and during painting. I never stop brushing till done for the day and immediately wash brush afterwards cuz the paint wont cure on moving bristles! But anyhow when all trim (and brush cleaned) is done i just roll big flat surfaces twice and never any brush marks! It would drive me nuts to have two paint applicators wet at once, so i am glad this method works for me, but whatever method works for you! I also do not cut in, I am not that steady, so i have to use the expensive and time consuming masking, unfortunately.
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Joined: 6/29/2007
Posts: 21
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This is really good information. You have done a great job of shareing and deserve a big Thank you. By sharing your thoughts and ideas, others chimed in with thier ideas and now we all have a better idea of how to tackle these prombles. THANK YOU
MVENABLE
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Joined: 10/7/2009
Posts: 2
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I actually purchased a paint bucket with a roller screen and magnet built into it. It is made by Pelican. they even have disposable liners that fit into it. It also has a nice handle in which you can slip your hand into so it eliminates fatigue. It was only about $9 and I have used it on every paining job since purchased! I install a lot of crown molding with accent bands below them. This setup is perfect for painting the section of wall between the crown and band!
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Joined: 6/15/2007
Posts: 1894
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Thanks for the great tips and good photos to illustrate. If on an aluminum extention ladder, look at the end of the tube that forms the step. I simply slip the handle of my brush in there to store it quite safely and securely.
Bob Hoyer ......
Bremerton, WA
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Joined: 6/14/2007
Posts: 1395
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Okay Bompa, now answer this truthfully, LOL. How many times have you forgot about the brush and climbed down, only to see your brush flying through the air as you move the ladder?
Ray, Monroeville Pa
If you don't have a license plate on your butt, don't walk in the middle of the road.
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Joined: 6/15/2007
Posts: 1894
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In all honesty, Ray, I have never had it fall out. However, I have on any number of occasions moved the ladder knowing full well it was in there and that it would stay in there unless I lost control of the ladder. On each of my stepladders I have a hole in the top step in which I can insert the handle of a paintbrush. That works well too, but you have to be more careful about not having too much paint in the brush as it will run down into or onto the ferrule when the brush is vertical and up side down.
Bob Hoyer ......
Bremerton, WA
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Joined: 11/24/2007
Posts: 889
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Don't want to make anyone feel bad, but not all of us need a ladder indoors. A step stool works just fine, so I need a brush holder on the cut in / trim bucket.
Bob from coastal Georgia. 31323
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Joined: 1/25/2009
Posts: 730
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Woodchuck wrote: Don't want to make anyone feel bad, but not all of us need a ladder indoors. A step stool works just fine, so I need a brush holder on the cut in / trim bucket. Bob from coastal Georgia. 31323
Well not everyone is 6'6" or taller Woodchuck. LOL
"I'll try almost anything at least once.
Mid-Hudson Valley Region, NY
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