Why Am I So Rubbish At Painting.....

[Jonestheroad]

Despite using high quality gloss paint, a high quality brush and great care not to over-charge the brush, plus going back to de-ripple several times after completion, my garage door is a total ripple disaster. What do I have to do to get a good, ripple free finish? Apart from the obvious and get a professional in :(

[theshedman]

Hi, do it in sections, ie a square at a time or if it is a panel type then do the panels first then the edges. Are you using a undercoat with it or just a one coat gloss finish. Paint a section at a time and lay off as you go all in the same direction. There should be no need to de-ripple as you call it when you have finished. Doing this will only make it worse as you have noticed as by the time you get to the end the paint will have already started dry. It is possible that the paint that was already on the door and the new paint are not compatible but this doesn't happen often. One other thing is to make sure that you prepare it well and make sure all dirt and grease are off before you start to paint.

[The Builder]

I don't want to butt in on Shedders' territory, Jonsey, but you could try a 100mm radiator roller instead of a brush. Very good for flat surfaces :o)

[theshedman]

Another good way to do it Builder. OP seems to have paid out for good quality brush so seemed a shame to waste it but yes a nice radiator roller would work well.

[peter1947]

use a gloss roller,not a radiator roller, cut in to the garage door roll the broad section and lightly brush out,dont keep going over paint thats what is causing ripple.

[theshedman]

Yes but if you use a radiator one it has a longer reach on it so your hand is not so close. That way you won't get as much gloss spitting on to your hands as you do often when using a roller. Maybe you mean to use a gloss head on it and not the emulsion one they usually come with.

[The Builder]

Yes, that's it ................

http://www.screwfix.c...rs-4-pack-of-10/87143

ideal for painting flush doors.