The 3 Best Brushes for Rolling and Tipping – Useful Tips You Must Read

If you are looking for a quick and seamless way to apply paint or coating, the rolling and tipping method is fast, easy, and removes roller marks. Planning and coordination are necessary, and the applicator should use the best brush for rolling and tipping possible. If the applicator does that, the result will be a smooth and continuous coat with zero seams.

In a hurry? Check our comparison table:

 

What Do Rolling and Tipping Mean?

Rolling and tipping refer to the tools used to paint and the method employed using those tools. Rolling is the process of using a paint roller to paint a surface. 

Tipping uses a paintbrush behind the roller and covers the paint marks on the edge of the roller, where excess paint accumulates on the painting surface. 

The method requires two people because the drying process is quick. If the paint starts to dry, it becomes a smeared, clumpy mix of wet, partially dried, and dried paint. 

What Is the Roll and Tip Method?

The rolling and tipping method entails the first painter with the roller applying the paint to the surface evenly. The second person follows the first person and uses a brush to smooth over the tipple marks, which is paint that the roller leaves on its edges. The excess paint is also referred to as an “orange peel” finish.

Once begun, there is no time for pausing. If a mistake is made, there are two choices: 

• Live with the mistake
• Do the entire painting surface over 

Handling a mistake requires all painting supplies to be ready: Enough paint is in the roller tray and paint bucket, extra rollers, and paintbrushes are on hand. Additionally, it is a good idea to have plenty of thinner handy as exposed thinner evaporates quickly.

Regarding the actual method to use for painting, there are a few options:

• Roll and tip vertically
• Roll vertically and tip backward and forward 
• Roll backward and forward and tip vertically

Regardless of what method you use, applying the paint or finish quickly is vital.

Rolling & Tipping Tips

• Make sure to practice until both parties understand the technique and their roll in applying the paint or finish
• Double and triple check supplies as you do not want to run short in the middle of an application
• Purchase a premium brush as the quality of brush used will be reflected in the finish and in how quickly it wears out
• Do an entire section at a time as picking up at a stopping point without leaving a tell-tale mark is almost impossible; this means marking out painting sections beforehand
• Start with the brush wet from the paint or treatment to avoid skipping at the start of the application
• Do not try and fist mistakes—leave them for sanding after drying and covering them with the next coat; trying to fix a mistake midstream will only make it worse
• Apply the paint or finish methodically; take the time needed to ensure an even finish
• Apply two to three coats and make sure to let each coat dry and cure thoroughly
• Use 220-grit sandpaper to buff out flaws, a vacuum to suck up treatment or paint residue, and wipe the vacuumed surface with a wet cloth afterward to pick up any remaining residue

The 3 Best Brushes for Rolling and Tipping

1. Redtree Industries Badger Fine Finish Natural Bristle Paint Brush 

The Badger Fine Finish Natural Bristle Paint Brush is the premier paintbrush for those requiring a smooth, consistent application when working with urethanes, varnishes, and enamels. The Badger has a chiseled edge and pencil-style, clear wooden handle and is perfect for ultra-fine finishes or finishes that require a precise border.  

2. Corona 2.5″ Excalibur Chinex Paint Brush 

Corona’s Excalibur Chinex paint brush is hand constructed to form a perfect stock, taper, and edge. The Excalibur has hand-formed chisels, sash handles, and stainless steel ferrules as well as 100 Dupont, tapered synthetic, Chinex filaments. This makes it perfect for high gloss coatings, water-based acrylics, alkyd-modified latex coatings, and primers. 

3. Deco Art Americana Decor Angle Flat Brush, 1-Inch – Best Value 

Deco Art has outdone itself with this workhorse of an angle flat brush. It is perfect for a broad array of projects and comes with 100% nylon/polyester tapered filaments for an ultra-smooth finish and precise use with oil-based paints.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

What is a badger paintbrush?

A Badger paintbrush is a top-of-the-line paintbrush used to create a perfect, ultra-fine finish. The brush consists of natural badger-style China Hog bristles and sits in a pencil-style clear wood handle. It is reusable and works well with both oil and water-based paints.

How do you clean a badger paint brush?

Clean off any excess paint with a moist solvent rag and then use solvent to clean paint-inundated brush bristles. Once the solvent is applied, rinse the brush with water and inspect the brush for paint residue. 

If paint residue is present, repeat the process. 

If the brush is clean, dry it with a paper towel and let it set on another paper towel to dry. For paint brushes that hold moisture and are excessively wet, blot them on the towel surface to remove excess liquid. Store flat once dry.

For brushes with hardened paint on them, soak the bristles in vinegar for an hour and then remove them to test if the bristles have softened. If they have not, soak them again for another hour. If paint residue is still present, put vinegar in a pot with the brushes and heat until the vinegar boils. 

Then use a fine-toothed comb to comb out paint among the bristles.

What is China bristle brush?

The China bristle brush is made from natural hog bristle and is used with oil-based paints, clear coats, and stains, including varnishes and urethane.

Conclusion

Using the roll and tip method is a simple but effective technique to create a seamless paint or coating finish. The keys are to use the best brush for rolling and tipping you can find (Corona 2.5″ Excalibur Chinex Paint Brush), plan your paint job, and move quickly but methodically to avoid premature drying and streaking. The results are as stunning as they are consistently beautiful.

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