Paint pads

My cousin like them - her father always preferred them to brushes and she learnt from him. I've done only a bit with pads and can't remember how it went.

I use them exclusively for interior emulsion, normally just the generic ones. Faster and easier than brushes or rollers, less messy than rollers. Put the bulk on with the largest size you can get. I normally use a half inch brush to cut in to ceilings, door frames, etc.

(I admit I havn't tried the pressure fed rollers but I am naturally suspicious of such things).

I found the preferable to both brush and roller

I never bothered worrying about quality, they are cheap enough that if it's rubbish you just throw it away and buy a new one

tim

If you like them then you will never want to use anything else, unless you are in a position to use one of those huge rollers that covers square metres in a few seconds.

The pads available from most sheds like Wickes are fine but do not buy a pad with very short hairs or you will be forever filling it.

You do need an application tray as well as the pad. I like the one with the rotating ball as it is easy to get just the right amount of paint.

They give a very nice cover for minimum paint use and you can cover large areas quite quickly.

As they only cost a few pounds it is a no brainer to buy and try. You will quickly know if you like or not.

I've tried several over the years and still think the basic Wickes one is the best:

Those with adjustable handles invariably work loose after a few strokes:

Chris

I find them easy and clean to use, the only downside is if you are not getting new ones every time they are a PITA to clean.

Broadback wrote in news:l5cudg$vnr$ snipped-for-privacy@dont-email.me:

I have used them in the past - but I didn't like the smeary finish. I used to go over with a roller to give an even texture.

I've used them a few times. First time they were great - quick and I actually got near the coverage claimed on the tin. After that I had less luck - the paint wouldn't spread so I gave up. I never worked out if it was the surfaces, paint or pads.

IME, paint pads give a better (smoother) finish, but they are more work than a roller. I would use them on walls which are starting with a good smooth surface. I might be less enthusiastic about using on a ceiling.

Choose a pad which has a handle squarely behind the centre of the pad. I bought one once where the handle was offset to the side, and the twisting force on your wrist to keep it square on the wall starts aching after a while.

Thanks to all.