A consistent texture comes from spreading the paint evenly, then using light roller passes to blend the surface. Here is a practical two-coat method for bare wood.

First coat: apply generously with a 4″ roller

Apply TuffCab liberally to the bare wood using a 4″ textured roller. You can dip the roller directly into the paint bucket, then spread the paint over the surface.

Roll in different directions to distribute the paint evenly and create a consistent texture. A 9″ roller is not needed for the first coat. Allow this coat to dry before applying the second.

Second coat: apply less paint, then even out the texture

Apply the second coat a little more sparingly with the 4″ roller, spreading the paint as evenly as you can.

Shortly afterwards, within a few minutes while the paint is still wet, lightly roll over it with a dry 9″ textured roller. Use light passes at different angles to blend out roller lines and produce an evenly spread texture.

The 9″ finishing roller starts dry: do not load it with paint or wet it with water. It redistributes the wet paint already on the surface. Work promptly; the paint must still be wet when you make these finishing passes.

Watch: blending out roller lines with a 9″ roller

This video shows how a wider roller can blend out lines left by a 4″ roller and even out the wet coating.

Watch this video on YouTube

Watch: rolling at different angles

This second video gives a clearer view of the rolling movement. The lighting makes the surface texture less obvious, but shows how light passes in different directions help even it out.

Watch this video on YouTube

Painting larger areas

For larger surfaces, you can also apply the paint with a 9″ textured roller using a roller tray. Then use a second, dry 9″ roller to even out the texture while the coating is still wet. Keep one roller for applying paint and the other for the light finishing passes.

See the paint coverage guide for help estimating how much paint you need.