I haven't used edge paint before, but I'm about to start soon, and I wanted to ask: How much better is an edge paint roller or applicator than using.. some other method?
I have no problem paying $25 for one if it genuinely makes it a lot easier/better, but this feels like something where there is probably some cheaper-but-fine solution, am i right?
Posted Aug 31, 2018, 2:38 PM UTC
If you are wanting to try it out, give it a go! It really helps speed things along. Just make sure you don't completely load it up with paint, or you're going to have a not so great of a time. A quick dip and a little scrape of the excess will do fine. When you're done, make sure you rinse it with hot water (or a spirit) and dry it thoroughly or, yes, it will seize up. Work smarter not harder, right? Party on
I second mhnudi. I picked up the same one he linked to but got mine from Rocky Mountain Leather Supply. They are definitely more than Alibaba. However, the wait is let with RMLS. Only issue I have with the screen roller is cleaning them. I soak mine in denatured alcohol to dissolve any edge paint that has dried. You can also look at picking up one of these as well. https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Craftool-Roller-3437-00/dp/B00WK4KB5S?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_3
It works well enough. Both can cause the edge paint to drip over the edge of the leather if you put to much on the roller. That will be something you'll need to practice with.
Both tools have made my life easier when working with edge paint.
After buying a couple of cheap edge paint rollers that did not actually roll, I found a cheap edge paint roller on ebay that does! https://www.ebay.com/itm/152943127681?ul_noapp=true
I get the brass tipped ones with the serrated cone and rip them out of the roller handle. I spin them by hand and it kicks ass. I dont like relying on friction to roll it.
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I like it, and I think it does make life easier... I upgrade mine with some cheap ball bearings though :p Wort the 25? Probably not, as you can definitely do without.
As long as you can wait, check aliexpress or one of those other chinese seller sites, I've seen bronze ones there for less than $10 shipped.
I have made my own out of a small cup, some allthread, and a puck of wood that was cut out using a hole saw.
For some jobs you wont want to use it, for others you'll think its a godsend.
This may sound obvious, but I stupidly washed the paint off using water and the bearing inside started to rust and the roller ceased to roll. If you get one, leave it to dry and pull it off or buy a good stainless one.
Order it here instead, it's absolutely worth the $10! I really like the roller, and I think when you balance the viscosity of your paint it's hard to beat how fast you can apply the paint consistently. I've done a mix where I do early applications with the roller and a final with an awl, and all with the roller. I highly recommend the roller to have on hand.
I ordered two for that price. They work great.