Do paint edgers actually work?

What are paint edgers?

Paint edgers, also known as paint pads or mini rollers, are small paint rollers designed for cutting in edges and painting trim. They typically have a 2-4 inch roller on one end and an angled edging guide on the other end. The edging guide allows you to run the roller along baseboards, ceilings, window frames etc. for a crisp, professional paint line. Paint edgers come in a variety of nap sizes and materials like microfiber, foam and wool.

Do paint edgers work better than brushes for cutting in edges?

For most DIYers, paint edgers do work better than traditional angled brushes for cutting in edges along trim and ceilings. There are a few reasons for this:

  • More surface area – The roller applies paint in a wider swath than a standard trim brush making coverage faster.
  • Less fatigue – Pushing a paint edger along baseboards and ceilings takes less effort than the back and forth motion of cutting in with a brush.
  • Cleaner lines – The edging guide provides an easy guide to follow for straight edges. It takes skill and a steady hand to cut super straight lines freehand with a brush.
  • Less drips – Rollers release paint more evenly whereas overloaded brushes are prone to leaving drips.

The key is using a paint edger designed specifically for edging rather than trying to use a full size roller. The small edgers can get into tight spaces and give you maneuverability that a larger roller lacks. The angled edging guide is also an essential feature for achieving straight lines.

For most amateur painters, paint edgers deliver better results and less frustration than cutting in edges by brush. However, there is a learning curve to using paint edgers properly to avoid creating a mess.

Are there any cons to paint edgers?

While paint edgers provide many benefits over traditional brushes, there are a few potential cons to consider:

  • Learning curve – It takes some practice to get the knack of using a paint edger properly. If you don’t load the right amount of paint or don’t keep proper control, you can create a runny mess.
  • Not for intricate edges – Paint edgers work well for straight edges but aren’t much help for cutting in around intricate crown molding or curved trim.
  • Visible roller marks – Subpar paint edgers may leave faint roller marks along edges which defeats the purpose of a crisp paint line.
  • Drips near ceilings – Getting paint too close the ceiling can cause drips to run down. This takes extra care when edging ceilings.
  • Overpainting – The speed of using an edger makes it easy to accidentally get paint where you don’t want it.

The key to avoiding cons like drips and painting mistakes is using proper technique. Load the roller with just enough paint, keep it moving at a steady smooth pace, and don’t press too hard. Proper edging takes a gentle touch.

Edging tips and techniques

Here are some tips for getting the best results when using a paint edger:

  • Prep surfaces thoroughly – Remove any dust, dirt or grease from baseboards and trim so paint adheres well.
  • Use quality low-nap edger – Look for edgers with a 1/4″ microfiber or foam roller. Avoid cheap fuzzy edgers.
  • Start with less paint – It’s better to start with less paint on the roller and reload than to have it overloaded.
  • Keep a wet edge – Don’t stop mid-edge or you may get a lap mark when you restart.
  • Angle edger slightly – Keeping the edger at a very slight angle helps apply paint evenly.
  • Use light pressure – Let the roller do the work. Pressing too hard squishes out too much paint.
  • Work bottom to top – Paint the bottom edge by baseboards first, then move up to ceiling edges.
  • Move steadily – Keep the edger moving at an even, steady pace for best coverage.
  • Reload often – Don’t try to stretch paint too far on the roller before reloading.
  • Watch corners – Take extra care rounding inside and outside corners to avoid messy overlaps.

It also helps to practice edging techniques on scrap material before moving onto your actual painted surfaces. Load the paint edger, move it at different angles and speeds, and adjust pressure to get a feel for how it applies paint. The more comfortable you get, the better your edging results will be.

Types of paint edgers

There are a variety of paint edger styles and features to consider:

  • Standard edgers – Come in 2-4 inch sizes. Good for general use.
  • Mini edgers – 1.5 inch rollers good for very tight spaces.
  • Extended edgers – Longer frames allow edging higher walls and ceilings easily.
  • Pro edgers – Higher quality edgers made for frequent use.
  • Adjustable edgers – Edging guides adjust to different angles.
  • Contour edgers – Flexible heads for rounding corners and shaped trim.
  • Fuzzy edgers – Made of lambswool for oil-based paints.

Look for edgers with smooth, seamless rollers. Foam and microfiber rollers tend to provide the smoothest finish on trim. Consider a multi-pack so you have backups ready when one roller gets saturated with paint.

How to choose the right paint edger

When selecting a paint edger, here are key things to look for:

  • Roller material – Microfiber or foam rollers give the smoothest finish.
  • Roller size – Opt for 2-3 inch edgers for adequate paint capacity.
  • Adjustable edging guide – Allows edging at different angles.
  • Sturdy metal handle – Provides good control and avoids flexing.
  • Smooth roller – No ribs or seams that will show up on your trim.
  • Good reviews – Choose edgers that many users praise.
  • Trusted brand – Companies like Wooster and Purdy are known for quality.

Avoid gimmicky edger attachments that claim to give perfect lines effortlessly. Good technique is more important than relying on a gadget to do the work for you. Focus on finding a quality edger from a reputable brand.

How to use a paint edger properly

Follow these steps for getting professional looking results with a paint edger:

1. Prepare the surface by cleaning trim, removing outlet covers, and masking as needed.

2. Load the paint edger with just enough paint to saturate the roller. Too much will cause drips.

3. Position the edger so the guide rests against the surface you want to edge. The roller itself should hover just slightly above.

4. Apply light pressure and smoothly roll the edger along the length of the trim or ceiling line. Allow the edging guide to glide along the surface.

5. Keep a wet edge and maintain a steady pace. Avoid stopping mid-edge or speeding up and slowing down.

6. When paint stops coating the surface, reload the roller with more paint. Don’t try to stretch it too far.

7. Round inside and outside corners carefully, lifting the edger as you approach the corner.

8. Periodically check behind you for drips. It’s easy to focus on the edge in front and miss drips above.

9. On final passes, lightly feather out paint from the edge to blend.

10. Allow paint to fully dry before removing any masking.

Tips for cutting in edges by brush

While paint edgers provide much faster edging than brushes, there are still some spots that can only be reached with an angled trim brush, such as cutting in near hinges or intricate trim. Here are some tips for getting clean results when cutting in edges with a brush:

  • Use a quality angled sash brush made for trim and edging. The bristles should come to a fine point.
  • Load the brush so the bottom half of the bristles are coated with paint. Don’t overload.
  • Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the trim edge. Use your opposite hand to brace if needed.
  • Use just the tip of the bristles to cut along the edge. Don’t press so hard that the brush flexes.
  • Apply paint by gently pulling the brush along, not jabbing or pushing it.
  • Maintain a steady motion and speed. Start and stop at natural breaking points, not mid-edge.
  • Wipe excess paint off the brush bristles on the side of the can before reloading to avoid drips.
  • Use a small container attached to your ladder to hold the paint can steady.

It takes patience and a steady hand to master cutting in edges with a brush. But with quality tools and proper technique, you can achieve very clean, professional looking results.

Conclusion

For most DIYers, paint edgers provide a much easier alternative to cutting in edges by hand with a brush. The edging guides allow you to quickly apply paint in straight, even lines along baseboards, ceilings, window and door trim. However, paint edgers do require some practice to master proper loading and edging technique. With a quality edger, proper prep, and a steady hand, paint edgers can help you achieve professional looking edges. While paint edgers excel at straight lines, you’ll still need a trim brush for detail edging around hinges, intricate trim and curved areas. By combining both tools, you can efficiently edge large areas while still handling detailed precision work.

Pros of Paint Edgers Cons of Paint Edgers
  • Fast edging
  • Cleaner lines vs. brush
  • Less hand fatigue
  • Good for straight edges
  • Learning curve
  • Mess if overloaded
  • Not for intricate trim
  • Can leave roller marks

When used properly, paint edgers enable amateurs to achieve professional quality results. While brushes still have a place for detailed edging, paint edgers are a game changer for quickly and easily edging large expanses of baseboards and ceilings.