Interviews: The Paint Roller Series

Okay home improvement painting is one of those events that doesn't happen that often. However, when it does happen, there tends to be a large amount of painting that needs to be done. So quite a bit of painting (in not that much time) begs for convenient and efficient painting methods. What about paint rollers? Sure, they're more efficient than you're average paint brush, but they are not without faults. I walked away from priming and painting my room with more blisters than I wanted. I probably won't have to do much of painting for a while, but when I do, I'd like to use a tool that doesn't reduce my hands to steaming pustules. With this in mind, I am hoping that there are a couple ways to make paint rollers even more user-friendly. In addition to my own ideas for improvement I've asked a couple people what they think about paint rollers. 

Interview 1- Molly Heinhuis (esteemed roommate)

Q: Molly, when was the last time you used a paint roller?

A: I painted my room around a month ago. 

Q: Oh I see, so what did you like about the paint roller?

A: They are time efficient and the coats appear smooth. They allow anyone to be a good painter.

Q: About how long did you paint for Molly?

A: I painted my room. It took about two hours to finish. 

Q: What did you dislike about your paint roller experience?

A: I had to reapply paint too many times. Also, I got blisters on both of my hands. My shoulders also shoulders got sore. 

Q: That's too bad Molly. What improvements would you like to see in the paint roller?

A: I'd like a paint roller that pumped paint, so I wouldn't have to dip it so much. I think a squishier handle would be better, possibly a handle with flames on it?

Interview 2- Melissa Miller (esteemed roommate #2)

Q: So Melissa, have you used a paint roller recently?

A: Yes, I primed and painted a hallway a couple weeks ago. 

Q: About how long did that take?

A: It took about three hours over all to complete the job.

Q: Thats quite a bit of work. Did you find the paint roller useful?

A: It was much more convenient that a paint brush. It was faster and the paint rolled on more evenly.

Q: Was there anything that you found inconvenient about the paint roller?

A: Sure, I had to use both hands. I got blisters and my callouses got harder. 

Q: What would you like to change about a paint roller that you might use in the future?

A: I want the wheel to turn more smoothly. I think that softer grips on the handles would make it better.

Interview 3- Joey (cooperative neighbor)

Q: Have you used a paint roller relatively recently?

A: Sure I have.

Q: When painting, why do you choose the paint roller?

A: It rolls real well. It's efficient.

Q: That's good to hear. In your opinion, are there any drawbacks to paint rollers?

A: Sometimes the paint splashes onto me. 

Q: What is the most you've painted in one session?

A: An entire house in one day. 

Q: Well congratulations, thats quite a feat. Since you use the paint roller so much, what do you think could make them a more useful tool?

A: I didn't really have any problems with the paint roller.

Interview 4- Dylan (concise neighbor) 

Q: So have you used a paint roller recently?

A: Yeah.

Q: That's good. What did you find useful about it?

A: It was faster than a paint brush.

Q: What did you dislike about the roller?

A: I didn't like when it splattered onto me.

Q: Yeah, thats a drag. When you painted, did you paint for a long time?

A: I don't know.

Q: Okay, thanks. What would you change about the design of paint rollers?

A: I want the end of the roller to screw in more tightly to the dowel.

Interview 5- Hilary Richardson (H) and Ryan Cloud (R)

(esteemed roommate #3 and accompaniment)

Q: When was the last time that you guys put a paint roller to use?
A: (H) This past august. (R) Yea, we painted her room pink.
Q: Sounds amazing. What did you like about the paint roller?
A: (H) The screw on extender, definitely. (R) Yea, that was a life saver actually. The paint also went on relatively thickly, so that was helpful.
Q: What did you find disconcerting about the paint roller?
A: (H) Sometimes the paint would be splotchy and uneven. (R) That's true. We had to do three coats.
Q: That sounds like quite a bit of labor you guys. How long did the whole process take you?
A: (H) Geez, a couple days... (R) Yep. Three days to be specific.
Q: What a pain. If you could change anything about the paint roller, what would you want to alter?
A: (H) Maybe it could be a little bit bigger. It would be cool if there were stencil patterns on it. (R) A cushion on the handles would definitely make it more comfortable.