PICTURE FRAMING

An effect of non uniform color that can appear when a wall is painted with a roller, but is brushed at the corners. The brushed areas generally appear darker, resembling the “frame” of a “picture.” Also, sprayed areas may be darker than neighboring sections that are brushed or rolled. Picture framing can also refer to sheen effects.

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

• Usually a hiding (coverage) effect. Brushing will generally result in lower spread rates than rolling, producing a thicker film and more hiding.
• Adding colorant to a non-tintable paint or using the wrong type or level of colorant, resulting in variation in color, depending on method of application.

SOLUTION:

• Make sure that spread rates with brushes and rollers are similar.
• Don’t cut in the entire room before roller coating.
• Work in smaller sections of the room to maintain a “wet edge.”
• With tinted paints, be sure the correct colorant-base combinations are used.
• Factory colors, as well as in-store tints, should be thoroughly shaken at time of sale.

Note: Images & information provided by The Rohm & Hass Paint Quality Institute.