Can You Roll Dry Fall Paint? 

When it comes to painting, that can be rolled onto the surface, dry fall paint is probably not the first that comes to mind. 

But if you have a ceiling that you would like to repaint, then you can apply dry fall paint by using a roller and getting great results. 

But what is dry fall paint? Let’s understand this first!

Dry Fall Paint

Dry fall is a special type of paint that is meant to be sprayed and not laid onto a surface with a brush or roller. 

You’ll find this type of paint mostly used for ceilings thanks to its low-drip potential.

But it can also be found on walls, most notably in warehouses, commercial and industrial buildings, and structures.

There are different types of dry fall paint which include acrylic, alkyd, latex, and the like.

You can spread this type of paint on different materials which include aluminum, gypsum, steel, and wood. 

Its main use is to be sprayed onto a surface where it will dry quickly. 

While dry fall paint is meant to be sprayed, is it possible to use it with a roller? 

Rolling the Dry Fall Paint

You can roll dry fall paint onto a surface if you apply at least one coat by using a sprayer first. You may wonder why not just roll the paint straight away. 

The answer is that rolling the paint may not reach all the places that you want.

Spraying will ensure that the dry fall paint covers the entire area properly before it can be rolled. 

By spraying on the first layer or coat, you will make the surface smoother so that the second layer can be added. 

This will help ensure that the second layer will stick, and you get the effect that you desire.

So, once you cover the surface by spraying, you can break out the roller and finish the job. 

But how can you apply the dry fall paint by using a spray and roller combination? 

Applying the Dry Fall Paint 

It does take a series of steps to first spray, then apply the dry fall paint with a roller. You may decide to simply spray the paint if that is the effect you desire. 

However, rolling the second and third coats will create a different effect. 

1- Tape & Cover: 

The first step is to use painter’s tape to cover the areas that you do not want to touch with the dry fall paint.

This also means that you should cover the entire floor with a drop cloth. 

Although the paint itself will probably dry before reaching the floor, it will save on clean-up after you are finished. 

2- Wash: 

Unless the surface is new, it is best to clean the surface with a pressure wash.

This will remove any dust, dirt, or debris that may be present. A new surface will not need to be cleaned. 

Sand: You may consider sanding the surface as well, especially if you have a sanding machine or grinder to get rid of any imperfections that would survive a brush or wash. 

You’ll need to remove the dust generated by the sander before you can begin to paint. 

3- Wood & Iron Surfaces: 

You will need to use a primer if you are going to apply dry fall paint to a wood or iron surface.

It is possible that you may only need to spot-touch an iron surface depending on its condition. 

A primer will help ensure that the paint sticks to the surface in a secure fashion. 

4- Spray: 

Now you are ready to spray on the first coat of dry fall paint. Make one more check of the surface condition before you begin. 

Next, use smooth movements at the appropriate distance when applying the first coat of paint.

This will make it an even coat which will be more suitable for using the roller. 

Cover the entire surface and leave no areas untouched that you wanted painted. 

5- Roll the Second Coat: 

Once the first coat of paint is dry, you can now roll the second coat onto the surface.

Roll evenly to ensure a smooth result. Once you finish, you can see if a third coat is needed. 

At this point, you can add caulk to the paint if you desire. That is up to you, so be sure to plan before applying the caulk. 

Galvanized Metal Surfaces 

If you are painting on galvanized metal, then you should avoid alkyd dry fall paint. This will cause saponification if you do use this type of paint. 

Saponification is a chemical reaction that creates zinc soap. The result is that the paint will detach from the surface, a process known as delamination. 

If you are painting galvanized metal, then you should use either a two-component epoxy solution or acrylic paint. And when painting, you should never back roll for the best results. 

Using a roller for the second coat of dry fall paint is easy enough to accomplish if you spray on the first coat.

If you do not have the time, then calling a professional painter is recommended.