Column Rollers
Our recent post on column finishes inspired me to pass along info on a handy tool.? I personally call them “column rollers” but?if you’re looking for even more details, they’re really known as?pipe painters.??[I'm just telling you this since Google insists on, like, the actual word in order to give you the information seeked.? For instance, who knew they'd prefer "USB Drive" instead of "need?the scuttlebutt?on that thing that comes in cute shapes and plugs into my laptop?so I can transfer info from it".??Toma-toe, toma-tow Google.? 
? Funnily enough, search engines?may soon start becoming more perceptive.? But, I digress.]? Here’s a few visuals:
I used to use paint brushes?for columns but they tend to leave behind brush marks.? Plus, whenever we had columns butted up right against a wall, it was a?bit of a hassle.? (i.e., Curving your?hand behind the column in that tiny space, the brush handle hitting the opposite walls, missed blind spots, clients hearing you curse…)? We considered spraying — actually a great option if the conditions are right — but the?prepwork for that can?use up a lot of time and?protective materials.??This tool?makes it super easy and quick to paint the columns well.? Here’s my handy dandy?mathematical formula:
Brush < Column Rollers = Sprayers
Manufacturers to look into are Purdy,?Pipe Painter and Krylon.? I got mine at my local faux finishing store, Star Scenic,?and it looks like the top pic?with the wood handle.? It?works by picking up the paint with its five removable roller covers and bends itself around any column or cylinder.? The handles provide easy maneuvering and they come in various sizes.? There are also refills available and you can load the rollers up on a large tray (just like regular paint rollers).? These are great for when you need to prime or base a large column or work on smaller areas such as the newel posts or balusters?of a staircase.
“Talk” to you soon!
All pictures used are from linked websites.
Jennifer Allwood
1002 days ago
I have a big one of these and a mini one that I use on spindles. And… we use the old fashioned brush that men used to apply shaving cream with to glaze spindles. Hilarious, I know!
Regina Garay
1002 days ago
Hilarious but a great idea, Jennifer! I use the small chip brushes for spindle glazing but I’ll have to try that out.
Theresa Cheek
1002 days ago
That’s a great tip Regina! I also just picked up some large shaving brushes to paint with….great minds think alike!!!
Patty
1000 days ago
I’ve not seen those before Regina – thanks for broadening my tool world! You are right, nothing worse than knocking your knuckles, trying to get the area where a column butts too close to a wall….