I'm getting ready to use the RL Riverrock paint in a room and I'm not looking forward to it after hearing all the comments from here a few other places.

Ok, so I bought the special 9" cover and I've read the directions but I still have questions. One, what excatly is "cut in?" I believe that's using the roller in large crossing "x's" at the same time crossing back over the pattern? Two, what's teh best method of triming along the celing and door jams? I was planning on masking off with tape and using a small foam roller/brush.

Any comments and advise would be appreciated.

Sean

Yes, roller marks are a problem, My husband and I selected Desert Cactus Suede paint with the intention of creating the Sand texture for the dining room, after the second coat was applied there were still roller marks no matter how careful I put it on, so I broke down and created the suede texture with a 4 inch brush on a third coat. I must say, I am really happy with the final look and therefore I don't have many critical complaints.

The reason it takes so many coats is the amopunt of pigment in the paint. Here's a couple of hints:

1. Use top quality tools - roller sleeves and brushes. The do make a difference.

2. Keep a wet edge. Cut in around the ceiling, baseboard, doors, windows then roll the wall. But don't get too far ahead on cutting in. With lighter colors, you can cut in an entire wall and then roll the wall. With heavy pigmented paints don't do this. How much you cut in depnds on how fast you are.

3. Don't over-roll. Many h/o do too much rolling. This will create areas of little pigment and areas of too much pigment.

4. Cutting in means painting the areas next to trim and ceiling, and the corners. A roller can't get close enough to do it well.

5. I use a 2-1/2" brush for cutting in. Paint with the tips. This sounds silly. Most h/o end up painting with the sides of the brush - they apply too much pressure to the brush.

6. If you tape, use painters tape and remove it as soon as you finish cutting in. Re-apply before the second coat.

I've painted with the RL paints. They go on like glue, don't roll evenly, have trouble with roller lines, etc. I think this paint is way to expensive for the quality. I would suggest talking to a paint store and see if there are any other products that can give you a similar look and texture on your walls. I know Pratt and Lambert paints have recently come out with products for textured wall paints - suede, leather, granite, marble, cordoroy, etc. looks. Maybe their products will work better. As a paint contractor, I try to steer my homeowners away from the RL paints -- I feel you are paying for the name and not always the best quality. I always encourage homeowners explore all their options - don't buy based on name brand alone - always talk to a paint store professional.

We used Ralph Lauren Denim/Chambray paint/glaze and we absolutely love it. The only problem we had was getting down the timing technique of using the roller and then the brush. Once we got it down, it was easier. It is definitely a project you must be prepared to do with a whole lot of patience! The end results are beautiful and we get nothing but compliments on the room! You should definitely do it and be careful with your technique. We practiced first on a big piece of cardboard. Some people are too quick to blame the products when the truth of the matter is they just cant paint!

We also had great success with the Ralph Lauren denim finish. This is just a simple glaze/remove technique, anybody should be able to do it, and the process is less complicated than the River Rock or Suede.

IF you want to apply RL Technique paints properly go to:

RLHome.Polo.com - watch a video of the correct technique

If you still have questions call:

1-800-379-POLO

RL is some of the best paint out there.......

A new manufacturer took over the line starting in 2001 - They have done a great job!

Mr. Paint

In plain English, Ralph Lauren paints and paint techniques stink. Three times I had sworn to never use them again, but this weekend I weakened like a fool. I've always found the paint thin with extremely poor coverage. The "aging" tecnique I tried to use this weekend was a disaster. At least I wasn't dumb eough to use RL paint for the base coat, too. It looked easy in the manual. Perhaps it is for an expert, but not for your average do it yourselfer. Stick with Benjamin Moore, the colors are as nice and the paint is great. Besides, who really needs to contribute more to RL's empire??

NJGuy.........there is no new manual for the aging technique. Perhaps you have old information.

Did you apply the glaze over two coats of RL Semi-Gloss? Lots of people skip that step and it doesn't work

call 1-800-379-POLO for help - they will walk you through...

Mr. Paint