Roll and tip: is a method using a very thin knap (1/8 or 1/4 "
thickness foam) roller to apply the paint/varnish in a very even
thickness.
Since the roller will leave an orange peel finish you immediately
'wipe' the surface of the applied paint with a 'dry' brush to knock
down any prominences (orange peel) with the brush but not brushing so
hard that you 'move' any of paint around. If the paint is thinned
correctly the surface will 'almost' look like it was a sprayed-on
finish.
The roller puts on a uniform coat thickness, the dry brush knocks down
the wet imperfections. You usually need to wet sand between coats to
insure a very flat surface finish.
If you want perfection, then let the paint fully dry .... for semi
gloss: flat sand with 1000 and hand rub with rotton stone & oil or fine
pumice and oil; for ultra gloss - flat sand with 2000 grit then hand
rub with rotten stone and water - especially dazzling for
semi-transparent paints.

(BTW - the Cetol 'parallel' would be putting on cheap latex with a
broom)

Thinning is done using a flat glass plate held vertical to test for the
correct amount of thinner vs. paint/varnish. You apply the
paint/varnish to the glass with a brush and watch for sags and runs to
develop; if not then keep adding *teeny* bits of thinner until the
paint 'just starts' to run from the vertical surface. Every 'trial' is
followed by cleaning the glass plate with thinner and a rag. Once you
correctlly thin, the paint will *flow* correctly and will level out any
brush marks but not so thick that it will run/sag, the brush marks will
dissapear and the paint will immediately start to 'skin-over'. Takes
a bit of patience in correctly thinning to the desired effect. You
just keep adding paint/varnish or thinner until the paint/varnish on
the glass plate doesnt run or sag ... or dry out too fast and leave
brush marks. Thinning depends on the temperature and the humidity at
the time. Sometimes, like on a very humid day, you will find that you
will need a little "japan dryer" so that the (oil based) paint/varnish
sets up a little faster ... and then wont run/sag.
For most 'fancy' work I still prefer lead based paint ... still
available for 'sign painting' .... but obviously not available in
eco-nazi states like MA, NJ or CA (or other places with high
infestations of 'democrats' ;-) ).

Hope this helps.


In article , MLapla4120
wrote:

Otherwise, a properly thinned oil
based paint is long lasting and trouble free..... apply with the 'roll
and tip' method.


What is the roll and tip method?

Thanks