I cannot pull out the plunger to fill the unit on the first fill.
The seals on the piston can become stuck to the inner walls of the RapidRoller, pull with some force to loosen the seal or squeeze the trigger to see if the ratcheting motion can break the seal loose.  

I didn’t see paint come through on my first fill, why?
The first use of the roller uses almost the entire amount of paint in the handle to fill the roller head and the pivoting area. Just refill the RapidRoller and continue to paint.

What is a perforated roller?
The outside of the roller or fabric looks exactly the same, however, the core of the roller cover has small holes that allow paint to flow from the inside to the outer fabric

Will this work with other perforated rollers?
Yes, will work with most perforated rollers

Will the RapidRoller work with a traditional roller?
No, only perforated rollers (holes on the core of the roller) should be used with the RapidRoller as this allows the paint to flow through the roller cover.

Where can I find replacement rollers?
Most major hardware stores carry some sort of perforated roller or call 1-800-54-how-to.

What are some tips prior to painting?

• Only use a perforated roller cover. Standard roller covers will not work.
• Inspect roller cover for lint before painting, if needed, wash and dry before using.
• When using the RapidRoller for the first application, it will take most of the paint in the tube to saturate the roller cover.  A second fill will be needed.
• Keep roller moving while pushing the plunger in or squeezing the trigger to prevent dripping.
• Stop pushing the plunger in or squeezing the trigger if the roller starts to skid, slide or drip.
• When painting in tight areas partially fill RapidRoller of pivot the frame.  This reduces its overall length.
• When leaving RapidRoller unattended for a longer period of time, wrap roller in plastic wrap or put in plastic bag to prevent paint from drying on the roller.  Remove as much air as possible from bag or wrap.
• Make sure the type of paint you use can be cleaned with either mineral spirits (for oil based paints) or warm water and soap solution (for water soluble paints like latex).
• Use drop cloths to protect your floors and anything else in the room that you do not want accidentally splattered with paint.
• When using kickstand, always pivot head to straight position and release pressure by pulling plunger out slightly.

Can I reuse the roller?
Yes, clean the roller with soapy water (or mineral spirits for oil based paints).  If you are going to paint with the same color of paint the following day, store the roller in an air-tight bag.  

What’s the difference between 3/8” and ¾” NAP rollers?
3/8” NAP is for smooth or semi-smooth walls like drywall.  ¾” NAP is for rough or semi-rough surfaces like wood, stucco, and textured surfaces.

How difficult is it the RapidRoller to clean?
Refer to the instruction manual – key is to have access to water, and either a 5-gallon bucket, sink or tub and flush (pump in and out with fresh water) the rapid roller several times changing the water often.  Make sure it’s properly lubricated with the included petroleum jelly.

Why does it save me time versus traditional ways of painting?

• Fewer trips back and forth to a paint tray.
• The rapid roller holds a lot more paint than a normal roller
• Added length adds convenience

Will the can lid fit all round paint cans?
Not all paint cans are the same diameter.  We have optimized the can lid to fit new plastic cans (most popular).  If your round can is a little smaller, we suggest taping the can lid in place (around the rim), or hold the can lid on when removing the rapid roller from the fill stem. 

What if my paint can isn’t round?
You can do a few things, either use the fill stem by dropping it in the can and holding when removing the RapidRoller so it doesn’t come out.  Or, order the can clip from 1-800-54-how-to.  This will allow you to clip the fill stem to the side of containers.  Note: you may need to add a ¾” I.D. piece of tubing for deeper containers.

Can I use this with larger containers like 5 gallon buckets?
Yes, add a piece of ¾” tubing to the fill stem.  A can clip is available through 1-800-54-how-to.

What is the petroleum jelly for?

• To lubricate all seals – Roller end-caps (rubber seal on the inside), the duck-billed valve (rubber valve in the fill cap area) and the 2 seals on the piston (remove the piston from the clear cylinder).
• It’s difficult to remove the RapidRoller from the fill stem.
• Lubricate the fill stem tip and the fill valve area on the Rapid Roller

I am getting drips from the fill area, why?
Make sure to clean the duck billed valve on the inside of the fill valve and lubricate with petroleum jelly.  Make sure any dried paint is removed from the fill stem and the fill valve area.

Can I use the kickstand with the unit already pivoted?
No, you should always return the unit to the straight position.

Do I need to hold my hand on the trigger?  How do you advance paint?
No, you should only use the trigger (similar to a caulk gun) to advance paint to the roller.  Always roll as you squeeze the trigger. 

I seem to have more air in the handle then paint, what do I do?
Slowly push handle in to expel the air. Remove and reinsert product on fill tube. Be sure fill tube is fully seated in valve body.  If necessary, apply petroleum jelly to fill tube which makes it easier to seat fill tube and valve body.  Make sure O- ring is in place between handle assembly and roller frame and well lubricated.

Paint is leaking out of the cap, what do I do?
Make sure both end caps are pushed snugly into and are even with the end of the roller cover.  If they are okay, remove end caps, clean out any old paint and relubricate with petroleum jelly.