Term: laying off

In painting, "laying off" refers to the final step in applying paint to a surface, where the painter smooths out the paint to ensure an even, uniform finish without visible brush or roller marks. This is typically done after the paint has been applied with a brush or roller and while it is still wet.

Key Points:

• Purpose: To eliminate streaks, lap marks, or texture inconsistencies.
• Tools Used: Usually a high-quality brush or roller.
• Technique: Light, even strokes in one direction (often vertically or along the grain) with minimal pressure.
• Timing: Must be done before the paint starts to dry or tack off.

Example:

After rolling paint onto a wall, a painter might "lay off" the surface by lightly brushing over the area in long, smooth strokes to blend the paint and create a professional-looking finish.

This technique is especially important in cutting in, gloss finishes, or large flat surfaces where imperfections are more noticeable.