Painting - Dark color overlap

how can I minimize/eliminate lap marks using dark colors?

Dark colors are tough. Dark paints have much more pigment and its difficult to evenly distribute that much pigment.

First - use a high quality paint from a paint store. Avoid discount houses and big boxes. Then use the best tools you can get. Better rolloer sleeves and brushes hold more paint and lets the paint flow to the surface better.

Plan on a minimum of 2 coats, though 3-6 coats are more likely.

Don't over roll. Most h/o over roll and over brush. Laod the roller and remove the excess paint. Start in the middle of the wall, next to the previously painted strip. Now roll up and down once. Then roll to blend with the previously painted strip. That's it.

BobF, what about that half-dried edge you'll have when you start to paint in the middle of the wall(?).
3 to 6 coats of paint? Give me a break, 2 coats will do it if it's good paint. You must still be using that Kmart paint- then I'd have to agree with you on the 3 to 6 coats.
BobF, are you really a painter or do you just play one on the internet?

JDX - read the entire post. I said start in the middle of the wall NEXT to the previously painted strip, not in isolation.

2nd - this is a homeowner that doesn't have the skills you obviously have. Perhaps esteve can do it in two coats. Many h/o cannot, even using a quality paint.

3rd - And where in your post do you attempt to answer the poster's question?

BobF, my answer to the question is paint as normal using a good paint. Remove extra paint on either side of roller before starting to paint and watch for "ropes" ( BobF, this means roller marks ) while rolling out a wall.
I stand by my original post. Now you answer...6 coats? what are you smokin'? Middle of the wall or start at the edge? hmmmmmm.... Kmart paint er no? Painter or pretend painter?

BobF, On a lighter side, I enjoy reading your posts. They always seem to crack me up. Often times it's best not to offer advice when in doubt of the topic being discussed. It will save time and help those in need all at the same time.

"Cut in" first.....That is paint around doorfames,skirting.ceiling line,corners etc. Every where the roller can`t get to. If your paint is too thick,then dont be afraid to ease it out a little(thin). Never start rolling in the middle!! Start from a corner and work your way to the next one. Lay off when the roller is semi dry and the paint is still wet on the wall.
2 coats should be ample if the paint is good...6 coats measures 1/8 of an inch in thickness!!{approx}lol.
Never use $2.00 rollers as they rarely provide a good finish and often leave "tram lines" Buy a good one,look after it and it will last forever.

toptosher: You would be correct, sir.
Who on earth would start in the middle? Who would put on 6 coats? Who is probably using junk paint? BobF.......moderator...?
toptosher, once again you have come through for me. I owe you a solid.