Home Problems & Solutions The color around the areas that are cut-in with a brush appears darker than the rest of the wall that was painted with a roller (picture-framing effect). Exterior Wall Painting • Interior Wall Painting CausesThe paint applied with the brush was not thinned more than the paint applied with the rollerThere is improper compatibility between the colorants and the paint. SolutionThe brush generally carries more paint than a roller, which means it applies a thicker coat than the roller, and therefore the shade appears darker.Apply more layers of paint to make the surface appear more even.