Baffled by paint problem

[Enigma.1979]

Hello

Now I've painted/restored furniture before but never had this problem.

Usual prep of a good sand down, dust and clean with white spirit etc before painting.

When I used a small roller, the paint dried the pale grey like on the tin. When I used a brush for the edges, it dried darker?!

3 coats in (usual light sand and clean between each), it's still the same problem.

I've tried ensuring the brush was extra clean, tried paint fresh from the tin and not my tray, but still the same issue between brush and roller.

Today I decided to go at the entire thing with just the brush thinking well, if it's going to dry a bit darker, it may as well match all over! So I started one end and left it to dry. Now it just looks streaky, like it hasn't dried in places, light grey with dark streaky patches.

Any advice please because I am losing the will!!!

Thank you

 

[Enigma.1979]

Some more angles of the stupid paint!! It's completely dry but In two shades of grey

 

[Row.land]

The brush vs roller color difference is likely down to how the paint's laying and drying. Rollers lay it on thinner and more evenly, while brushes can sometimes leave it a bit thicker or uneven, which can cause a darker or duller look once dry, streaks and patchiness usually mean uneven absorption or sheen differences, especially with some satin or eggshell finishes. At this point, I'd suggest giving it a very light sand to knock back the streaks, then hit the whole thing with a final roller coat if you can

 

[The Real Wood Workshop]

To me is seems like its just the thickness and streak direction of the paint, increasing shaddows when you use the brush. Paint colour can vary depending on the application and the way light hits it.

 

[FurnsbyFinn]

Hello

Now I've painted/restored furniture before but never had this problem.

Usual prep of a good sand down, dust and clean with white spirit etc before painting.

When I used a small roller, the paint dried the pale grey like on the tin. When I used a brush for the edges, it dried darker?!

3 coats in (usual light sand and clean between each), it's still the same problem.

I've tried ensuring the brush was extra clean, tried paint fresh from the tin and not my tray, but still the same issue between brush and roller.

Today I decided to go at the entire thing with just the brush thinking well, if it's going to dry a bit darker, it may as well match all over! So I started one end and left it to dry. Now it just looks streaky, like it hasn't dried in places, light grey with dark streaky patches.

Any advice please because I am losing the will!!!

Thank you

Sorry, that sounds incredibly frustrating!
It might be your brush is holding a lot more paint than the roller?
Thicker coats can dry darker or appear uneven. T
I think the streaky finish you're getting now with the brush-only application is likely from a combination of applying too much paint and it not being spread evenly before it starts to dry.
I'd suggest to go back to the roller and use a very light hand with the brush. Use the brush only for the absolute edges and corners and then immediately use a small roller to go over those spots to even out the paint thickness.
I agree with @Row.land that you might need to lightly sand the whole thing back to a uniform base and start fresh, but it'll be worth it in the end!