Paint rollers are great for covering large surfaces quickly. However, with so many options available, selecting the perfect paint roller can be difficult. To help you make the right decision, we have put together a comprehensive guide on how to choose a paint roller.
Why Use a Paint Roller?
Here are the benefits of using a paint roller.
- Time savings: Paint rollers hold more paint than a brush, which saves a lot of time and effort when painting large surfaces like walls and ceilings.
- Ease of use: Rollers are relatively easy to use, even for beginners. They reduce fatigue because you don’t have to bend or stretch extensively to paint a surface.
- Uniform finish: Rollers provide a uniform finish compared to paint brushes, which leave streaks or brush marks.
- Texture control: You can achieve a smooth or textured paint finish with different roller covers.
- Fewer drips: Paint rollers are less likely to cause paint drips when used correctly.
Types of Paint Rollers
Manual Paint Rollers
Manual rollers are the standard and most common paint rollers, with a simple handle, frame, and rotating metal roller. They are affordable, easy to use, and suitable for both exterior and interior painting.
Pad Paint Rollers
Pad rollers don’t roll. Yes, you read that correctly! Instead, they have a flat pad attached to a handle designed for precise and controlled painting. Pad rollers are an excellent choice for detail work because they apply a thin layer of paint without splattering. The downside is that they don’t cover darker colors well.
Textured Paint Rollers
The frame of textured rollers is similar to manual paint rollers, but they have a patterned roller cover instead of a normal one. The covers come in stipple, spiral, basket weave, and diamond patterns and give a unique look to your walls. Textured paint rollers are a popular choice for decorative and artistic painting projects.
Considerations When Choosing a Roller
Paint rollers are efficient, but if you choose the wrong roller, they can slow you down or result in an uneven finish. Here’s all you need to consider when buying a paint roller.
- Roller size
- Nap length
- Roller cover materials
- Roller frame
Roller Size
Paint rollers range from 2 to 18 inches in length, with 9 inches being the standard size. Here are the roller sizes and their typical uses.
- Mini rollers (2-4 inches): Doors, furniture, baseboards, and tight corners
- Small rollers (5-7 inches): Cabinets and smaller walls
- Standard rollers (8-12 inches): Medium-sized walls and ceilings
- Large rollers (13-18 inches): Mostly used for commercial projects
Smaller rollers cover less area but are more precise, while larger rollers cover more area but are difficult to use in tight spaces.
Nap Length
Nap length refers to the length of the fabric on the roller’s cover. The longer the nap, the more paint the roller can hold.
The choice of nap length depends on the type of surface you’re painting and the texture you want to achieve:
- Short nap (¼-inch or 6mm) holds less paint, which helps them achieve a smooth finish. They are suitable for painting smooth surfaces like drywall and doors.
- Medium nap (⅜-inch or 9mm) works well on surfaces with slight texture, like most walls and ceilings. The slightly longer fibers ensure the paint reaches into gaps without adding extra texture to the surface.
- Long nap (½-inch or 12mm and longer) works well on heavily textured surfaces like bricks and stucco. Long fibers hold more paint and reach into gaps, providing better coverage on uneven surfaces. A cinder block or stone wall may require a 1¼-inch or 31mm nap.
Roller Cover Materials
Paint roller covers come in various materials, each suited to different types of paint and surfaces. Here are the most common roller cover materials.
- Synthetic roller covers (polyester and nylon) are the most popular and work well with both water- and oil-based paints. They are durable and shed fewer fabrics compared to natural fiber covers. Polyester performs better on smoother surfaces, while nylon is more effective on semi-rough surfaces.
- Natural fiber roller covers (lambswool and mohair) work well with oil-based paints. They hold more paint and release it evenly, giving a smooth, high-quality finish. Lambswool and mohair roller covers shed fabric, but this reduces after a few uses.
- Microfiber roller covers hold onto the paint without shedding fibers on the painted surface. They work well with water- and oil-based paints and perform effectively on smooth and textured surfaces.
- Foam roller covers work well on smooth surfaces and are used to apply varnishes, stains, and clear finishes. They provide a uniform finish but don’t hold as much paint as other roller covers.
- Blend roller covers are usually made by combining polyester and wool or polyester and mohair. They work effectively with water- and oil-based paints and can be used on smooth and semi-rough surfaces. They shed fewer fabrics compared to natural fiber roller covers.
Roller Frame
Roller frames hold the roller cover and are either made of metal or plastic. Metal frames cost more but last longer.
Choose a roller frame that suits the size of your roller cover. Also, make sure the frame has a threaded handle to attach extension poles so you don’t have to climb a ladder to paint the ceiling.
Roller frames come in two shapes:
- Caged roller frame has a cage-like frame with two end caps and a central rod to which the roller cover attaches. This frame is suitable for painting large areas.
- Yoke roller frame has a yoke or Y-shaped frame that holds the roller cover. This frame is easier to control and is ideal for painting tight corners and confined spaces.
Pro tip: Use a silicone lubricant on the bearings for the roller to function smoothly.
Cost
Paint rollers cost between $10 and $50, including the frame and roller cover. Manual and pad paint rollers fall on the lower end of this price range, while textured paint rollers are slightly more expensive.
Paint rollers are inexpensive, so purchase different rollers for painting various surfaces and switching between paint types for better results.
Choosing a Paint Roller
Painting is a simple way to give your home a fresh look. Paint rollers can help you tackle the project quicker, but only if you choose the right one.
Project Size
A standard 9-inch roller is suitable for painting medium-sized walls and ceilings. Use mini rollers (2-4 inches) to paint doors, baseboards, and tight corners. If necessary, use pad paint rollers for touch-ups.
Surface Type
Use a ⅜-inch roller nap to paint surfaces with a slight texture. Most interior walls and ceilings require this nap. Smoother surfaces like doors require shorter naps (¼-inch).
Use a ½-inch roller nap to paint bricks and other textured surfaces. Most exterior walls require this nap. A longer 1½-inch nap may be necessary to paint stone walls. For more, Paint Gnome offers a detailed guide to The Best Roller for Each Surface.
Paint Finish
Polyester roller covers are the most common and work well with both water- and oil-based paints. They shed fewer fabrics and provide a smooth finish.
Lambswool and mohair roller covers are best for oil-based paint and painting smooth surfaces like drywall. They provide a smooth finish but shed more fabric.
Microfiber roller covers are suitable for applying both water- and oil-based paints. They provide a smooth finish without shedding much fabric. Microfiber roller covers are usually a dollar or two more expensive than others but are worth it. Foam rollers are ideal for applying varnishes and stains.
FAQs
When should I replace the roller cover?
- Fraying or matting of the fibers
- Loss of texture
- Excessive paint buildup
Why does my roller slide instead of rolling?
If you overload your roller with paint, it’ll become heavy and slide along the surface instead of rolling. Use a putty knife to remove excess paint from the roller.
How do I clean my roller cover?
Use a putty knife to scrape the excess paint from the roller, then remove the roller and wash it with water to remove latex paint. Use paint thinner to remove oil-based paint. Rinse the roller and let it dry by placing it upright, then use a stiff-bristled brush and an old rag to clean the roller frame and paint tray. For more on the proper technique for cleaning a roller, see our guide.
Should I DIY or hire a pro to paint my room?
DIY paint jobs are fun, but only if you only paint a single room or certain parts of the house. If you have to paint the entire house or are busy, hiring a pro should be your choice. Professional painters have the tools and experience to paint your home more quickly and efficiently.
Hire a Local Pro
If you need help painting your house, Paint Gnome can connect you with the best painters in your area. They are all just a few clicks and offer free quotes in minutes.
Main Photo Credit: Pexels
