
Narrow down to your options for roller length.
- 9-inch rollers are the best size for the majority of projects tackled by DIYers. ...
- 12-inch or longer rollers can be somewhat heavy and unwieldy and, therefore, are more often used by professionals than DIYers. ...
- 6- or 7-inch rollers are a good size for painting baseboard molding or small furnishings. ...
Full Answer
What is the best paint roller for your paint project?
Wickes Professional Roller on an Extendable Pole
- Don’t like ladders? This extendable paint roller is the answer. ...
- Spruce up brickwork with this heavy pile roller. If you are painting the outside of your house, an outdoor wall, or internal brickwork you are going to need a heavy-duty ...
- A dual-purpose pro paint roller for quicker coverage. ...
What is the best paint roller for interior walls?
Roller material – Nylon-polyester, natural blend, and foam rollers are your best options when working on walls with minimal to no texture. Roller length – 9-inch to 12-inch are the go-to sizes for larger work, while 4-inch or smaller is ideal for small touch-ups.
What is the best roller for painting cabinets?
- BEST OVERALL: STANLEY PTST03508 8 Piece Paint Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Wooster Pro/Doo-Z Woven Roller Cover
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bates Paint Roller – Paint Brush, Paint Tray
- BEST FOR SMALL PROJECTS: True Blue Professional Paint Roller Covers
- BEST FOR TRIM: FoamPRO 82, 2″ Finish Coater Mini Roller
- BEST FOR CEILINGS: Shur-Line 3510 9-Inch Roller and Shield
What is the best paint roller for smooth finish?
- 4" roller - also known as mini-rollers, 4" rollers are for tight areas or detailed painting such as interior trim or furniture
- 9" roller - the most common width of roller, that is used for most painting jobs, including interior walls
- 12" roller - this gives flexibility to use a slightly bigger roller that can be used both internally and externally

What roller do professional painters use?
ProDec 9" x 1.75" 4 Piece: Best paint roller for a pro job. There are few rollers that come more highly recommended by the experts than the ProDec 9” x 1.75”.
What is the best size roller for painting walls?
Each brand has different colors, but the majority are white, yellow, or blue. What is the Best Paint Roller for Your Paint Project? Ceilings and Drywall - Medium 3/8″ nap roller covers work best. Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ nap roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish.
What is the most common paint roller size?
9-inchStandard wall rollers are 7 to 12 inches wide, with 9-inch rollers being suitable for most home projects. Smaller rollers of 6 to 7 inches are suitable for small furnishings or baseboard molding.
Are bigger paint rollers better?
0:051:299" vs. 18" Rollers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne of the essential aspects of painting is always choosing the proper tool for the task at hand itMoreOne of the essential aspects of painting is always choosing the proper tool for the task at hand it nearly goes without saying big jobs call for a bigger roller whiskers 18-inch rollers are the best
How do you get the smoothest paint finish?
6 Secrets to Silky Smooth PaintPrep the Wood. Sand any bare wood to 120-grit and no finer. ... Sand Your Primer. Without a smooth base, you can't get a smooth finish. ... Use Additives. ... Buy The Right Paint. ... Strain Your Paint. ... Put it On, Leave it Alone.
What size rollers should I use?
The size of the Velcro rollers also play a huge role in what the style will look like. If your hair is chin-length or shorter, use small to medium-size rollers. If your hair is shoulder length or longer, use medium to large or jumbo-size.
How do you prevent roller marks when painting?
How to Avoid Roller Marks when Painting Walls Use a synthetic, short-napped roller cover. Wipe off any lint from the paint roller. Don't use too much paint. Roll in a “W” or “N” pattern. Use moderate pressure on the roller. Maintain a wet edge. Paint as close to the floor and ceiling as possible.More items...
How do you make a smooth paint finish with a roller?
Start at one end, running the roller up and down the full height of the wall, moving over slightly with each stroke. Move backward where necessary to even out thick spots or runs. Don't let the roller become nearly dry; reload it often so that it's always at least half loaded.
How do you prevent orange peel when painting a wall with a roller?
Also put a humidifier in the room and let it run as the paint dries. It will slow the drying to 2 or 3 times normal. Next time try adding a thinner to the paint so it stays wet longer. Also some paints will orange peel more than others.
Is it worth cleaning a paint roller?
Don't bother cleaning the roller. Scrape the cover to reclaim as much paint as you can with out shredding the cover. If you want to reuse it using the same color, wrap it tight in saran and refrigerate it for a short time and it can be reused - but it begs the question why you would even bother.
Which rollers are best for painting?
Whether you're painting walls, ceilings, doors, furniture or the outside of your home a paint roller will make it quicker, easier and give a great finish. If you're painting a ceiling and walls, the common 9-inch medium pile roller is your best choice.
Why do I get bubbles when I paint my walls?
Blisters or bubbles appear when a layer of paint does not adhere perfectly to its underlying surface, known as the substrate. As the new film of paint dries and pulls away, pockets of air or water form underneath.
How do you prevent roller marks when painting?
How to Avoid Roller Marks when Painting Walls Use a synthetic, short-napped roller cover. Wipe off any lint from the paint roller. Don't use too much paint. Roll in a “W” or “N” pattern. Use moderate pressure on the roller. Maintain a wet edge. Paint as close to the floor and ceiling as possible.More items...
How do you make a smooth paint finish with a roller?
Start at one end, running the roller up and down the full height of the wall, moving over slightly with each stroke. Move backward where necessary to even out thick spots or runs. Don't let the roller become nearly dry; reload it often so that it's always at least half loaded.
How do I choose a paint roller?
1:313:03How to Choose the Right Paint Rollers and Brushes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd semi-gloss paint goes on better with short nap rollers because these tend to generate less foamMoreAnd semi-gloss paint goes on better with short nap rollers because these tend to generate less foam and fewer bubbles when you're rolling the pain out.
How many rollers do I need to paint a room?
Of the dozens of different painting tools available, you'll only need two paintbrushes and two paint rollers. For brushes, get a 1½-inch-wide sash brush and a 2½-inch-wide sash brush.
What size roller should I use for painting a cabinet?
While most people think of paint rollers for taking on large areas, they’re also equally effective at getting into tight spaces. You’ll find that six or seven-inch rollers can be excellent for edging around fixtures or moldings, for doing touch-up work, and for painting furnishings or the inside of cabinets. Four-inch rollers, also referred to as mini hot dog rollers, can get into even tighter and more difficult spaces, such as behind a toilet or around sink fixtures.
What are the parts of a paint roller?
Paint rollers can be broken down into two basic parts: the roller frame or cage and the cover. Each component comes in different sizes and a variety of materials to meet an array of different painting needs. With the right combination, you’ll make your job easier, get done faster, and be more satisfied with the finished look.
What is the best roller pad for oil based paint?
Best for oil-based paints, natural paint roller pads are made from wool or mohair. When working with natural padding, be aware that wool especially absorbs a large amount of paint. As long as you take care not to overapply, you’ll be able to cover large areas before you run out of paint.
What is roller frame?
The roller frame includes the handle and the ribbed cage, which is constructed to roll and hold the padding. Beginning with the handle, make sure to choose a product that offers an ergonomic design. You’ll be thankful that you chose a comfortable grip when the hours start to add up on your painting project. Also, be sure the handle comes with a threaded opening or latch system to add an extension pole for reaching high walls and ceilings.
What paints can be used with wool?
When in doubt, a blend of wool and polyester will give you the most versatility, as it can be used with both oil-based and latex- or water-based paints. Plus, the blended material picks up an optimal amount of paint and is among the most durable material choices.
Can you roll wood grain on textured rollers?
When you want to add a design element, textured rollers have a pattern etched into their foam cover. Though it may take a bit of planning and practice, you can roll a wood grain, tile, stone, brick, or specific pattern onto your desired surface.
What is the best roller for oil based paint?
Wool or mohair roller covers, with natural fibers, are the best choices for applying oil-based paint, but they work well with any finish and cover a variety of surfaces smoothly. Wool picks up a lot of paint, and so provides excellent coverage with just one coat.
What type of roller covers are good for water based paint?
Synthetic roller covers —including polyester, nylon, or Dacron—are the right choice for water-based latex paint because they resist matting. You can use a synthetic cover with any paint finish and on most surfaces. Though synthetics don’t pick up and hold as much paint as wool does, they are generally very durable.
What is the best nap for painting?
Using a long nap on a smooth surface tends to create a bumpy finish, while a short nap on a rough surface will often tear apart or shed fibers into the paint. 1/4-inch nap is best for very smooth walls, ceilings, cabinetry, and other surfaces without texture, including metal.
What is the nap of a roller cover?
Know what nap you need for your surface. The nap of a roller cover refers to the length of its fibers —yet another important decision to make based on the project at hand. Different naps are good for different surfaces. As a general rule, the shorter the nap, the smoother the surface you’ll use it on.
What is a mini roller?
4-inch mini rollers are great for touchups, small furnishings, tight spaces, or careful work around fixtures, windowsills, or other obstacles. They also come in handy for painting the insides of cabinets or bookcases. 3. Choose the right roller cover material based on your paint and project.
What is a roller frame?
A roller frame— the skeleton of this reusable painting tool—is basically a comfortable plastic handle connected to a roller cage (the part of the frame that slips inside the roller cover). Typically, roller cages have plastic caps at either end supporting the compression metal “ribs” that fit inside a cover and hold it securely in place, but you’ll also find roller frames with sturdy plastic cages.
Do roller frames come in different sizes?
Roller frames and covers come in several different lengths (and while most frames come in a fixed roller width, some of the large ones are adjustable in size, using small clips or prongs to secure the cover instead of a cage). You’ll need to match the lengths of your roller frame and cover if you want to do the job right .
How thick is a paint roller?
Thickness usually ranges between ¼-inch and one inch , and the longer the length, the more paint can be absorbed and consequently pressed out. For covering large areas, longer napped rollers are best. The width of the roller can be important, too.
What is a paint roller?
Paint rollers are generally made up of two components: the roller cover and the roller frame. Both are essential, but the feature you’ll most likely want to zero in on is the cover. One of the most important features of a paint roller cover is its nap, and particularly the length. The nap is the soft material that surrounds the roll and its measurements influence how much paint saturates the roller. Thickness usually ranges between ¼-inch and one inch, and the longer the length, the more paint can be absorbed and consequently pressed out. For covering large areas, longer napped rollers are best.
How many pieces are in a fish paint brush and roller set?
Seventeen pieces come in this PILOT FISH paint brush and roller set. The larger of the two rollers included features a cage frame and three covers, while the smaller 4.5-inch roller comes with five roller covers. The kit also has a small paintbrush for touch-ups, two trays, and a sanding tool. While some reviewers commented that the brush could be better, they were pleased with the results the rollers provided. They’re a perfect fit for first-timers getting started on paint projects or tackling simple at-home DIY jobs.
How does the N5 paint roller work?
After removing one of the side caps, you can pour paint inside, which the brush then releases as you press and roll. You get two roller heads in this kit—a handheld version and one that screws onto the included extension pole—alongside other tools, like a measuring cup for getting your paint portions right. One reviewer mentioned, “This set is easy to put together and great for cleanup.”
What is a Wooster brush roller?
The handle is made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon and polypropylene, and it provides a lock that stays tight while in use but is easy to release when it’s time to change out the cover. A handful of reviewers commented on durability, claiming it’s far less flimsy than its other plastic counterparts. One professional painter, who has spent many years testing out different rollers, explained that no amount of paint or neglect has ruined this item. “It is definitely the best there is,” they wrote. “I've been using the same frame for three years and it still spins freely.”
What size roller should I use for a wall?
The width of the roller can be important, too. Small and mini-sized rollers are great for everyday projects, touch-ups, and more detail-oriented maneuvers on a wall or trim, but if you’re working with high ceilings, wide walls, or large rooms, a longer roller will be ideal. Pole extensions can also be purchased to allow access to hard-to-reach spaces and comfortably coat your surface.
What is the lock on a Precision Defined paint roller?
The built-in lock is a nice piece of added tech on this Precision Defined paint roller. Without a lock, you can risk excessive drips and losing your roller mid-stroke. That being said, some locks have the tendency to get stuck, but plenty of satisfied customers emphasized that this one moves effortlessly and keeps the roller in place. It also features a cushioned grip for pain-free painting. “The comfort grip made it easy to use and handle,” one buyer wrote. “My hands didn't get fatigued. The paint roller lock feature kept the roller in place throughout my project. It went on easily and was removed easily.”
Additional Naps Tips
Remember, paint rollers also come in varying widths, although a foot is most common, and shorter widths are used for more specialized projects. Also keep in mind that there’s a reason you buy rollers in packs: A well-sealed and stored roller can last a few days at the most. A roller left out overnight may not even be usable the next day.
About the Author: revlocalcontent
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
What is a nap on a roller?
Nap is the thickness of the fibers on the roller cover , also known as “pile.” The more texture your surface has, the thicker the nap should be. Examples of nap thickness and projects include:
How long does it take to get gallons of paint in store?
Order gallons of paint online and pick up in store in as little as 3 hours.
Do rollers shed fibers?
Choose quality over cost-savings: Budget rollers shed fibers and deteriorate with numerous washings. A quality roller cover may cost a little more money but lasts longer and provides more uses if maintained properly .
Do you need a paintbrush for painting?
You’ll still need a paintbrush for areas that demand precision, like cutting in corners and painting trim. Otherwise, rolling paint over large areas is extremely efficient and offers the smoothest finish.
How long is a standard roller?
Standard roller length is nine inches. For smaller areas, a four-inch or seven-inch roller cover may be desired. For larger area walls and floors, 14-inch and 18-inch rollers may increase productivity.
What type of roller covers are best for latex paint?
Nylon/polyester: Synthetic roller covers are ideal for applying latex paints. They resist matting and hold their shape for a smooth finish.
What is the best brush for latex paint?
A good quality nylon and polyester blended brush is the best choice for all latex paints and coatings. Many painters prefer a synthetic brush for oil coatings as well.
What is the most popular roller cover sold by Sherwin Williams?
Polyester Knit: The most popular roller cover sold by Sherwin-Williams. Specially formulated for today's latex coatings. The highly crimped fibers offer the best protection against matting.
What is the strongest material for paint brushes?
Although nylon is a soft material, it is also the strongest and most expensive material in a paint brush. 100 percent nylon brushes offer extreme durability, even when used on rough or abrasive surfaces. 100 percent nylon brushes are finished using several hand-trimming steps to create a superior cut-in tool.
What is a high production paint brush?
High Production Brushes: These brush es are recommended for painters looking for superior paint pick-up and release. High Production brushes deliver great results in less time. They pick-up and release more than 25 percent more paint than any other brush on the market.
What are the different brush styles?
Brush Styles. Angle sash: Bristles are precisely trimmed at an angle that allows painters to hold the brush more comfortably while painting trim and corners. Brush ends are rounded for a smooth, gradual paint stroke. Trim: Trim brushes have a straight cut-line and are also used for painting trim and corners.
