What Paint Roller Should I Use?

You’ve decided to take on a large paint project in your home. You’re excited! You head to your local paint supplier and stand in the roller aisle. There are thick rollers, thin rollers, large frames, small frames, wool covers, synthetic covers, microfiber covers and foam covers. It’s so confusing! Which roller is right for your paint job? The following are tips for choosing the best roller for your paint project.

Frame: Your first consideration is the reusable roller frame, the skeleton of the tool. The frame is composed of a handle connected to a roller cage, the part onto which you will slip a cover. It’s best to purchase it separate from a cover so you can control the quality of your supplies. Look for these features:

• Ergonomic handle: Pay a little extra for an ergonomic handle to reduce strain on your wrist and arm. This is especially important if your project is large and will take some time to complete.
• Ball bearings: Quality roller frames have ball bearings to provide smooth rolling movement and a fine finish.
• Threaded handle: Check for threads or clips at the bottom of the handle so you can attach an extension pole for tackling ceilings or the tops of walls.

Length: Rollers come in several lengths and some are adjustable in size. Which roller size you use depends upon what you will be painting.

• 9-inch rollers (crosslink: https://westhillhurstpaint.com/product/barracuda-9-1-2-roller-frame/) are good for most projects. They fit easily into a 5-gallon paint bucket and are big enough to cover a large area but not so big that they are difficult to control around details.

• 12-inch rollers (or longer) are heavier and harder to use and therefore most often only used by professional painters.

• 6 or 7-inch rollers work well for baseboards, moulding and small furnishings. They make it easy to get into corners.

• 4-inch rollers are good for touch-ups, small furnishings, tight spaces, doors, windowsills, around fixtures and for painting the insides of cabinets or bookcases.

Cover: Covers come in many materials, each with its advantages. Look for a core made from resin or plastic, not cardboard.

• Wool/mohair covers are great for applying oil-based paint. They pick up a lot of product providing excellent coverage with just one coat. They work on any finish and cover a variety of surfaces.

• Synthetic covers (polyester, nylon, dacron) are the best choice for water-based paint as they resist matting. They are durable and can be used with any finish and on most surfaces.

• Wool-polyester blend covers can be used with oil or water-based paint. They pick up a lot of paint and last a long time.

• Microfiber roller covers work with latex and oil-based paints with a matte, eggshell, or satin finish. They provide a very smooth finish but are suitable only on surfaces without much texture. they pick up and release more paint than the average cover so they require a bit of practice to use well.
• Foam roller covers are single-use covers best for rolling semi-gloss or high-gloss latex paint over smooth surfaces. Use them for quick touch-ups on trim, baseboards, furniture, or other small projects.

Nap refers to the length of the fibres. Choose the nap based on the kind of surface you will be painting. The shorter the nap the smoother the surface.

• 5mm/1/4-inch nap is best for very smooth walls, ceilings, metal doors, interior doors, trim and cabinets.
• 10mm/3/8-inch nap is good for lightly textured surfaces, including most interior walls.
• 13mm/1/2-inch nap is good for moderately textured walls, panelling, and painted brick or concrete.
• 15mm/3/4-inch nap is best for heavily textured surfaces such as brick, concrete or popcorn ceilings.
• 20mm/1-inch nap and above is useful for stucco, cinder blocks, rough brick, masonry and chain-link fences.

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To get a professional-looking paint job you need to start with quality tools. To determine the best paint roller(s) for your needs, consider the size, shape and roughness of the surface to be painted. Choose a roller with the frame, length, cover and nap that is best for your project. When in doubt, talk to your local paint supplier. They will help you pick the best roller for your paint job.

Need quality tools for your painting project? Looking for the perfect paint and roller for your painting task? Call Calgary’s independent paint and blinds store West Hillhurst Paint + Design at (403) 270-9696 or email at [email protected]. Our knowledgeable professional design associates provide high-quality paint and stain, a wide selection of blinds, advice for home projects and excellent service. Call for a consultation today!