How to Choose a Roller Cover

A Few Paint Roller Cover Basics

For larger projects that require more than just a brush, consider the following factors when choosing a roller cover:

The ideal roller cover for your project depends on the size, smoothness, and desired finish of your painting surface. Be sure to take these features into account when selecting a roller cover, and don’t forget to pair it with a suitable roller frame.

Material

The material of the roller cover influences both productivity and the final appearance of your paint job.

Woven Fabrics: Materials like microfiber and mohair minimize lint and deliver an exceptionally smooth finish.

Knit Fabrics: Options such as polyester and lambswool hold more paint and cover larger areas more quickly, but may leave a slight stipple texture.

Nap Size

The appropriate nap size of a roller cover depends on the surface being painted and the desired smoothness of the finish. Roller covers come with varying nap sizes, or fiber thicknesses, that range from low to high. Low-nap rollers are suitable for surfaces requiring less paint pickup, while high-nap rollers are ideal for larger projects where more paint is needed.

When selecting a roller cover, consider the surface texture and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. For smooth interior surfaces like drywall, cabinets, and metal, use roller covers with smaller nap sizes to achieve a flawless finish. For these surfaces, a nap size of ¼-inch is recommended.

For walls, ceilings, and paneling, opt for a roller cover with a ⅜-inch nap size. Lightly textured surfaces, such as decks and concrete, benefit from a ½-inch nap size. For more textured surfaces like ceilings, stucco, and masonry, a ¾-inch nap is most effective.

For outdoor applications or when painting rough interior surfaces such as cinder block, rough wood, and brick, choose roller covers with a higher nap size. This ensures better paint pickup and coverage in all crevices, leading to faster application and increased productivity.

Paint Type

Achieve the best finish with the right roller cover for each type of paint. For paints and primers with glossier sheens, such as enamels, use woven roller covers. These covers shed less lint and provide a smoother finish.

Oil-based or water-based paints are best applied with knit roller covers, which feature a more open fabric construction. This design allows them to pick up and release larger quantities of paint, ensuring even coverage and a superior finish.

Roller Cover Size

Roller covers come in a range of sizes from 4 inches to 18 inches. A longer roller allows you to cover a larger surface area more quickly, making it ideal for broad, open spaces. Conversely, shorter rollers are better suited for painting edges and corners.

Select the roller cover size based on the area you need to paint. For larger surfaces, a longer roller will be more efficient, while smaller rollers are perfect for detailed work. Remember, you might still need a brush for finishing touches and intricate details.