How to Choose The Right Roller for Painting

It is very important to not only choose a quality roller, but to also choose the RIGHT quality roller for the right surface you are painting.

The Importance of Roller Nap Thickness

The thickness of a roller's fabric, known as its "nap," significantly affects its performance on various surfaces in your home. A thicker nap can hold more paint, making it suitable for rougher surfaces. In contrast, if you desire a smoother finish, you should opt for a roller with a lower nap.

Types of Paint Rollers

Standard Rollers  

These are the most common and versatile. They come in various nap lengths, making them suitable for both smooth and textured surfaces.

Mini Rollers  

Perfect for small areas or detailed work, mini rollers are great for tight spaces like corners and trim.

Foam Rollers  

If you're after a smooth, glass-like finish, foam rollers are your best bet. They work wonderfully with water-based paints.

Textured Rollers  

These are designed to create patterns or textures on walls. They can give your project a unique flair, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Specialty Rollers  

Specialty rollers serve specific purposes, like rollers designed for corners or those that create special finishes. They're great for adding a unique touch.

Size and Style

3-5mm NAP  

A thinner nap provides a smooth, high-quality finish when using water-based or oil-based gloss or semi-gloss paints. These rollers hold a small amount of paint, which contributes to achieving an ultra-smooth finish, making them ideal for painting doors and cupboards.

7-9mm NAP  

This nap thickness helps achieve a very smooth finish, perfect for feature walls or areas where a sleek look is desired. Compared to 12mm rollers, they produce less "roller stipple." While an "All Purpose roller" can be used on all surfaces in your home, using a specialized nap roller for specific surfaces will yield a better finish.

10-15mm NAP

The most commonly used roller for painting all walls and ceilings around the home. They are designed to hold a fair amount of paint, usually for applying flat or low sheen paints. Quality 12mm nap rollers will apply an even paint film to your walls and ceilings and give you a great finish, without splattering paint all over you and the floor. Professional painters actually use 20mm nap rollers on ceilings, and 12mm nap rollers on walls.

18-26mm NAP  

Rollers with an 18-26mm nap are designed for rough and textured surfaces, such as bagged brick, render, or brickwork. Their thick nap allows them to hold large volumes of paint, essential for these porous surfaces. This thickness not only facilitates applying more paint but also helps penetrate the deep crevices and textures of rough surfaces.

What Roller Width Do I Use

75 - 100mm Width

Interior Project

Cupboards

Door Trims

Windows

Furniture

Exterior Project

Fence Posts

Rails

130-180mm Width

Interior Project

Doors

Small Surfaces

Small Walls

Bench Tops

Stairs

Exterior Project

Eaves

Pergolas

230 - 270mm Width

Interior Project

Walls

Ceilings

Large Surfaces

Exterior Project

Fences

Concrete Floors

Brickwork

Conclusion

Choosing the right roller can make all the difference in your painting project. By considering factors like roller type, nap length, and painting techniques, you're well on your way to achieving that ultimate finish. Happy painting!