Best Paint Roller for Walls
A paint roller of good quality, ideal for holding a reasonable amount of paint, is best suited for painting the walls. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing the best paint roller for walls:
1. Nap Length
The nap length here refers to the length of the wool or fibers on the paint roller. The suitable nap length is ¼ inches to ⅜ inches for surfaces like walls with a smooth texture. This will enable the roller to roll on the wall while leaving little texture behind, such as between the ridges.
2. Roller width
Though the rollers can fit any width, the standard rollers are 9” and 18” only. A 9” roller allows one to cut in edges and paint small areas, while an 18” roller enables one to paint large walls quickly.
3. Cover Material
Paint roller covers are available in polyester, lambswool, synthetic blends and natural fibers. Polyester is ideal for latex paints and natural lambswool is ideal for oil-based paints. Synthetic blends are cheaper blends suitable for both acrylic and solvent-based paints.
4. Roller core
The roller core should not be cardboard but high-density plastic or phenolic resin. These are far more permanent solutions that will not flex or feel cheap when filled with paint.
Paint Roller for Ceiling
Painting ceilings is a specialty; therefore, some different materials are needed for the best outcome to be achieved. Here’s how to choose the best paint roller for ceilings:
1. Nap Length
Since there is always minor dripping and splattering when painting overhead, use a thicker nap of 3/4 of an inch and 1 inch to help better absorb the paint.
2. Extended Pole
Extending the pole is necessary since everything starts overhead while painting the ceiling. Select the right pole that extends so that you don’t have to stand on a ladder, placing pressure on a small area on the floor.
3. Angled Edges
Some roller covers come with one side that has angular edges. This makes it easier for you to get closer to the walls and corners while painting a ceiling.
4. Woven Polyester
A good ceiling paint roller cover should be made of a good, hard-wearing woven polyester fabric. This fabric will allow you to spray thicker paint on the ceiling.
The texture of your ceiling should also determine the kind of cover material you will use. Rough ceilings might need a more powerful roller that will not be affected by snags.
The Best Paint Roller for Furniture
Repainting furniture may mean changing the finish to fresh paint and this requires a particular consideration when it comes to the paint rollers. Some top considerations are:
1. Strike Small
Instead of using a 9” roller, use a 4”. This helps you cover the small decorative elements with more precision.
2. Soft Nap
When applying a lacquer or paint that dries with a gloss finish, you should use a mohair or microfiber roller cover. The fine hairs will allow very little stippling texture to remain on the skin.
3. Foam Roller
Foam rollers can also apply smooth paints to intricate furniture designs. When picking the roller of closed-cell variety, ensure that it does not soak up too much paint.
4. Multiple Covers
Since finishing layers accumulate during furniture painting, always be ready to change a roller cover to avoid dripping. When you have extras on hand, the project quickly moves forward.
5. Thick Nap
The rollers should have a thick nap of about 1”-1 1⁄2” for applying paint on rough exterior surfaces. This assists the roller in sealing the floor with grooves that may not be smooth all over the area.
6. Shed-Resistant
Rough surfaces attract more and can shed the roller. Obtain roller covers that do not shed even when they are used continually.
Paint rollers are divided into different categories because the best roller for a specific project differs from the others. The ideal paint roller is also different for different categories of surfaces being painted. Go through the details of your painting project and weigh these against the roller cover, napping and core appropriate for your project.