How to Choose the Right Paint Roller for Your Project | Do it Best

Paint rollers may all look similar, but even just a quarter-inch of thickness can make a big difference in the finished surface. The handle and base of the painting tool are known as the roller cage. Your roller needs to fit on the cage you choose, and it also needs to match the surface you’re painting and the type of paint you’re using.

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Invest in a durable plastic or metal roller cage and a few different rollers to match to prepare yourself for all painting challenges.

When Should You Use Rollers vs. Sprayers vs. Brushes?

When deciding how to approach a painting project, it’s important to choose the right tools for the job. Each method—paint rollers, sprayers, or brushes—has its own strengths, so understanding when to use each can help you achieve the best results.

Paint Rollers

Paint rollers are ideal for large, flat surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors. They offer quick, even coverage with minimal streaking. If you’re painting a room, rollers allow you to cover significant areas in less time compared to brushes. Wider rollers can speed up the process, while smaller rollers are perfect for tighter spaces. However, rollers may not be as precise for details, which is where brushes come in handy.

Paint Brushes

Brushes are the go-to tool for precision work. They’re perfect for cutting in corners, edges, and trim or painting textured surfaces where a roller might miss the finer details. While brushes are slower for larger areas, they allow for complete control over the paint application, making them essential for touch-ups or small projects.

Paint Sprayers

For large exterior surfaces like fences, decks, or siding, paint sprayers are a powerful option. Sprayers provide an ultra-smooth finish and cover surfaces in a fraction of the time compared to rollers or brushes. However, they require more prep work, like masking off nearby areas to prevent overspray, and can be messier if not handled carefully.

Natural

Natural roller covers are often made with lamb’s wool or mohair and work really well with oil-based paints. They can be cumbersome to clean, but rinsing them quickly with paint thinner after each will help. We don't recommend using a natural roller cover with latex paints, as the water in it can easily cause matting and damage the fabric.

Synthetic

Polyester and nylon rollers, often labeled as synthetic fibers, are great for latex-based and acrylic-based products.

Blended

Blended roller covers are much more versatile and are made of a combination of natural fibers and polyester, offering both a smooth finish and durability. They work well with all types of paint.

Foam Rollers

Use a soft foam roller if you need to coat a porous surface or smooth surfaces that tend to bead up. These are great for projects like cabinets and anything that requires a smooth finish.

Specialty Rollers

Specialty products, like rag rollers, are used to create certain textures and finishes, so you’ll only need them for certain projects. Some examples include rollers covered in bunched-up rag bits, chunks of sea sponge, or patterns carved into foam. They’re usually used after a base coat of a neutral color is applied with a standard fiber-covered roller. Once the base paint dries, add a highlight coat with the specialty roller. Make sure to practice with the tool before applying it to the walls.

Paint rollers leave a thin and even coat of paint over a surface with little to no brush marks. While using a brush can take hours to coat a large wall, a roller with a telescoping handle can cover the same space in mere minutes.

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However, you do lose some control over the precise application of paint, especially when using a wide roller for quick coverage. Most people use a roller to coat the center of large walls or to quickly paint large furniture pieces and finish the edges and details with a brush. It’s an excellent alternative to a paint sprayer, where there’s no access for air compression or electricity since the roller can cover exterior and interior surfaces nearly as quickly with far less mess.

Achieving a Smooth Finish with a Paint Roller

Using a paint roller is one of the fastest ways to cover a surface, but achieving a smooth, professional finish takes a little technique. Follow these tips to avoid roller marks, streaks, or uneven coverage for your project:

• Use the Right Nap Size: Match the roller nap length to the surface texture. Short naps (1/4”) are best for smooth surfaces, while longer naps (3/4” to 1”) work well for rougher surfaces like stucco or textured drywall.

• Roll in a “W” or “M” Pattern: Start by applying paint in a “W” or “M” shape to evenly distribute it across the surface. Then, fill in the gaps with smooth, vertical or horizontal strokes. This technique reduces the risk of visible roller marks.

• Don’t Overload the Roller: Dip the roller into the paint tray and roll it back and forth on the ridged area to remove excess paint. Overloading the roller can cause drips and uneven application.

• Maintain a Wet Edge: Work in small sections and keep the edges wet as you move across the surface. This prevents lap marks, which occur when paint dries unevenly.

• Use Consistent Pressure: Avoid pressing too hard on the roller, as this can create streaks or paint buildup. Let the roller’s weight do the work and apply gentle, even pressure.

• Finish with Light Strokes: Once the paint is applied, go over the area with light, smooth strokes in a single direction to even out the finish.

Paint rollers stay good for years if kept wrapped and stored out of sunlight. They work well for all types of home painting projects as long as you match them to the specific surface you’re coating. When you find a favorite brand or type, pick up a few extras for the next time you need to paint your home.