One of the most useful tools in a painter’s toolbox is a paint roller. Rollers make it possible to apply paint to large surfaces quickly with less waste and a smooth finish, but it requires picking the appropriate cover for your surface.
The trick is that roller covers come in a range of thicknesses (also known as nap). Picking the right roller cover for the job will depend on the type of surface you are painting. These guidelines will help you to understand when you will need a particular type of roller:
- 3/16 – ¼ inch – Use on smooth surfaces and higher gloss paints. Choose this type when painting doors, trim, or cabinets.
- ⅜ – ½ inch – Use on semi-smooth surfaces like walls and ceilings.
- ¾ – 1 inch – Use on semi-rough surfaces like stucco.
- 1 ¾ – 1 ½ inch – Use on rough surfaces like brick, masonry, and cinder blocks.
As you look at different types of roller covers you will notice that they are made with a variety of different materials. Look for a synthetic fiber cover when you are painting with water-based paints, and reserve lamb’s wool covers for applying oil-based paints.
Properly caring for your roller cover after every painting project will ensure that it works well for you after many uses. After you’ve finished painting remove the cover from the roller and wash it off in the sink (never rinse oil-based paint down the drain!) until the water runs clear.