How to Choose a Paint Roller

30 Sep.,2024

 

How to Choose a Paint Roller

Once you know the size of your paint roller frame, it&#;s time to zero in on the cover, which comes in various materials. Below are the three most common types of rollers and what they&#;re used for.

Cohwa Product Page

Polyester

&#;Polyester is the general-purpose material for all paints, stains, and surfaces,&#; Villar says. &#;Most rollers used today are comprised of a poly (synthetic) material.&#; One exception: Sloan says she&#;d steer clear of using polyester roller sleeves with a gloss paint.

Lambswool

&#;Lambswool is a traditional material that is good for solvent-based paints,&#; Sloan says. They are an animal product, so she notes that vegan DIY&#;ers wouldn&#;t use lambswool rollers. Villar adds that this material does take a bit longer to break in, but once it does, it can last for numerous jobs. &#;This type of roller is often prized by professionals for this reason,&#; he says.

Foam

Here&#;s what Sloan would use for those gloss paints. &#;Foam rollers are also best for protective products, such as lacquers or stains,&#; she says. And Villar points out that foam rollers come in a variety of densities, which are chosen for specific projects. He says, &#;For example, high-density foam rollers may be used with thinner coatings or when trying to achieve a fine finish on smooth surfaces, while a slit-foam roller may be used to paint over acoustic or textured surfaces.&#;

How does the thickness of the roller cover affect the paint job?

Roller cover thickness, or nap, is most commonly determined by the texture of the surface you&#;re painting. &#;A more textured surface (like brick, masonry, or stucco) requires a higher nap, such as a 3/4-inch to 1 1/2-inch roller cover,&#; Fiorilli says. &#;For smooth walls, a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch nap works best.&#;

What roller is best for baseboards?

&#;Mini covers work best,&#; Fiorilli says. Typically six inches or smaller, this size is ideal for the narrow width of baseboards. &#;These are also available in different fabrics that provide the best finish for trim, including foam and mohair.&#;

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Roller Frame Wholesale.

Should you soak a paint roller before painting?

Once you&#;ve picked the perfect roller, get the most out of it by breaking it in&#;typically done by soaking it in water. &#;This will help remove any loose material, dirt, or debris on the roller while conditioning the fabric to absorb paint,&#; Villar says. After wetting your roller, he recommends wringing it out until it&#;s damp or using a roller spinner to remove excess water.

When is it time to replace your paint roller cover?

A stained roller cover

Photo: Rastoni/Getty Images

Though you&#;ve expertly picked your roller and come to rely on it, it&#;s important to note that your cover won&#;t last forever. So when do you replace it? &#;Once the fiber stains or stops accepting paint and sliding,&#; Sloan says. But before that happens, you can extend its lifespan by cleaning your cover with a mild detergent after each use.

Additional painting tips:

&#;Shed-resistant or lint-free rollers can be less prone to leaving loose fibers on the painted surface, making them a good choice for a beginner,&#; Villar says. &#;But beware that these rollers may not pick up or release as much paint as other rollers labeled &#;high capacity,&#; for example.&#; Villar also mentions that you&#;ll want to survey your entire home improvement project before heading to the store. He says to ask yourself, &#;Are you painting large surfaces, tiny areas, or a mix of shapes and sizes? Are there hard-to-reach areas or different surfaces and materials to be covered?&#; It&#;s likely you&#;ll need more than one type of roller, plus other accessories in addition to your paint roller kit, such as an extension pole or a paintbrush for touch-ups.

Speaking of additional tools, Sloan notes that your roller tray is just as important as the roller itself. She says, &#;Avoid plastic and invest in a good-size paint tray so you can play with the paint a little and coat the roller evenly before applying it to the wall.&#; Investing in the right tools will make your DIY project a breeze.

What Rollers Do Professional Painters Use for Perfect Walls

What Rollers Do Professional Painters Use for Perfect Walls?

For more information, please visit Flat Paint Brush Manufacturer China.