Types and Uses of Paint Rollers

The use of paint rollers for many interior and exterior projects became popular due to the speed of application and versatility that they provide. Most wall paints are now formulated for roller application.

In choosing a quality paint roller one must consider two important features: the roller cover material and the roller nap length. The paint roller covers or sometimes called sleeves are made from three types of materials namely; foam, synthetic and natural. These sleeves come in different sizes from 4” to 18” designed for different size jobs.

The Natural Covers

This paint covers are great for stains and oil-based paints over rough to semi-smooth surfaces. These paint covers hold more paint and are less prone to splatters as compared to synthetic covers. These are best tenders for faux or textured finish jobs. Two types include; the lamb’s wool paint roller cover and the mohair paint roller cover. Mohair is great for smooth surface and good for finishing doors and furniture.

The Synthetic Fabric Covers

This paint covers are great for water-based paints and can be applied to all surface textures depending on the nap selection. For smoother surface and finish use a shorter nap. These covers are very versatile and can be used with any paint sheen.

The Foam Covers

These covers are great for high-gloss latex or oil paints. These work well on smooth or textured surfaces to give that extra-smooth finish.

The Roller Cover Nap

The roller cover material is known as the nap. Paint roller covers come in varying nap lengths designed to accommodate the textures of different surfaces. To match the nap length to the surface you are painting will ensure a smooth finish.

Nap Categories;

1. The 1/8″ to ¼” is designed for very smooth surfaces such as sanded wood, sheet rock or Masonite.
2. The 3/8″ to ½” is for semi-smooth surfaces like composite siding, poured concrete or sanded plaster.
3. The ¾” cover nap is for semi-rough surfaces such as smooth concrete block and wooden siding.
4. The 1 to 1-1/2″ nap is for rough surfaces like brick, cinderblock and textured stucco.

The Heart of a Roller

The tube inside paint roller cover or its core will tell about its quality. There are roller covers with cardboard cores that don’t last long. Since cardboard paint roller covers absorb moisture as you paint, the cardboard core is weakened by the moisture and eventually which becomes distorted. The plastic roller cores on the other hand avoid any harmful absorption and have a longer service life.

Type of Paint Rollers

Paint pads apply paint using a flat absorbent pad. These types of rollers have wheels or guides along the side that helps the user keep a straight edge. Paint pads are applicable for painting trims and edging jobs.

Manual paint rollers are applicable for ceilings and walls. These manual paint rollers have connectors in its handle for attachment to extension handles. Extension handles are used to reach out heights in ceilings and walls.

Pressure paint rollers work by pump paint from the bucket through the applicator directly to the roller. Pressure rollers can basically save painting time. But one has to learn how to use if effectively for a perfect painting job.
Thank you for your interest in the Types and Uses of Paint Rollers.