When it comes to painting large surfaces like walls and ceilings, using a paint roller is the most efficient tool. Many DIYers and professional painters wonder whether using an 18-inch roller is worth the higher price compared to the standard 9-inch roller. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the pros and cons of 18-inch rollers to help you decide if upgrading is worthwhile for your painting projects.
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The Benefits of 18-Inch Rollers
An 18-inch roller can cover about 3 times more surface area than a 9-inch roller with each dip into the paint tray. This means an 18-inch roller can get the job done much faster with less repetition. Here are some of the top advantages of using an extra wide roller:
- Paints large surfaces much faster – An 18-inch roller cuts painting time down to a third compared to a standard roller. This saves tons of time and effort when painting walls, ceilings, siding, decks, and other big areas.
- Requires fewer dips into paint – Since an 18-inch roller holds more paint, you won’t have to stop and reload the roller as frequently. This creates a smoother workflow with less interruption.
- Causes less fatigue – The ability to cover more surface area with each stroke results in less exertion and fatigue when painting large projects. Your arms, shoulders and back will thank you at the end of the day.
- Creates more uniform finish – With fewer start and stop points, an 18-inch roller leaves a more seamless and consistent finish without as much overlap. Results will look smoother and more professional.
- Minimizes drips and splatter – The thicker nap and larger roller sleeve hold more paint, so there’s less excess dripping and splattering compared to a smaller roller.
- Faster clean up – Since you reload paint less often, there’s less opportunity for paint to dry on the roller sleeve. Clean up is quicker at the end of the job.
Potential Drawbacks of 18-Inch Rollers
While 18-inch rollers have some clear advantages, they also come with a few disadvantages to consider:
- Higher cost – The frame and roller sleeve for an 18-inch roller costs significantly more than a 9-inch roller setup. Expect to pay $30-50 for a quality wider roller system.
- Heavier and bulkier – Larger roller frames and sleeves have more weight and size, making them heavier to handle and maneuver. This can lead to more fatigue over long painting sessions.
- More difficult for tight spaces – Tight corners, edges, and awkward nooks are harder to reach with a wide roller. You’ll still need a smaller roller for cutting in and precision work.
- Not useful for small jobs – An 18-inch roller will be overkill for painting something like bathroom walls or furniture. Stick to a 9-inch roller for smaller DIY projects.
- Learning curve – It takes practice getting used to handling a larger roller and distributing the right amount of paint. There’s a bit of a learning curve to master the technique.
Key Factors to Consider
When deciding between an 18-inch roller versus a standard 9-inch version, keep these key considerations in mind:
- Surface area – The larger the continuous walls or ceilings you need to paint, the more an 18-inch roller will benefit your workflow. It’s ideal for painting large open concept rooms and spaces.
- Project duration – If you need to finish painting quickly, the 3x faster coverage of an 18-inch roller can help you get the job done much faster.
- Physique – A heavier roller requires more strength and stamina to use for long periods. Make sure you’re physically able to handle a larger roller.
- Skill level – Beginners may want to start with a 9-inch roller to get technique down before moving up to an 18-inch. Professionals already have the skills to use a larger roller effectively.
- Budget – The higher cost of an 18-inch setup means it’s more economical for bigger projects. Estimate how much paint and supplies you’ll need.
- Scope – Will you be mostly painting open wall expanses or do you have lots of edges, corners and obstructions? The latter favors a smaller roller.
Recommendations for Choosing a Roller Size
Here are some recommendations on when to use each roller size for the best results:
| Project Type | Recommended Roller Size |
|---|---|
| Painting a small bathroom | 9-inch roller |
| Painting cabinets or furniture | 9-inch roller |
| Painting a single accent wall | 9-inch roller |
| Painting a bedroom or kitchen | 9-inch or 18-inch roller |
| Painting an entire house interior | 18-inch roller |
| Painting exterior siding | 18-inch roller |
| Painting a large commercial space | 18-inch roller |
As a general rule of thumb, a 9-inch roller is best suited for DIY projects under 500 square feet. An 18-inch roller will provide the biggest time and efficiency gains on painting jobs over 1,000 square feet. For commercial projects or painting contractors who work on large residential spaces, an 18-inch roller can dramatically speed up workflow.
Tips for Using an 18-Inch Roller
Here are some handy tips to get the most out of an 18-inch roller and achieve professional looking results:
- Select a roller frame with threaded handle ends so the frame can be extended for high ceilings or exterior painting. Look for a light yet sturdy aluminum frame.
- Use high capacity metal paint trays that hold up to 1 gallon to accommodate a heavier loaded roller. Look for reservoirs that keep paint distributed across the whole tray.
- Choose a thicker nap roller sleeve such as 3/4″ to hold more paint. Microfiber sleeves hold the most paint for less reloading.
- Pre-wet the roller sleeve and lightly roll off excess before starting to prevent splattering and drips.
- Apply firm downward pressure as you roll to evenly spread paint and create a uniform finish.
- Maintain a steady pace without rushing to avoid uneven paint transfer and roller track marks.
- Plan your wall painting strategy to work in “W” patterns across and down walls to minimize stop and start points.
- Only load paint onto one side of roller so you don’t oversaturate with too much paint.
- Periodically roll the sleeve on the empty side to release excess paint buildup as you go.
Top Roller Covers for 18-Inch Frames
The roller sleeve material you choose makes a big difference in paint pickup, release and final finish. Here are some of the best roller covers to use with 18-inch frames:
- Wooster Pro Doo-Z 18-inch – This microfiber roller cover provides a smooth, lint-free finish. It holds a lot of paint and works with all wall paint sheens.
- Purdy Colossus 18-inch – Made of a polyester blend, this cover delivers high paint capacity and uniform results with any type of paint.
- Arroworthy 18-inch Microfiber – A budget-friendly microfiber pick that applies paint smoothly without shedding fibers.
- Wooster Sherlock GT 18-inch – With a medium pile height, this shedding resistant cover works well for heavy paints like elastomerics.
- Bea 18-inch Blue Microfiber – A top-rated microfiber roller sleeve known for its durability and drip-free painting.
No matter which cover you choose, make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use for long lasting performance. Taking the time to care for the roller cover properly will save hassle and money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 18-inch rollers only for professionals?
While 18-inch rollers are a popular choice among professional painters for their speed and efficiency, DIYers can also benefit from using them on large painting projects. The main consideration is being comfortable handling a larger, heavier roller. As long as you have the physical capability, an 18-inch roller can help amateurs get bigger painting jobs done faster too.
Do you need an extension pole for an 18-inch roller?
Extension poles are highly recommended for 18-inch rollers, especially when painting ceilings and high exterior walls. The larger roller is heavier, so an extension pole helps take some weight off your arms. Look for an adjustable extension pole that extends from 2-4 feet so you can customize the length as needed. The added reach is key for less fatigue and better leverage.
Can I use an 18-inch roller for all paint sheens?
An 18-inch roller will work for any type of paint – flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, high gloss, etc. The key is choosing the right nap thickness and material roller cover for the paint you’re using. A thicker 3/4″ nap is recommended for 18-inch rollers to hold more paint. Medium nap microfiber or poly-cotton blends also work well with all sheens.
Is an 18-inch roller bad for textured walls?
An 18-inch roller can still be used on lightly textured walls, but a thick nap cover is crucial to conform to the texture without leaving paint voids. A microfiber or polyester cover with a 3/4″ to 1″ nap works best for stamped or knocked-down textured walls. Be sure to apply firm pressure as you roll to work paint into the grooves and peaks.
Can I use an 18-inch roller on ceilings?
Yes, an 18-inch roller can make quick work of painting ceilings and overhead surfaces. Be sure to use an extension pole for proper balance and leverage. Load the roller lightly, keep an even pressure, and use an edging tool to cut-in corners and edges for a seamless finish.
Conclusion
An 18-inch roller can be a worthwhile investment for painting large interior house walls or exterior siding more quickly and efficiently. The wider roller requires fewer reloads, covers more surface area, and leaves a more uniform finish. However, the larger size comes with a steeper price tag and learning curve. For small DIY projects, a 9-inch roller is still ideal. Evaluate your specific needs, skill level, and scope of work when deciding between rollers. Proper prep work, using roller extensions, and choosing the right nap cover will allow you to harness the benefits of an 18-inch roller.