When it comes to painting the walls in your home, having the right painting tools can make all the difference in getting a smooth, professional-looking finish. One of the most important tools for painting walls is the paint roller. With the wide variety of paint rollers available on the market, it can be tricky to determine which is the best roller for your particular painting project.
Page Contents
Types of Paint Rollers
Paint rollers come in several different types, each designed for specific purposes. The main categories of paint rollers are:
- Standard rollers – These have a smooth nap and are good for applying paint to flat surfaces. They work well for painting walls in most rooms of the house.
- Textured rollers – These have a thicker, rougher nap that leaves behind a stipple texture. They are best for adding visual interest to accent walls.
- Foam rollers – Made of dense foam instead of fibrous material, these rollers work well for applying primers and sealers. They provide a smooth finish.
- Specialty texture rollers – Designed for unique finishes like knockdown or orange peel, these create a textured look on walls.
Key Factors in Choosing a Paint Roller
With several types of rollers to choose from, there are a few important factors to consider when selecting the right one:
- Surface type – The underlying surface material you are painting matters. Rollers with thicker naps work better over rough surfaces like concrete, stucco or brick. Smooth, tight-napped rollers are preferable for already smooth drywall or plaster walls.
- Paint type – The viscosity and composition of the paint determines what nap thickness is ideal. Latex and acrylic paints work well with 3/8 to 1/2 inch naps. Oil-based paints demand a shorter nap, around 1/4 inch.
- Finish needed – If you want a perfectly smooth finish, use a high density foam or short-napped woven roller. For more texture, choose a medium or thick nap roller instead.
- Roller size – Standard rollers are 9 inches wide but 4-18 inch widths are available. Wider rollers allow you to cover more surface area faster.
Top Roller Picks for Painting Walls
With these factors in mind, here are some top recommendations for paint rollers to use on wall painting projects:
| Roller Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Purdy White Dove | – Smooth, tight woven polyester nap – Good for enamels and latex paints – Leaves a smooth finish on walls |
| Wooster Pro Doo-Z | – Medium density polyester nap – Versatile for many paints and surfaces – Durable and lint-free |
| Purdy Colossus | – Thick 1-inch nap – For textured finishes on walls – Applies paint quickly |
Purdy White Dove
Purdy is one of the top brands when it comes to paint rollers and their White Dove roller is a perfect option for smoothing painting walls in most rooms of your home. It has a tightly woven polyester nap that provides a smooth, almost stipple-free finish. The 3/8 inch nap thickness works well for applying latex and acrylic enamel paints in one coat.
This roller covers wall surfaces evenly without leaving behind lint or fibers. The smooth finish it produces looks great on living room, bedroom, and hall walls that have existing minor texture from drywall finishing. With good paint holding capacity, the White Dove makes quick work of painting projects. It cleans up easily with just soap and water too.
Wooster Pro Doo-Z
For those seeking a mid-range nap paint roller that works well on a variety of wall paints and textures, the Wooster Pro Doo-Z is an excellent choice. This roller has a medium density polyester knitted pile that provides just the right blend of pickup and release. The nap is not too long and not too short, making it versatile.
The 3/4 inch nap has good durability and is lint-free, so you don’t have to deal with fibers sticking in the paint. Foam under the nap gives it just the right amount of give to apply paint smoothly without leaving tracks. This roller works equally well for latex house paints and primers. It is a great all-purpose roller for DIYers.
Purdy Colossus
When you want to add an extra layer of texture along with color on accent walls or ceilings, a thick nap roller like the Purdy Colossus is the perfect tool. The polyester fibers on this roller are a full 1-inch long and extremely durable.
The thickness and density of the nap let you create a dramatic stippled effect as you roll on paints like latex, acrylic or ceramic coatings. Sparse areas of the wall get coated more heavily while thick coats hit the high points less. This leaves an appealing, textured finish in a single coat without having to do any extra stippling work. The Colossus roller is ideal for spicing up accent walls, ceilings and kids’ rooms.
Tips for Proper Roller Use
While having the right roller for your wall painting job is important, proper technique is also essential for achieving a smooth, professional paint job:
- Use long, steady strokes from ceiling to floor to apply the paint in an even coat.
- Maintain consistent speed as you roll without stopping mid-wall. Keep a “wet edge” where painted and unpainted areas meet.
- Use an extension pole for reaching higher areas more comfortably.
- Load the roller with paint by dipping in the tray then rolling off excess on the ridge of the tray before applying to the wall.
- Work in sections starting from an inside corner and working outward for the most seamless appearance.
Taking your time and following good paint rolling technique will minimize the appearance of lap lines or bold roller marks. A high quality mini-roller can also assist with smoothing out edges and getting into corners.
Caring for Paint Rollers
A good roller cover should provide many years of service. With proper care between uses, a quality roller can be reused again and again. Here are some tips for extending the life of paint rollers:
- Allow the roller to spin out as much remaining paint as possible before cleaning.
- Rinse thoroughly with water to remove paint and brush fibers until water runs clear.
- Dry the roller fully and store flat or hanging to preserve shape.
- For thorough cleaning, rinse then wash rollers in detergent and water before a final rinse.
- Some covers can also be laundered in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with laundry detergent then air dried.
With proper maintenance between uses, a high quality roller cover should last for many painting jobs before needing to be replaced. Investing in a good roller and taking care of it makes painting walls much easier.
Conclusion
When choosing a paint roller for walls, consider the surface type, paint materials being used, and the desired finish look. A smooth, tight woven roller like the Purdy White Dove works well for general wall painting with latex or acrylic paints. For versatile performance on multiple types of paint and drywall textures, a thicker but smooth nap like the Wooster Pro Doo-Z is a great choice.
If textured accent walls with dramatic effects are desired, a thicker nap roller like the Purdy Colossus makes quick work of stippling paint onto surfaces. Combine the right roller for the job with proper painting technique, and you will achieve professional-looking painted walls in any room. Investing in quality rollers and properly caring for them will provide lasting performance for all your wall painting needs.