Choosing a paint roller is critical to achieving a good job. After all, it’s the paint roller that lays the paint down, not your hand. You need the right roller material to suit the type of paint you are using. Cheap should not come into the picture when choosing a paint roller, quality should be the rule according to professional painters.
Not All Rollers Were Created Equally
Paint Rollers are available from all hardware and paint stockists. If you thought all rollers were created equally then you’re about to be proven seriously wrong. There are substantial differences in rollers. The old adage that you get what you pay for is absolutely true. As a general rule, we recommend one in the middle price range for the application. There are a few different components to a roller that you’ll need to be aware before you go about choosing a paint roller that’s right for you.
Choosing a Paint Roller: Cages / Handles
These vary in sizes (as do the sleeves); in most cases you’ll want a 9 inch roller (standard). You can get a bigger or smaller roller depending on the size of your job but 9 inches is the standard and easiest to find. With cheaper rollers you’ll find over time that they develop wear in their bushes. If you plan on using your roller over and over again – or you’ve got a big job to do – then it’s worth investing in a premium brand. The same is true when choosing a paint brush.
Choosing a Paint Roller: Sleeves and Covers
When it comes to choosing the fabric of the roller cover, there are a number of factors to consider. These include the type of fiber used in the cover, the length of the fiber and the core of the cover. There are a number of fiber types available for roller covers: sheepskin, lamb’s wool, mohair, and synthetic.
Mohair is typically used for enamel based paints and smooth surfaces, while lamb’s wool is great for water-based paint as it holds more paint and produces less spatters than synthetic covers
When it comes to fiber length called nap, the smoother the surface to paint the shorter the fiber should be. The key is to get a balance, because longer hairs can hold more paint so that you spend less time collecting paint and spend more time painting.
Also check out the core of the cover. Cardboard cores typically don’t last as long as their plastic counterparts. It really comes down to price; less expensive covers will leave fibers in the paint as the roller deteriorates. Premium rollers maintain their performance for a longer time. There is a great deal to think about when choosing a paint roller for a professional job.
Roller Tray
For a roller to do its job properly it first needs to be saturated evenly with paint. The best way to do that is with a roller tray. There are so many types to choose from. Each one has their good points. The main things to look out for are sturdy ones that won’t tip over or spill paint. The purpose of the rippled section to remove excess paint, and distribute it evenly so it’s easy to handle and clean up afterwards. Choosing a roller tray is like choosing a paint roller. Select one from the middle of the range and avoid disappointment later.
