5 Things to Know Before Buying bulk paint rollers

When walking down the paint roller aisle at your local paint store or Do it yourself box store, it can be a little overwhelming when trying to decide what paint roller cover to choose for your painting project.  You are presented with woven rollers, knit rollers, microfiber rollers, ultra micro rollers, polyester rollers, lambs wool rollers and more.  This can get real confusing pretty fast.  This confusion can lead to you being overwhelmed and then just grabbing a random roller cover. I will try to make it simple on what paint roller cover you should choose so that you will get professional results that you are after.  I will also give you a few tips to get the best performance out of the roller you have chosen.

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One of the first things that you will be presented with is price.  What budget do you have for your paint project?  When it comes to price, a paint roller is just like a paint brush.  As the saying goes you are only as good as the tools you choose.  There is a lot of truth to this when it comes to painting. If you choose to go the route of saving money on a paint roller you will need to be prepared for the frustrations that come along with a lower quality tool for applying your paint.

Inexpensive paint rollers typically will shed lints on the substrate you are painting.  This is extremely frustrating and can be hard to resolve after the lints have dried to the surface.  It is important to know that the higher the sheen the more you will see the lints deposited on the surface you have painted.  Once the paint is dried to the surface it will then have to be sanded off and then the wall will need to be touched up or repainted.  I have personally run into this problem and the work involved in resolving the issue far out weighed the cost savings of a cheap roller cover.

In order to make a cheaper roller the manufacturer has to cut cost somewhere.  Removing some fabric, knit, polyester is a likely option that will make your life miserable when painting. Low priced paint rollers are typically a very loose knit that pick up paint from your bucket or roller pan fast, but then they are so loose it causes the paint rollers to splatter.  There is nothing more annoying then rolling a ceilings and having paint splatter on your face or in your eyes.  If you are seeing a lot of splatter or drips where you are rolling, a cheap roller could be the cause.  When using a inexpensive roller with low cost paint it will only compound the problem.  Having less fabric in the roller cover will also cause the paint to release improperly. A improper release with a cheap roller gives you the outcome of not putting enough paint on the wall.  This will lead to unnecessary coats on your substrate due to lack of coverage.  If this is the case you will see  tiny specs of missed or uncoated areas on the surface. Hopefully, you will understand now why inexpensive tools do not save you money in the long run.

If you don&#;t go cheap then what do I pick?  To start there are many different types of roller covers but the main ones are woven rollers, knit rollers, and microfiber roller.  I will add natural rollers, like lambs wool to the mix, but those are not as common.  I will start the discussion by talking about woven rollers.

The characteristics of a woven cover are that they are shed resistant.  This is the most important feature.  When painting with a semi-gloss or gloss coating a Woven Pro is a must.  The pick up and release of a Premier Woven Pro are very good and will give you a nice smooth finish on many surfaces.  Woven roller cover are typically white covers that are tightly woven fabric that are locked into place in process far superior to a knit roller. A woven roller is the right choice for interior painting where your wall or substrate has a smooth finish.  Texture like Level 5 or Sun Valley will require a woven roller if you do not want lints or fibers being released on your surface.  If you are brushing and rolling trim, door, cabinets, or anything else with a smooth surface a woven cover is the right choice.  Furniture, floors would be another time I would choose a woven roller. Getting a smooth lint free finish is possible with a woven roller. Also Interior lighting can be your worst enemy or your best friend when your project is complete.  If you have a smooth lint free surface the right light will make your project look clean and polished.  If you choose the wrong roller cover, the lighting can make your surface look stippled and littered with fibers from your roller.  A woven roller is always my choice for interior painting.

Secondly, I will discuss knit roller covers. They traditionally pick up paint faster and release paint more efficiently then a woven roller.  What that translates to is that I  can paint an exterior in less time if I use a knit roller.  My go to knit roller is the Premier Koda Wool Cover.  This is a polyester roller that is more durable then the soft woven covers like the Premier Woven Pro.  Since exteriors have rough surfaces they typically are harder on a roller and tend to tear up the fibers faster. If I am working on an exterior I am going to choose a knit rollers.  Typically on an exterior we are working with rough or textured materials like wood, composite siding, T1-11, siding, or Hardie Plank. These surfaces do not require a smooth finish and are typically painted with a satin or flat coating, and a lint here and there will never be seen.  Time is money so when painting an exterior substrate like, siding, fences, decks, pergolas, etc I choose a knit roller cover.

Thirdly,  I will discuss microfiber rollers. Microfiber roller cover were designed to give a very smooth finish on flat smooth surfaces.  A microfiber roller is fibers with little micro fingers that like to pick up more paint and release more paint faster and more efficient then traditional roller covers. It is a good choice when using gloss or semi-gloss paints.  A microfiber roller is also lint free.  I starting using the microfiber roller covers many years ago and I will share my thoughts. 

When loading a microfiber roller covers the pick up can be very frustrating.  From my experience the fibers have a tendency to want to flatten out making the paint pick up process difficult and slow.  The roller has a tendency to glide or slide in the pan and not roll.  The same goes for when you are rolling your substrate.  On smooth surfaces the roller has a tendency to not roll at times.  This usually is not and issue on rough surfaces like orange peel or knock down texture.  The frustration was a little much for me.

The glossier the paint the more the roller resisted rolling in the pan on load up.  The finish from a microfiber roller did have an exceptionally smooth lint free surface when the roller would continuously roller.  Some of these challenges were over come by Premier&#;s Ultra Micro roller cover.  If you are a microfiber roller person I highly recommend trying this roller.  It does perform very well.  However, I like to keep my painting process a little less decision making and uncluttered so I usually limit my options in my painting trailer to a woven, Premier Woven Pro, and a knit, Premier Koda Wool in my roller cover bin. 

Lambs wool with paper cores are traditionally used by old school painters.  Lambs wool roller covers are just that, lambs wool.  Some painters absolutely swear by these rollers and the finishes they give.  Since lambs wool is not a fabric you do not have to worry about lints for fibers being released on your walls or substrate.  All lambs wool roller covers I have seen have paper cores which can be susceptible to damage if used with chemical based coatings or if you have a tendency to toss your rollers in water and not get to cleaning days later.

Both Koda Wool and Woven Pro along with Ultra Micro roller cover all have polypropylene cores which are virtually indestructible.  There have been times and circumstances when we just toss our cores into a 5 bucket with water and clean them later.  We have been known to clean our rollers in bulk several weeks later when we can clean many at a time and a polypropylene core can withstand these circumstances without any negative impact. 

Choosing the right roller for the job will make your painting experience, faster, more efficient, and most important enjoyable.  I love painting and choosing the right tool keeps me enjoying the trade after 30 years.

Tips before loading your paint roller cover with paint.  De-linting your roller cover takes little time and effort and can save you from many headaches down the road.  If you are buying cheap paint roller cover, using knit roller covers, painting with gloss paints, or painting a glassy smooth substrate, delineating your roller is extremely important.

De-linting a roller is the simple process of removing loose lints or fibers from your roller cover prior to painting.  I have several ways of delineating a roller using tape with two anyone can learn to do in seconds.  First method wrapping or rolling tape around the entire roller cover then just unraveling it.  On a cheap roller, you will see lints stuck all over the tape.  These are the lints that would have been deposited on your wall.  Picking them off wet is messy, time consuming, and frustrating.  The next method I use to de-lint a roller is taking a roll of tape and sticking the loose end of the tape under my shoe.  I step down with pressure then unroll my tape to chest height.  I then just roller my roller cover up and down the tape like I am rolling a wall.  In 30 seconds your roller cover is de-linted.  Watch my video to see this process in detail.

After de-linting you roller pre-wetting or priming the roller with water makes loading faster and clean up easier.  To pre-wet a roller I just take a hose, bucket, and spray nozzles and spin the roller with water just like I was cleaning it.  I then take and point the spray nozzle to the end of the roller which spins the excess water out but leave enough moisture in. By doing this simple step you are again working loose lints or fibers out and adding moisture the the fibers to the initial paint pick up process goes faster.  You can see my cleaning and presetting process right here on my YouTube channel Paint Life TV.

Hopefully these simple tips on choosing and preparing your paint rollers makes your painting experience more enjoyable and or profitable.

When it comes to painting, many people focus solely on choosing the right paint color and quality. However, the type and size of paint roller cover you use is an equally important aspect of getting the best results. Paint roller covers are essential tools that help you achieve smooth and even paint application on various surfaces. They are available in different sizes, materials, and styles, each designed for specific purposes. Understanding the importance of paint roller covers and knowing how to choose the right size are crucial steps towards achieving a professional-looking finish.

Different Types of Paint Roller Covers

Before we delve into the specifics of paint roller cover sizes, it's important to familiarize yourself with the different types of covers. The type of paint roller cover you choose depends on the surface you are painting and the type of paint you are using. Here are some common types of paint roller covers:

1. Synthetic Roller Covers: These covers are made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. They are suitable for smooth surfaces and work well with latex or water-based paints.

2. Natural Fiber Roller Covers: Made from natural fibers such as sheepskin or mohair, these roller covers are ideal for applying oil-based paints or stains. They provide a smooth finish and are great for textured surfaces.

3. Foam Roller Covers: Foam roller covers are perfect for achieving a smooth and flawless finish on smooth surfaces. They work well with both oil-based and water-based paints; however, they may not hold as much paint as other types of roller covers.

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4. Microfiber Roller Covers: These covers are made from microfiber fabric, which holds more paint and provides excellent coverage. Microfiber roller covers are suitable for both smooth and textured surfaces and work well with all types of paints.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint Roller Cover Sizes

Now that you have an understanding of the different types of paint roller covers, it's time to look at the factors to consider when choosing the right size. The size of the roller cover you use depends on the surface area you need to cover, the texture of the surface, and the type of paint you are using. Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Surface Area: The size of the roller cover should be proportional to the size of the surface you are painting. For large areas, a wider roller cover will help you cover more ground quickly. However, for smaller areas or tight spaces, a narrower roller cover will provide better control and precision.

2. Texture of the Surface: If you are painting a textured surface, such as a stucco wall or a popcorn ceiling, a thicker roller cover with a longer nap will help you reach into the crevices and achieve better coverage. Smoother surfaces, on the other hand, require roller covers with a shorter nap.

3. Type of Paint: Different types of paint require different roller cover sizes. For example, thick paints like primer or masonry paint may require a larger roller cover to hold more paint and provide better coverage. Thinner paints, such as stains or water-based paints, can be applied with a smaller roller cover.

Consider these all of these factors when choosing the size of your paint roller cover to ensure optimal paint application and a smooth finish.

Popular Paint Roller Cover Sizes and Their Uses

Paint roller covers come in a range of sizes, each serving a specific purpose. Here are some popular paint roller cover sizes and their uses:

1. 4-inch Roller Cover: This smaller roller cover is ideal for painting narrow or tight spaces, such as trim, corners, or edges. It provides better control and precision when working in confined areas.

2. 9-inch Roller Cover: The 9-inch roller cover is a versatile size that is commonly used for painting larger areas, such as walls or ceilings. It provides good coverage and allows you to complete your project efficiently.

3. 18-inch Roller Cover: The 18-inch roller cover is suitable for large-scale projects, such as painting wide walls or floors. It covers a larger surface area in less time, making it a preferred choice for professional painters or those tackling extensive painting projects.

4. Mini Roller Cover: Mini roller covers are typically 3 to 4 inches wide and are perfect for touch-ups, small projects, or hard-to-reach areas. They are easy to maneuver and provide excellent control.

These are just a few examples of popular paint roller cover sizes but there are many other sizes available. It's important to choose the size that best suits your project to ensure efficient and effective paint application.

How to Determine the Right Paint Roller Cover Size for Your Project

Now that you know the different sizes and types of roller covers that are available, here are some steps to help you determine the ideal size for your project:

1. Evaluate the Surface: Assess the surface you will be painting. Determine if it is a large area, a narrow space, or a textured surface. This will help you narrow down the appropriate roller cover size.

2. Consider the Paint Type: Take into account the type of paint you will be using. Thicker paints may require a larger roller cover nap size to hold more paint, while thinner paints may work well with a smaller, thinner nap roller cover.

3. Test and Adjust: If you are unsure about the roller cover size, start with a smaller size and test it on a small area. Assess the coverage and adjust accordingly. This will allow you to fine-tune your choice before committing to the entire project.

By following these steps, you can determine the right paint roller cover size and achieve the best results for your specific project.

Tips for Using Paint Roller Covers Effectively

Using paint roller covers effectively can greatly impact the quality of your paint job. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your roller covers:

1. Prep the Roller Cover: Before using a new roller cover, remove any loose fibers or debris by rolling it over a piece of tape or a lint roller. This will prevent any unwanted particles from ending up on your painted surface.

2. Load the Roller Cover Properly: Dip the roller cover into the paint tray and roll it back and forth to evenly distribute the paint. Avoid overloading the roller cover, as this can lead to drips or uneven application.

3. Use the Right Technique: When applying paint, use smooth and even strokes. Using the "W" method works well to povide even coverage. Simply apply the paint in a "w" shape and then work your way back across without lifting the roller cover.  Start from the top and work your way down, overlapping each stroke slightly. This will help you achieve an even and uniform finish.

4. Clean and Store Properly: After each use, clean the roller cover thoroughly to remove any excess paint. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning. Once clean, store the roller cover in a plastic bag or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it in good condition for future use. 

By following these tips, you can ensure that your paint roller covers perform optimally and help you achieve a professional-looking finish.

Expert Recommendations for Specific Projects and Paint Types

For specific projects and paint types, our experts have shared some of their top tips from their combined decades of experience:

1. Textured Surfaces: When painting textured surfaces, such as stucco or textured wallpaper, opt for roller covers with a longer nap, typically ¾ inch or longer. This will help you reach into the crevices and achieve better coverage.

2. Smooth Surfaces: For smooth surfaces, such as drywall or wood, roller covers with a shorter nap, around &#; inch, work well. They provide a smooth finish without leaving behind any texture.

3. High-Gloss Paints: When using high-gloss paints, choose a roller cover with a shorter nap to minimize the appearance of roller marks. A microfiber roller cover is often recommended for achieving a flawless finish.

4. Large Areas: When painting large areas, such as walls or ceilings, consider using a wider roller cover, such as a 9-inch or 18-inch size. This will help you cover more surface area quickly and efficiently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Paint Roller Covers

When choosing paint roller covers, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to subpar results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

1. Using the Wrong Nap Length: Choosing a roller cover with the wrong nap length can result in an uneven finish or poor coverage. Always consider the texture of the surface and the type of paint you are using when selecting the nap length.

2. Overlooking the Surface Area: Neglecting to consider the surface area you need to cover can lead to inefficiency or the need for frequent reloading of paint. Ensure that the roller cover size matches the scale of your project.

3. Ignoring the Paint Type: Different types of paint require different roller cover sizes. Using the wrong size for a particular paint can result in difficulty in application or inadequate coverage.

4. Not Testing the Roller Cover: Failing to test the roller cover on a small area before committing to the entire project can lead to disappointment. Always test the roller cover size to ensure it meets your expectations.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can make informed decisions when choosing paint roller covers and avoid unnecessary problems during your painting project.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Paint Roller Cover for Your Project

Choosing the perfect paint roller cover size is essential to achieving a professional-looking paint job. By understanding the importance of paint roller covers, familiarizing yourself with the different types available, and considering factors such as surface area and paint type, you can make an informed decision. Remember to follow expert recommendations, avoid common mistakes, and use your roller covers effectively for the best results.

Get the right type of roller cover for your project and embark on your painting journey with confidence. Whether you're painting a small room or tackling a large-scale project, the perfect paint roller cover size will help you achieve a flawless finish. Happy painting!

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