Selecting the Right Paint Roller for the Job
There’s no getting around the fact that painting takes time. A good quality paint roller can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to paint a surface, but to get the best possible finish you need to make sure you are using the right roller cover for the job.
Understanding Nap Thickness
Roller covers come in a range of thicknesses. The right roller cover for the job will vary based on the type of surface you are painting.
3/16 - ¼ inch - Intended for smooth surfaces and higher gloss paints. Choose this type when painting doors, trim, or cabinets.
⅜ - ½ inch - Perfect for painting semi-smooth surfaces like walls and ceilings.
¾ - 1 inch - Intended for semi-rough surfaces like stucco.
1 ¾ - 1 ½ inch - Used for painting rough surfaces like brick, masonry, and cinder blocks.
One more thing to understand about roller covers is that they are made with different materials for different types of paint. When you are working with water-based paints you generally want to stick to using a cover made from synthetic fabric. Lamb’s wool roller covers are better suited to applying oil-based paints.
Caring For Your Roller Cover
Unless you plan on replacing your covers after every paint job, you will need to take good care of them after each use. Remove the cover from the roller, and wash it off in the sink (never rinse oil-based paint down the drain!) until the water runs clear. A roller cleaning tool can speed this process along and ensure you rinse away the paint from deep within the roller.
Choosing the right roller for your surface saves time, effort, and paint, and in the end will give you a superior finish.
Do you live in the Northern Virginia area and want help completing your next painting project? Call us today to schedule your estimate!
