Best Paint Rollers For A Smooth Finish – Top 10 Review
When the new year starts, many people want to start with a new fresh coat of paint to the kitchen, an accent wall, or even the whole house. Whether you’re new to painting or you’ve painted around the house before, here are some painting tips and tricks, and the best paint rollers to use for a smooth finish.
What Sizes do Paint Rollers Come In?
Paint rollers come in an assortment of sizes to accommodate every painting project. For use on walls at home, the most common sizes are 4-inch, 9-inch, and 12-inch paint rollers, and professionals are known for using larger sizes like 18-inches.
Additionally, whether you’re painting a ceiling or the walls, the length of the roller’s fibers called the nap, will also vary. Shorter naps are for a smoother surface, while longer naps are for bumpier surfaces such as popcorn ceilings and textured walls. If you’re doing a project with a mixture of textures, make sure you get rollers with different lengths of fibers for the best painting results.
How Do I Avoid Roller Marks When Painting?
The best way to avoid the dreaded painting streaks is to make sure your roller is loaded with an adequate amount of paint (enough that the roller is saturated but not dripping) and then spread out the paint with the roller. It is also recommended that moderate pressure is applied as you are painting and using a good quality paint roller can also prevent roller marks.
Should You Dampen a Roller Before Painting?
Dampening the roller with water before painting is a great best practice that not only gets loose fibers off the roller before using it but also prepares the roller to soak up paint and prevent streaking.
To do this, wet the roller under running water or with a spray bottle. Squeeze the excess water off the roller, or you can spin or shake it off too. Whichever way you choose, make sure the roller is damp but not soaking wet.
Should I Wash the Paint Roller Between Coats?
Rollers can be used without affecting the quality of the paint application. To do this simply wrap the used paint roller with cling wrap or a plastic bag so that it will not dry out. When you’re ready to add another coat of paint, it is ready to use as long as the paint hasn’t dried out on the roller.
What Are the Best Paint Rollers?
If you’re not sure what paint roller you should use for your next project, here are the top 10 best paint rollers for a smooth finish:
1. Bates 9" Paint Roller Covers
For the #1 pick of paint rollers, these high-density all-purpose rollers are designed for all paints and stains. These rollers are a must-have for professionals and DIY home projects with their ability to hold more paint and easy to clean microfiber, shed-resistant naps.
2. Wagner Spraytech ¾” Power Roller Covers
Wagner Spraytech ¾” Power Roller Covers are made from 100% polyester for the ability to be washed and used again. Wagner roller covers give a smooth finish for painting textured and rough surfaces with a ¾” nap. Designed to distribute paint from the inside, these rollers can paint walls and ceilings effortlessly.
3. Fulton Extendable Heavy-Duty Floor and Wall Roller for Laminate
The tool contractors, carpenters, and floor installers can’t live without, this heavy-duty roller provides a superb grip while applying pressure for laminate, linoleum, wall coverings, and more! For all types of applications, the black rubber handle can adjust to different lengths.
4. Bates Paint Rollers
Bates Choice Package includes 10 paint rollers covers and 1 roller frame. These rollers are easy to use for professionals, amateur painters, and even children who want to join the painting fun. These lightweight and durable rollers are long-lasting and suitable for all paints and stains.
5. Amazon Basic 4-inch Microfiber Paint Roller Covers
This deal offers a 24 pack of shed-resistant and versatile rollers, these microfiber paint rollers are durable and washable and are easy to reuse over and over again. For use with most paints and stains, and suitable for smooth surfaces including ceilings, walls, and exterior surfaces.
6. Lanpn Fiberglass Roller Tool Kit
This 3-piece fiberglass resin laminating bubble roller toolset offers durable aluminum rollers for bathtub, shower, and boat repair. The plastic handles are solvent-resistant and easy to clean.
7. Mister Rui Foam Paint Roller
These premium quality foam rollers provide a smooth finish on any flat surface. They can be used for oil-based paint, glosses, stains, and emulsions, absorbing paint fully with high-density foam.
8. Kupoo 2” High-Density Foam Roller
This paint roller is perfect for small touch-ups or applying paint samples, these 2” high-density foam mini rollers provide a smooth finish without leaving behind fuzz or streaks. Also perfect for cabinets and trims, these rollers clean quickly and have a comfortable frame handle for all those little house projects.
9. Fulton Long Handle J Roller with Thick Rubber Roller
This full 12” rubber roller is perfect when you’re needing to apply pressure for veneers, laminates, and wall coverings. It’s made for large or small projects with a stainless-steel handle that can withstand the pressure of rolling veneer, and the durable 3/8” wall rubber roller is made so that it won’t lose its shape over time.
10. Nanja Foam Paint Roller
This paint roller is ideal for metals, doors, cabinets, shelves, and cutting-in, Nanja offers a 12-piece set with 4” mini rollers and a mini paint kit. The high-density foam mini rollers create smooth and even coverage for most paints, stains, shellacs, varnishes, lacquers, and water proofers.
Wrap-Up
Choosing the right paint roller depends on the project you’re doing and your preference. For smooth finishing, it is best to use high-quality and durable rollers versus the cheaper variety that tends to shed and wear out quickly. Also, if you’re doing a project that may last a few days, consider comfort, and use a handle that is cushioned.
Whichever roller you choose, have fun, and enjoy the process of transforming walls and rooms into new and renewed spaces with smooth finishes.
