How to choose a paint roller?

Choosing the Right Painting Accessories

When deciding to paint your walls, it’s essential to select the right painting accessories, such as brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape. Even if you thought choosing a roller would be much easier than selecting the paint, it’s important to realize that there are many types of rollers, each suited to different needs and paint types.

A perfectly chosen color scheme can be ruined by unsightly drips and streaks on the wall. Using the wrong accessories can also lead to material waste—for example, an improperly selected roller may absorb too much paint, causing excessive dripping and uneven application. To avoid frustration from paint running and spreading unevenly, it’s worth choosing the right tools from the start.

Which Paint Roller Should You Choose?

The first factor in selecting the right roller is the type of paint you’ll be using. Different paints—latex, acrylic, ceramic, oil-based, or solvent-based—require different rollers. The simplest way to determine the best roller is to check the paint label. Manufacturers typically recommend the most suitable roller for their product.

Another important consideration is the size and texture of the surface you plan to paint.

For large surfaces, rollers between 18–45 cm in width are the best choice, as they allow for faster application. For details, decorations, frames, or hard-to-reach areas, smaller rollers (5–15 cm wide) and brushes are ideal. The wider the roller, the quicker the job gets done.

How Does Nap Length Affect a Roller’s Performance?

The choice of roller also depends on the texture of the surface to be painted.

• Foam, velour, and microfiber rollers are ideal for varnishing parquet floors and painting smooth surfaces, as they leave no structural marks.
• Short-nap string rollers (up to 13 mm) are commonly used for painting standard walls and ceilings with a slightly rough texture.
• Long-nap rollers (up to 20 mm) are designed for painting rough surfaces such as facades, brick walls, uneven textures, and concrete.

Which Roller Should You Use for Acrylic, Latex, Solvent-Based, or Oil Paints?

Acrylic paint is one of the most popular choices because it works well on walls, furniture, plastics, wood, metal, and even glass. It is easy to apply and best suited for synthetic rollers.

For acrylic paint, string rollers made of microfiber, polyester, polyacrylic, or polyamide are the best options. These materials ensure even coverage and reduce the risk of streaks and drips.

Solvent-based paint is primarily used for metal and wood surfaces, making it ideal for painting doors, railings, fences, and radiators. It should be applied in thin, smooth layers to ensure a flawless finish. For this type of paint, short-nap rollers are the best choice. We recommend using mohair, velour, or fine-pored foam rollers, as they help achieve an even, streak-free coat.

Oil-based paint is commonly used for wall coatings in public spaces, particularly to protect surfaces from dirt and damage. It is most often applied to hallways and basements as a durable, washable finish. For the best results, it should be applied using smooth rollers, such as foam, sponge, or flocked rollers, which ensure an even, uniform coat without leaving texture marks.

Ceramic paint is becoming increasingly popular as it creates a durable, washable surface that resists stains. For applying ceramic paint, the best choice is synthetic rollers made from polyester or microfiber. It’s also worth considering rollers with beveled edges, as they help prevent paint buildup and eliminate unsightly streaks on the wall, ensuring a smooth and even finish.

How to Clean Paint Rollers and Brushes?

Cleaning paint rollers and brushes is a simple yet effective way to extend the lifespan of your painting tools with minimal effort and cost.

Many people forget that rollers and brushes should be cleaned not only after painting but also before use. Whether new or previously used, they may contain dust particles or loose fibers that can affect the final result.

Additionally, while painting, avoid letting paint dry on the roller or brush during breaks. It’s crucial to clean your tools immediately after finishing work. Before rinsing the roller in water, you can remove excess paint with a paper towel to reduce waste.

Most of the time, warm water is sufficient for cleaning rollers and brushes. In tougher cases, you can add mild soap or another gentle cleaning agent. However, for solvent-based paints, cleaning requires a solvent, and proper safety measures should be taken, including wearing gloves.

Benefits of Choosing the Right Paint Roller

Selecting the right painting tools helps prevent streaks, uneven coverage, splattering, and excessive dripping. A well-chosen roller ensures that:

• Paint is evenly distributed without leaving marks.
• There is minimal paint loss, making the process more efficient.
• The roller moves smoothly over the surface.
• The tool is comfortable to hold and use, preventing fatigue.

Using high-quality rollers makes painting faster, smoother, and more effective, even when working with premium materials.

SANIER Recommends the Blue Dolphin 330 Series

For professional results, SANIER recommends the 330 Series by Blue Dolphin, known for its high-quality painting accessories.

• Durable basket rollers designed for multiple uses.
• Higher paint absorption and better release, ensuring even application.
• Unique roller fabric maintains its original fluffiness even after repeated use.
• Non-slip surface that doesn’t shed fibers while painting.
• Beveled edges to eliminate paint buildup and streaks.
• Easy-to-use internal mounting system and a solvent-resistant polypropylene core.
• Ergonomic handles, available in classic and rotating versions, for comfortable use in hard-to-reach areas.

The Blue Dolphin 330 Series guarantees professional results with minimal effort.

Basket handles:

Blue Dolphin rollers: