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So, let’s break down the must-knows for choosing the right roller, and I’ll even compare a few of my top picks from the shop to help you make the best choice for your project.
Roller Must-Knows
Before we get into specific recommendations, here are a few basics to help you understand what kind of roller you’ll need.
1. Nap Length (Pile)
The nap, or pile, of a roller is essentially the length of its fibres. Different nap lengths are suited to different surfaces:
- Short Pile (5-8mm): Perfect for smooth surfaces like plastered walls or ceilings. If you want a sleek, even finish with no texture, go for a short-pile roller.
- Medium Pile (10-12mm): Ideal for slightly textured surfaces, like lightly artexed ceilings or textured wallpaper. It holds more paint, so it’s great for coverage but doesn’t leave too much texture.
- Long Pile (15-20mm+): For rough surfaces like brick, stucco, or textured ceilings. These rollers hold loads of paint and get into the nooks and crannies of uneven surfaces.
Axus Silk Touch 9" Roller Sleeve | Axus Decor
2. Roller Material
Not all rollers are created equal—different materials work better with different types of paint and surfaces.
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Foam – Great for Woodwork
Perfect for small, flat surfaces like doors or trim, foam rollers give a smooth finish with water-based gloss or satin paints. -
Mohair – Ideal for Woodwork
Use mohair rollers with oil-based paints for a streak-free, professional finish on woodwork like cabinets and doors. -
Fluffy Rollers – Made for Walls
Best for large, textured surfaces like walls and ceilings. They hold lots of paint and cover uneven areas well. -
Microfibre – Versatile for Everything
The all-rounder! Microfibre rollers work on walls, ceilings, and woodwork with both water-based and oil-based paints. -
Velour – Perfect for Woodwork
Another option for a smooth finish on wood, especially with oil-based gloss or satin.
3. Size
Rollers come in different widths, but don’t let that intimidate you. The size you choose depends on the space you’re painting:
- 4-inch (Mini Rollers): These are great for tight spaces, trim, doors, and cabinets. You’ll have better control and fewer mistakes.
- 9-inch Rollers: The standard size for walls and ceilings. If you’re painting a room, this is your go-to.
- 12-18 inch Rollers: These are for covering large surfaces quickly - ideal for big walls, ceilings, or even exterior walls.
Comparing Some of Our Faves
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s take a look at a few rollers that we stock and how they compare. Each of these rollers has its own specialities, so let’s match them to the right jobs.
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Roller
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Material
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Pile Type
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Surface Type
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Paint Type
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Best For
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Woven Polyester
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Long Pile
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Rough/Heavily Textured
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Emulsion (Water-based), Masonry Paints
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Large textured walls, masonry surfaces
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Microfibre
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Medium Pile
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Smooth/Slightly Textured
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Emulsion (Water-based)
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Interior walls, ceilings
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Woven Acrylic
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Medium Pile
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Smooth/Slightly Textured
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Emulsion (Water-based)
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General interior painting
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Microfibre
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Short to Medium Pile
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Smooth/Slightly Textured
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Water-based & Oil-based
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Versatile for walls, ceilings, and woodwork
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Microfibre
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Short Pile
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Smooth/Flat surfaces
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Water-based paints
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Smooth finishes on walls and ceilings
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Foam
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Foam (No Pile)
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Smooth/Flat surfaces
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Oil-based, Varnishes
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Detailed woodwork, doors, furniture finishes
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Choosing the right roller might seem like a small detail, but trust me, it makes a huge difference. Using the right tool for the job will save you time, paint, and frustration. Whether you're painting a huge ceiling, tackling some tricky trim, or freshening up some textured walls, the right roller is key to getting the job done with a professional finish.
If you’ve been asking yourself questions like, “What’s the best paint roller for walls?”, “What’s the best roller for ceilings?”, or even “What’s the best roller for smooth finishes on walls?” , then this guide hopefully cleared things up!
Got a project coming up? Check out our roller selection, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure which one to choose. You might also find my blog on how to clean your roller helpful - be sure to check it out for my top tips! I’m always happy to help! Flick us a DM on any of our socials like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or even WhatsApp. Our friendly customer service team is also available by phone (01388 608144) or email.
Helen x
