10Best.Guide

Paint Roller

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Nice rollers for flat surfaces.
  • Easy to clean and reuse.
  • No need to remove extra fuzz before using.
  • Great paint coverage.
  • Holds paint well and spreads smoothly.
Cons
  • Roller covers arrived in a non-resealable bag.
  • No markings to indicate they are genuine Purdy products.
Bottom Line
Purdy roller covers are a great investment for those looking for a smooth and even paint finish. They are durable, easy to clean, and hold paint well. However, buyers should be aware of potential issues with packaging and lint/fiber shedding before use.
Pros
  • Great value for the money
  • Perfect starter kit
  • Lightweight handles
  • Small brushes are perfect for corners
  • Sturdy pan
Cons
  • Brushes/rollers clump easily
  • No tray liners included
Bottom Line
The Bates Choice Paint Kit is a great value for the money and a perfect starter kit for small projects. The lightweight handles and small brushes are perfect for corners, and the sturdy pan and tiny tray are portable. However, the brushes/rollers clump easily and the paint rollers don't carry paint well. It's recommended to get tray liners to avoid a mess. Overall, it's a good quality kit that works effectively with the paint.
Pros
  • Great value for the price
  • Good quality rollers
  • Comes with tray and extra liners
  • Multiple rollers included
  • Foam is dense and absorbent
Cons
  • Misleading product title
  • Rollers make high-pitched sound
Bottom Line
This set is a great value for the price and includes good quality rollers, but be aware of the misleading product title and potential issues with foam and texture.
Pros
  • Great for putting down an eggshell finish with chalk paint
  • Foam rollers make paint go on super smooth
  • Sturdy rollers that leave an excellent topcoat finish
  • Lay out an even layer of paint without leaving a bubbly, uneven surface
  • Clean more easily than other brands
Cons
  • Rollers come apart fast if not soaked in paint
  • Left bits of foam in the paint for some users
Bottom Line
These foam rollers are great for achieving a smooth finish with paint, especially for small surfaces and chalk paint. However, some users experienced issues with the rollers falling apart or leaving bits of foam in the paint. Overall, they are a good option for DIY projects.
Pros
  • Comes with different textured rollers for different surfaces.
  • Foam rollers soak up less paint and have a smoother texture.
  • Great for small painting projects.
  • Good value for the price.
  • Easy to use.
Cons
  • Some rollers are not suitable for certain types of paint or application.
  • Some rollers deteriorate quickly and leave residue.
Bottom Line
This roller set is a good value for small painting projects with different textured rollers for different surfaces. However, some rollers may not be suitable for certain types of paint or application, and some may deteriorate or break easily.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Paint Rollers: Types, Key Considerations, Features, Prices, Tips and FAQs

Overview

Paint rollers are a popular painting tool that can help you achieve a professional finish on your next DIY or professional painting project. However, with so many types, sizes, and features available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. In this guide, we'll explore the different types of paint rollers, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs to help you make an informed decision.

Types

1. Roller cover: This is the most common type of paint roller, which is used to apply paint to walls, ceilings, and other large surfaces. It consists of a roller frame and a replaceable roller cover that can be made of different materials, such as foam, polyester, or microfiber.

2. Mini roller: This is a smaller version of the roller cover that is ideal for painting tight spaces, such as corners, edges, and trim.

3. Texture roller: This type of roller is designed to create a textured finish on walls and ceilings. It comes with a patterned roller cover that can be made of different materials, such as foam, rubber, or plastic.

4. Foam roller: This type of roller is ideal for smooth surfaces, such as cabinets, doors, and furniture. It comes with a foam roller cover that can be made of different densities, such as high-density or low-density foam.

Key Considerations

1. Nap length: This refers to the thickness of the roller cover. A longer nap length is ideal for rough surfaces, while a shorter nap length is better for smooth surfaces.

2. Roller material: The roller cover can be made of different materials, such as foam, polyester, or microfiber. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of paint and surface you're working with.

3. Paint type compatibility: Some roller covers are designed for specific types of paint, such as oil-based or water-based. Make sure to choose a roller cover that is compatible with the type of paint you're using.

Features

1. Handle grip: Look for a roller frame with a comfortable handle grip that allows you to apply pressure evenly and reduce hand fatigue.

2. Roller size: Choose a roller size that is appropriate for the size of the surface you're painting. A larger roller cover is ideal for larger surfaces, while a smaller roller cover is better for tight spaces.

3. Paint roller kit: Some paint roller kits come with additional accessories, such as a paint tray, extension pole, or brush. Consider buying a kit if you're a beginner or need to replace your old painting tools.

Prices

The price of a paint roller can vary depending on the type, size, and features. Roller covers can range from $2 to $20, while roller frames can range from $5 to $30. Paint roller kits can cost between $10 to $50.

Tips

1. Clean the roller cover before and after use to prevent paint buildup and prolong its lifespan.

2. Use a paint tray to evenly distribute paint on the roller cover and avoid drips and splatters.

3. Use an extension pole to reach high or hard-to-reach areas without straining your arms and back.

FAQs

Q: How do I choose the right nap length for my roller cover?

A: - A longer nap length is ideal for rough surfaces, while a shorter nap length is better for smooth surfaces.

Q: Can I reuse a roller cover?

A: - Yes, you can reuse a roller cover if you clean it properly after each use.

Q: How often should I replace my roller cover?

A: - It depends on the frequency of use and the type of paint you're using. As a general rule, replace your roller cover after 5-6 uses or when it starts to show signs of wear and tear.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right paint roller is essential to achieve a professional finish on your next painting project. Consider the type, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs outlined in this guide to make an informed decision. With the right paint roller, you can save time, money, and effort while achieving a flawless result.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Great value for money.
  • Good paint coverage.
  • High-quality brushes.
  • Everything you need in one kit.
  • Inexpensive enough to be disposable.
Cons
  • Slit in the plastic kit and missing items.
  • Small roller falling apart after short use.
Bottom Line
This paint kit is a great value for money and includes everything you need for a painting project. The brushes are high-quality and the rollers hold their nap and clean up nicely. However, there are some issues with the kit, such as missing items, damaged brushes, and cheap tray. Overall, it is a good deal at a reasonable price.
Pros
  • Good value for the money
  • Great for painting tight areas
  • Cost-effective
  • Can be washed and reused
  • Available when other stores don't have them
Cons
  • Shed more than good quality rollers
  • Leave a textured finish
Bottom Line
These roller covers are a good value for the money and are great for painting tight areas. They can be washed and reused, but they do shed more than good quality rollers and leave a textured finish. They wear out fast and are hard to clean, but they are cost-effective.
Pros
  • Cheaper than big box stores.
  • Microfiber leaves zero lint on walls.
  • Holds a good amount of paint.
  • Excellent quality at an excellent price.
  • Applies paint smoothly.
Cons
  • May shed or leave fuzzies behind.
  • Not suitable for quality/thick paint.
Bottom Line
These microfiber rollers are a great value for the price and provide a smooth paint application with minimal lint. However, they may not be suitable for thicker paints and may shed or leave fuzzies behind.
Pros
  • Adjustable lengths and slides closed for easy storage.
  • Easy to operate and holds the roller firmly.
  • Sturdy and locking levers operate easily.
  • Well-made, sturdy, and extremely easy to use.
  • Versatile for reaching taller areas and folds compactly for use in tight areas.
Cons
  • Does not work with the Dupol roller frame.
  • Not very sturdy and may not be of good quality.
Bottom Line
This extension pole is a versatile and convenient tool for painting walls and ceilings, but buyers should be aware of the compatibility issues with certain roller frames and the potential for lower quality materials.
Pros
  • Good for spraying and back rolling
  • Affordable
  • Good for previously painted surfaces
  • Microfiber doesn't create stippling
  • Hold plenty of paint
Cons
  • Shed a lot
  • Leaves residue/loose pieces of material on the surface
Bottom Line
These roller covers are affordable and work well for spraying and back rolling, but they shed a lot and may leave residue on the surface. They are good for previously painted surfaces and leave a nice finish without creating stippling. They are not super durable for entire rooms and may not be recommended for new drywall.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}