Roller Covers: The Unsung Heroes of Painting

Roller covers. Choosing one can be daunting. The fluffy one? The smooth one? The big one? The orange one? With a zillion options to match all different surfaces, finishes and paint types, finding "the one" is a total game-changer!

Drum roll please … lets meet the crew.

Lambskin roller covers are more absorbent, meaning they can hold and release paint more efficiently.
Best used on: concrete and render surfaces.

Microfibre roller covers have good pick-up and transfer of paint with minimal shedding.
Best used on: ceilings and walls.

Polyester roller covers are a lower quality of roller cover.
Best used on: interior walls, ceilings and rendered surfaces.

Foam rollers are ideal for achieving high gloss finishes.
Best used on: doors and trims.

Mohair rollers are perfect for applying oil based and water based gloss and semi-gloss paints.

Textured roller covers are designed to apply specialty finishes e.g. fine cover texture.

Naps

No, we’re not talking about the nap you’re thinking about taking right now. A nap is the height of the fleece on a roller cover. The bigger the nap, the more paint that the roller cover can hold (and the more rested you are).

Best nap height and its use

4-6mm nap roller cover: perfect for gloss paints.

10-12mm nap roller cover: ideal for painting matt, low sheen and undercoats to walls and ceilings.

15-30mm nap roller cover: most suitable for concrete surfaces and rendered walls.

Time to accessorise

A roller cover without a rolling tool is like hot chips without chicken salt. It just doesn't work. A roller frame holds the roller cover, allowing you to roll paint onto your surface smoothly. A roller extension pole will get you a more even finish on your walls as you can paint with longer brushstrokes. They’re also perfect for painting the ceiling.