Choosing Paint Rollers for Wall Jobs: Nap, Surface, and Material Explained Completed

Professional finishes require careful roller selection, taking into account everything from paint type to surface texture. Even if you've been painting for years, there's likely at least one painting challenge you face regularly that you could spend less time on with the right roller. Revisiting the main types of paint rollers for walls could help your business grow by boosting customer satisfaction levels while also reducing your labor costs. Don't forget to check out our tips for  Painting Edges Without Painter's Tape with the same goal in mind.

The term "nap" refers to the length of the fibers attached to the  roll covers you choose. For foam rollers, the depth of the foam is the nap. Aside from matching the covers you choose to the lengths of your  roller frames, you'll also need to consider the nap. In general, longer nap length means the roller can push paint into the crevices on rougher surfaces.

Of course, it's not enough to grab the shortest or longest nap you can find based on wall texture. Choosing a roller for smooth vs. textured walls starts with an examination of the surface you're going to paint, not just assumptions. Some stucco finishes are quite smooth and benefit from a shorter nap, despite their texture, while other smooth surfaces may still require a longer nap due to certain decorative features.

Use a small ruler to measure the deepest textures on the surface and base your roller selection on that number. For example, stucco can vary significantly across its entire surface and may feature deep pits in some lower areas, while the top of the wall often has a smoother finish. A thick nap will ensure even paint coverage without wasting paint. If a wall is relatively smooth with only a handful of textured areas, using a mini roller with a thick nap may work better than trying to cover the entire surface that way.

• The longest naps are for very rough surfaces like concrete block, stucco, and brick. A nap length of 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches will reach into even the deepest spaces.
• For smooth walls, you instead need a very short nap. Semi-gloss and gloss coatings also apply smoother and with fewer marks if you use a nap of under 1/4 inch.
• Standard drywall and wood surfaces benefit from a nap length between 3/8 and ½ inch, while you can go up to 1 inch for rougher surfaces, such as textured drywall.
• Foam rollers work similarly, with 1/8-inch rollers suitable for smooth surfaces like metal and thicker ½-inch rollers recommended for rougher textures.

 Pro Tip: Use ergonomic  paint applicators to maintain even pressure and keep the roller wet. Always overcut your edges by at least 50% to prevent lap marks.

The mark of a professional painter is memorizing which material works best for each paint type. Don't worry if you need a refresher. Picking up a mix of paint rollers for walls based on material can supply your team and prepare them to deal with any kind of paint. The type of fiber also matters, especially when dealing with glossy paints.

When paired up with  Hyde's Paint Applicators, natural fibers work best for oil-based paints, and synthetic fibers are ideal for water-based formulas. Synthetic naps won't absorb the water out of the paint, providing even coverage and good paint release for a smooth finish. Natural fibers transfer oil-based paints to the wall for rapid coverage as well. Hybrid roller covers are also available, but take care when cleaning them since mineral spirits can damage them.

Knit rollers are less expensive, but they still provide benefits when used for semi-rough surfaces and when paired with flat or satin paint. However, they're known for dropping lint in some cases. Woven rollers generally provide a smoother finish and are compatible with all paint types, but they may struggle to handle rougher textures without wearing out.

Foam rollers are primarily used for trim, cabinets, window sashes, and surfaces with very smooth textures. These rollers lay down a thick and even layer of paint with as few marks as possible. However, they're not practical for larger jobs and fail to provide even coverage if there is even a little texture to the surface. They're often used in mini roller size for hand touch-ups.

It's convenient to simply stock your work truck with a single size, material, and nap length roller cover. However, this won't provide good results for your customers. Not only will you need different rollers for various wall textures, but you'll also need rollers that work well with either latex or oil-based paints. Hybrid rollers can struggle with either one, so keeping both natural and synthetic fiber rollers on hand is key.

• The best rollers for painting walls vary based on the project, so consider the scope and size before stocking up.
• Keep the roller wet enough that it's nearly dripping to get a thick application of paint, then work it over the surface with just one or two strokes. If you've used the correct nap thickness, you'll achieve even coverage without overworking, which can lead to marks and streaks.
• Deal with any uneven or damaged surfaces with our  wall repair tools before you start painting. Even the perfect roller can't overcome scratches, gouges, and paint chips.
• Rough surfaces are much harder to coat evenly. Stick with a woven nap that's at least 1-1/4 inches thick for stucco, textured concrete, and brick.

Pros know they can find the  best paint rollers for their projects here at Hyde, whether that's a fine foam roller for slick surfaces or a thick nap for rough ones. You'll find it all in our selection of  Must-Have Painting Multi-Tools, along with  Smart Tools for Painting Estimates.