How to Choose the Right Paint Roller

Professional paint rollers ensure a uniform paint application on walls, ceilings, trim and furniture, so they’re a must-have in any decorator’s kit. They hold more paint than a paintbrush, making them a good choice if you want to tackle a painting project quickly or have several rooms to work on. Our guide to choosing the best paint rollers will help you find the right equipment for any job.

What are the different types of paint rollers?

Paint rollers come in various pile lengths, as each is suited to different jobs. We offer short, medium and long paint rollers at Dulux Decorator Centre, so read on to discover which pile length is best for your next decorating project.

Short pile rollers

Looking for the best roller for painting walls and smooth interior surfaces like doors or windowsills? Choose a short pile roller. This will lay down paint with the least amount of texture, helping to achieve a smooth appearance, especially when using paint finishes like Vinyl Soft Sheen, Vinyl Silk and Gloss.

Medium pile rollers

Medium pile rollers are the most popular type, capable of tackling mildly textured surfaces like woodchip, blown vinyl wallpaper or Artex ceilings. They’re also great for interior walls. They hold more paint than short pile rollers, so you can cover large areas quickly. The fabric packs down as you roll, keeping paint splashes to a minimum and leaving less texture on smooth surfaces.

Long pile rollers

When the surface you’re painting has a deep texture, like breeze blocks or pebble dashed masonry, you’ll need a long pile roller. The long pile helps deliver paint into the deepest parts of the surface for a uniform finish and fast application. Long pile rollers are only suitable for surfaces with enough texture to absorb the paint. Otherwise, they’ll splatter paint everywhere, leaving a messy finish on smooth surfaces.

What are the different paint roller sizes?

Before buying a paint roller, it’s worth considering the size, as each roller is suited to specific jobs. At Dulux Decorator Centre, our professional paint roller range covers everything from 4-inch to 18-inch paint rollers. Explore each type to find suitable decorating tools and accessories for your next job.

Small rollers

Small paint rollers have several uses, from painting hard-to-reach spots inside cabinets to touch-up jobs on walls and ceilings. Thanks to their narrow head, they’re great for painting woodwork, including door frames, skirting boards and furniture. We also stock corner paint rollers designed to finish your paint job seamlessly.

Large rollers

Whether painting several rooms or giving a bigger space a makeover, it’s worth buying a large paint roller. They have a wider head, picking up more paint for fast application on greater surface areas.

You may want to invest in a paint roller extension pole to use with your large paint roller, providing up to 12ft of extra reach. This handy combination creates the best roller for ceilings, with no need to stretch or use a ladder. You can also use these extension tools for reaching low areas when painting with a roller brush, like the bottom of a wall.

What are paint rollers made from?

Most paint rollers are made from synthetic materials, from foam to polyester. However, natural fibres like lambswool are also available. Explore each option to determine which is best for your paint job.

Foam rollers

Foam rollers are ideal for applying thin paints, whether water-based or matte, providing an even finish with minimal texture. Unlike woven paint rollers, they don’t have any pile, giving you the smoothest application.

Woven rollers

Woven rollers are made from various synthetic fabrics, including polyester and microfibre. They come in several pile depths, so you can find the right tools for your decorating project. Woven rollers are ideal for applying water-based gloss paint.

Lambswool rollers

Natural fibres like lambswool are best for applying thicker, oil-based paints. They have a longer pile than other rollers, making them ideal for painting textured surfaces like masonry.

Need more decorating tips? Visit our wallpaper hub to learn about removal, application and essential tools. Alternatively, our blog has plenty of helpful advice, so explore these related articles:

How to paint skirting boards and trim