A good paint roller cover is one of the most important painting tools and supplies for achieving a perfect finish on your walls, ceilings or furniture. Shop the selection of roller covers at Ace Hardware, with options from brands like Purdy, Wooster and Arroworthy to help you get the job done right.
What is Nap on a Paint Roller?
When choosing a roller cover, you’ll see the term roller nap. The roller nap is the thickness of the roller’s fibers and different nap lengths are designed for different types of surfaces.
- 1/4" to 3/8" nap:This shorter nap is best for smooth and semi-smooth surfaces. Use it with most interior paint for a flawless finish on drywall and ceilings.
- 1/2" nap:A medium nap is great for semi-rough surfaces like lightly textured plaster or previously painted walls that may have some imperfections.
- 3/4" to 1" nap:This thick nap is made for rough and textured surfaces. It holds more paint to provide better coverage on materials like stucco brick or concrete when using exterior paint.
Choosing Your Roller Cover Material
The right roller cover material depends on the kind of paint you are using.
Synthetic Roller Covers
Synthetic covers which include popular microfiber roller cover and knit roller cover options are perfect for water-based and latex paints. They are durable, easy to clean and provide a smooth application with minimal shedding.
Natural Fiber Roller Covers
Natural fiber covers made from materials like mohair are designed for oil-based paints, stains and varnishes. They hold more paint than synthetic covers, allowing for efficient and even application.
Foam Roller Cover
A foam roller cover is a good choice for an ultra-smooth finish on surfaces like metal doors cabinets and furniture. These are often used with high-gloss or specialty paints to eliminate bubbles and texture.
Can You Reuse Your Paint Roller Cover?
A quality paint roller cover is designed to be cleaned and reused. For latex paint, wash the cover with soap and water immediately after use. For oil-based paints you will need to use mineral spirits. Cleaning your roller properly will have it ready for your next project inspiration.
How Do You Stop Your Roller Cover from Leaving Lint?
To prevent lint or fuzz in your paint finish, always pre-wash your roller cover before its first use. You can do this by rinsing it under water and using a small amount of dish soap. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and let it dry before you start painting.
Shop Paint Roller Covers Near You at Ace Hardware
You can shop paint roller covers near you at your neighborhood Ace for helpful, face-to-face advice or get smart savings by ordering online for fast shipping to your home. While you’re picking up your paint roller refill you can also get other essentials for your project. From paint brushes and patch products to a wide variety of paints including spray paint for those smaller details, we have the supplies for your next project.
