The availability of rollers on the market is really large, one could even say overwhelming, which makes making the right choice sometimes a bit difficult. We have cheaper, more expensive, larger, smaller, specialized or home use products to choose from.

At the moment, the choice of options is so large that an ordinary Sunday professional can feel quite lost. The differentiation of these products against the background of applications or properties is really very wide, which also has its advantages because thanks to this you can choose the best equipment for the conditions or specialized orders.

Okay, but which one to choose? You have nothing to worry about. That’s why we’re here now. We present a professional guide that will tell you which rollers are best to choose for specific situations. In the blog, we will take into account such aspects as what paints we work with, on what surface and whether we paint a vertical surface (e.g. a wall) or a horizontal one (e.g. a ceiling).

Which roller will be best for the floor and which one for the ceiling?

This is quite an important question, which, unfortunately, many people do not ask themselves before starting work, which is a pity. If we were to count on our fingers how many times we have witnessed someone using a floor roller to paint ceilings, we would not have enough fingers and toes.

The use of rollers for dedicated surfaces can greatly facilitate work and perform the task. It also speeds them up considerably.

Okay, but what’s the difference between a ceiling roller and a wall roller? We’re in a hurry to explain.

Roller to the wall

We won’t encounter too much philosophy here. These are the rollers for walls that we will have the opportunity to meet most often. So what should we look at first? Size first. If we have to paint a large area of the wall, it is logical that a larger roller will work best for this task. It is best if its width is in the range of 12 to 25 cm.

However, if we are dealing with painting places that are particularly hard to reach and require considerable precision, the best option will be the so-called narrow roller. Its width oscillates around 5 to 12 cm.

Ceiling rollers

The rule is almost identical to the one above. If we are dealing with painting larger surfaces, the best option will be a roller with a width of 12 to 25 cm. However, if there are places that require greater precision and accuracy from us, then a roller with a width of 5 to 12 cm. However, there is a fundamental difference. When painting the ceiling, we should use a non-drip roller.

And what exactly does sticking to these guidelines give us? The paint does not drip down only to the so-called drip cap. In addition, there are a few more positive properties, for example, it allows you to avoid mess during work or leaves an evenly painted wall. In addition, the paint is simply not wasted.

Appropriate adjustment of the roller to the ground

Jaki wałek do malowania najlepiej wybrać?

There is an unwritten rule that tells us that the smoother the surface is, the shorter the bristles of the roller itself should be. However, when we are dealing with rough surfaces, the best option will definitely be a roller with long hair. Well, in that case, which roller should we choose for painting facade surfaces, which one for painting furniture and which one for interior surfaces.

Twine rollers with short and fine pile (approx. 10 – 12 mm.)

These are the most popular and standard rollers used for painting walls. With their help, we will be able to cover slightly rough surfaces without any major problems. If the structure of the wall resembles the touch of an orange peel or grains of sand, this roller is most suitable for it. They can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Fur rollers, in other words, string rollers with long pile (approx. 19 – 30 mm.)

These rollers are mainly used to paint surfaces with a very high level of roughness. They are not used when painting standard interior walls because the effect of such work will be very unsatisfactory. With their help, it is best to paint surfaces such as rough plaster, untreated concrete, etc. They will ensure the best effect during the work.

Foam rollers, velor rollers (approx. 5 – 8 mm.)

This kind is by far the most unique of our little list. These rollers have a unique structure used to paint very smooth surfaces, one could even say perfectly smooth. With their help, we can paint objects such as furniture or, for example, plaster walls.

Thanks to them, the paint does not affect the perfectly smooth structure of the wall surface, it is a typically specialist tool. They are not very popular due to the fact that we rarely deal with such smooth surfaces. String rollers are the most commonly used.

Which rollers to use for the right paints?

The choice of roller is also strongly dependent on what paint we will paint. Paints have different consistencies and properties, which is better to know before choosing the right work tool.

Oil paints – their main use is, let’s put it this way, „artistic activity”, however, in construction, they are usually used to paint paneling. We can meet them most often in public places such as m. hospitals, schools, clinics, etc. This type of paint is best applied with sponge (flock) rollers. These paints are used quite rarely, so there is little chance that you will have to consider them.

Acrylic paints – in contrast to the above item, we are dealing here with much more popular paints. Acrylic paints are commonly used for both walls and ceilings. Their most interesting properties include ease of spreading and very high covering power. To paint them, an ordinary string roller made of microfiber is enough.

When using it, we will be able to enjoy a very durable and even coating on the wall. In addition, if he takes care of the roller, i.e. cleans it regularly, hides it in foil, etc., he will be able to use it in many different jobs. Of course, there are other possibilities. Rollers with polyamide, polyester and polyacrylic sheathing will also work very well.

Solvent paints – they are most often used to paint elements made of wood or metal. This group includes, of course, doors, railings and even radiators. Here, the best option will definitely be a tool with a relatively smooth structure. Mohair rollers with short pile, velor and sponge rollers with fine pores are best for this task.

What roller will be the best for painting with latex paint?

We decided to cover this particular point because it is one of the most frequently asked questions about shafts. We get a lot of inquiries on this issue, as well as Google searches show. „Which roller to paint with latex paint” is one of the most frequently asked questions in general in this matter.

Therefore, we will try to answer this question in an exhaustive way. If we are dealing with latex paints, we should meet the same conditions as in the case of classic acrylic paints. We must also ensure that the roller covering is made of synthetic fibers and well adapted to the surface.

Short pile rollers (9 – 12 mm)

They are used to paint smooth walls made of drywall. It spreads the paint very well over the entire surface and does not leave any streaks or even stains.

Medium pile rollers (13 to 16 mm)

They are suitable for most walls inside buildings. Painting the plaster with matte paints is a very good option because they spread very well on the surface and additionally texture it (we are talking about rollers with a pile of 12 to 14mm). And fleece 14-16 will be better suited for painting embossed wallpaper or internal cement-lime plaster.

Long-pile rollers (over 16 mm)

They are best used on structural surfaces, including rough ones, and walls made of e.g. raw brick and concrete. Long-haired rollers will precisely distribute the paint over the structure of the wall or ceiling.

Types of roller sheathing

In this respect, we are dealing with a very simple division, which should not surprise anyone. Roller sheathing is divided according to the material from which it was made. Rollers with artificial and natural sheathing are available. Pretty simple thing, right? Okay, but how does this affect painting work?

Rollers with natural sheathing

It is the highest quality material and completely ecological. Their sheathing is made of woven velor or wool. One of the most characteristic features of this sheathing is, among others, a very precise covering power, but also a much higher price. However, despite these advantages, we do not recommend purchasing these rollers. They wear out very quickly and their care is not the easiest.

Okay, but even though the effect of our work can be very satisfactory, in our opinion, it is not a particularly profitable purchase. Why? Well, let’s illustrate it with an example. By buying a natural bristle roller for an exemplary price of $ 100, we will achieve a very good effect of our work.

In addition, we will be able to use it for up to 5 different jobs, of course only if we take care of it very carefully. So instead, it is more profitable for us to buy a high-quality microfiber roller for $ 110-120 and be able to use it not for 5 but for 20 works.

Synthetic hair rollers

They are usually made of such materials as, among others, polyamide (another term for nylon), polyester sponge, polyacrylics or the so-called microfibre. They can be matched to any type of paint, from epoxy to oil to acrylic. In addition, they have many properties that rank high above natural rollers.

Of course, there are no perfect things. Rollers made of plastic are available for both $ 20 and $ 200. Therefore, we must be aware that the cheapest options will have a really poor covering power and will be able to lose some of the bristles when painting.

Specialty rollers

There are many ways to paint walls that are available in the market. Therefore, no one should be particularly surprised that there are also rollers intended for specific works. Sometimes they are able to make our lives easier and sometimes they are just a typical specialist tool that „Sunday professionals” will not have any use.

Corner paint roller – the name actually tells us everything. It is equipped with a round head with a diameter of 3-8 cm. It allows you to paint wall corners conveniently and quickly.

Decorative paint roller – it is used for typically artistic purposes. With its help, we can paint various patterns on the walls. It is mainly chosen by people with considerable precision and skill. In stores you will find decorative rollers made of various materials, e.g. made of sponge or rubber (covered with a raised pattern).

Cutting roller – for many it is just a gadget, but extremely useful, especially for the so-called „Sunday professionals”. One can even be tempted to say that it is especially for them. It allows us to effectively cut off colors on the edges of two walls and the wall and ceiling. It is equipped with a flip-up shield that protects against soiling of a different shade of surface.

A roller with a paint tank – very useful when dealing with larger surfaces. these particular rollers are equipped with paint containers and a pump that allows you to conveniently dispense it. Thanks to this solution, you do not have to stop working every now and then to reach the cuvette with the roller.

Roller for painting pipes and radiators – the name reveals all the details regarding the use of this tool. Radiator paint rollers are very narrow and mounted on a long handle. Thanks to them, we are able to reach every crevice.

Why specialist rollers are becoming less and less popular

Prices for some professional rollers can be counted in even hundreds of zlotys. And it shouldn’t surprise anyone at all. They allow real specialists in a given topic to perform more complex works. That is why they are very often used in the so-called developer. However, their popularity is decreasing day by day. This is due to the spray method of surface painting.

A much better alternative to this rather expensive solution is simply to invest in special painting aggregates with the help of which we will do the job much faster and easier. In addition, the investment in one more expensive unit will pay off quite quickly. Buying expensive rollers on a regular basis is a much more expensive option.

Valuation of rollers

The valuation that we will present to you in a moment is really very indicative, which is why, in our opinion, the best way to get to know the value of specific rollers is to simply search through various items in online stores. It is also worth looking for a specific model from a specific manufacturer. Then the valuation will be the most accurate. Therefore, our valuation will refer to several specific shaft divisions.

Wałki z naturalnym poszyciem

Their prices can start from as little as $ 100 per item and continue to grow, it is difficult to give an upper limit. There is absolutely nothing to be surprised about. The material they are made of is of the highest quality. In addition, they are fully ecological rollers. Before the potential purchase, however, we should read the description of the tool very carefully so as not to accidentally buy „natural-like” rollers. Their price, as we said before, is not too low. Please do not be fooled by the cheapest good quality natural rollers oscillate around $ 100 and up.

Wałki z włosiem sztucznym

Here, unfortunately, the whole valuation is much more complex and complicated. The prices of synthetic hair rollers can start from $ 10 and end up at $ 200 and more. Therefore, the best way to make sure that the roller you want to buy is of good quality is to use the products of the recommended manufacturer and that’s it. If we focus on a popular brand, we will have no doubts about the quality of the roller we choose.