For every project, there is a corresponding tool that works best for it. So for painting, not every time will a brush be your best friend, there are times you need to get a roller instead. But, what is the best roller for painting? again, that depends on the type of project you are working on.
This will depend on how big your DIY job is going to be. Is it the entire exterior of your house? Maybe you just want to touch up a door or window trim? (By the way, if you need a tool for fine detailing, check out acrylic paint pens.) You also need to consider the surface of what you will paint, is it rough or smooth? Don’t forget to think about the paint you will use, is it eggshell, glossy, or maybe a stain?
Whatever your project may be, you can check out some of the best paint rollers below. We’ve listed different types that can be suitable for most DIYs:
Best Roller for Painting Walls: Bestt Liebco
Bestt Liebco has been in the painting industry since 1926, so you can expect the very best quality from this Master 9″ frame. It’s the best option for painting walls as it is lightweight. This frame also has a comfort grip handle so you can work for longer periods.
Can’t reach far up? No problem. This 9″ frame has a threaded end so it can be attached to a pole. No matter what type of paint you are going to use or the surface of your wall, this frame is a good option. All you have to do is change up the very roller on it. Good thing the frame has a quick release so removal for other roller is easy.
Bestt Liebco has an extensive range of roller covers that can fit the 9″ frame. There are options for extra rough to very smooth surfaces. Roller covers also come in different materials, such as mohair, lambskin, and polyester.
Best Roller for Painting Cabinets: Linzer
The Linzer brand has been providing quality painting tools for over 100 years. You can expect affordable options that get the job done. You can expect the same quality and value from the Linzer Impact 6″ paint roller.
Made of high-density foam, this roller is ideal for latex paints. With a smaller size than regular, you’ll have no trouble painting cabinets. With a threaded handle, an extension pole can be added to this roller. You can easily reach cabinets that are a bit taller.
Best Roller for Painting Doors: Purdy
Purdy had small beginnings, starting with 5 employees and a space the size of a 2 car garage. Decades later, it has become an award-winning company, delivering exceptional painting tools used by DIYers and professionals alike. What’s more, products are fairly priced. Take for instance this Purdy 6-Piece Premium Kit.
In this kit, you’ll get everything you need from a tray to the best roller for painting interior doors. There’s also a tray liner and an angled trim brush. The 9″ roller frame comes with 2 WhiteDove roller covers.
The WhiteDove from Purdy can be used for finishes that are semi-rough to very smooth and everything in between. Aside from doors, it’s also for drywall, floors, and ceilings. You can use various paint types, such as latex, stains, or oil-based paints.
Best Roller for Painting Furniture: FoamPRO
Established in 1952, FoamPRO manufactures foam paint rollers, supplying stores in Southern California. Over half a century later, it has become an international company, still delivering quality foam paint rollers. One of the best things about the rollers from FoamPRO is it promises no seam marks or lint.
The 4″ FoamPRO is ideal for painting furniture like benches and tables. It’s definitely faster than using a paintbrush, plus it delivers a fine finish. In fact, you can expect a result that is similar to that of using a spray. You may use this with enamels, stains, primers, varnishes, and urethanes.
Best Roller for Painting Brick: Wooster
When it comes to painting brick, it might get a little tricky as the surface isn’t too smooth. The thing to remember here is to choose a roller that has at least a 1-inch nap. This makes Wooster’s Cirrus the perfect choice,
Established in 1851, Wooster has been offering painting products to all types of painters. It has an excellent range of tools, including paint rollers. The Cirrus is a 9″ roller cover that is made of polyamide yarn fabric. It is highly durable, making it the best roller for exterior paintings. Designed for extra rough surfaces, the Cirrus promises low spatter and high capacity.
You can distinguish the Cirrus from other roller covers from Wooster, thanks to its signature green stripe. Don’t forget to get an appropriate roller frame for the Cirrus.
Best Roller for Painting Deck: Mr. LongArm
You can cut your working time of painting the deck with the Smart Painter System II from Mr. LongArm. The extension on the paint roller can extend up to 4 feet, so you don’t have to move around as much to cover your entire deck.
An excellent feature of the Mr. LongArm Smart Painter is its shield. First, it can minimize scraping, this is really helpful for those wooden decks. Next, it allows for 360-degree rotation and the roller can pivot into 11 positions. Finally, the shield reduces mess—no splatter and quick cleanups.
Best Roller for Painting Trim: Shur-Line
Sometimes, all you need is a little touch-up to make things seem new again. Maybe you want to make a room in your house pop-out, why not try a bold color on your window trim? There’s no need to use a brush, a mini roller will do the trick and the Trim Kit from Shur-Line is up for the job.
You can use any type of paint or stain with the Shur-Line Trim Kit. Inside, you’ll be able to find everything you’ll need such as a trim tray, touch-up pad, a 3″ roller, and roller refills.
Best Roller for Painting Wood: ArroWorthy
There’s nothing that messes up a shiny paint job with spatters of fibers or brush hairs. Good thing ArroWorthy is offering the shed-resistant microfiber roller cover. It’s perfect for smooth and semi-smooth surfaces like wood.
Made out of a European woven fabric, ArroWorthy Microfiber can be used for all types of paint, including low VOC ones. It promises maximum paint pick-up as well as easy clean-up.
Things to Consider
As much as it is nice to have one paint roller to do it all, you really should find one that is specific to your needs. There are 2 things to consider to choose the right paint roller:
Paint Type
The type of paint you will be using can dictate what roller you should get. If you already have a roller frame, then all you need is the proper cover. Make sure it works with the paint you have or you’ll be costing yourself money. For example, lambskin rollers are not ideal for latex paints.
Project Type
Aside from making sure you have the right roller cover, the size of your project will also decide what roller frame you need. If you do small ones like trims or desks, then get a mini roller. For walls and ceilings, do get bigger frames with longer handles or an option to extend the handles.
Before You Roll
Finally, before you start painting, be sure to double-check the manufacturer’s instructions or guides included on the box, plastic, or packaging of the roller you get. There might be some helpful tips or important things you need to be aware of when using paint rollers.
Did you enjoy our tips on the best roller for painting? Then be sure to check out our other buying guides, such as The Best Tape for Painting or the Best Degreaser for Kitchen Cabinets Thanks for reading!