Are you a DIYer looking to improve the quality and attract more clients to the work you do? Then you should read through this guide, as we would be showing the best paint rollers.
A good paint roller makes it easy to do a great DIY paint job. Faster than brushes and more affordable than sprayers, they serve as an accessible gateway into the world of painting.
Paint rollers may seem universal, but different types are ideally suited to specific projects. One might be perfect for the detailed work that comes with painting furniture or cabinetry, while another was purpose-built for painting ceilings.
Some are cheap but effective, while others are professional-grade power tools designed with the serious painter in mind.
You may have the need to use tools like engine stands, crosscut sled, and hole saws. These tools when used can be the difference between you and your competitors
How to Use Paint Roller for Smooth Finish?
The following tips will help when it comes to using a paint roller for a smooth finish:
- Make sure the area being painted is completely clean. Even a small amount of dust can ruin the smooth finish.
- Add paint to the paint tray.
- Roll the roller through the paint.
- Gently, and evenly, run the paint roller over the area being painted.
- Leave the area to try.
- Give a second coat of paint.
BUYER’S GUIDE FOR THE BEST PAINT ROLLER
Brand
Always begin with thinking about the brand of the product. Reading the ‘top brands’ section of this page would be a great place to start.
This is because there is a lot of demand for paint rollers, and when there is a lot of demand for something, a lot of companies want to sell them. This often means that some companies sell cheap and low-quality products to try and grab some market share.
These products need to be avoided. They are not going to be any good. Low-quality products suffer from two problems:
- They are more likely to break, which will result in bits of paint roller being mixed up in the finish.
- They hold less paint.
Size of the Paint Roller
A person looking to buy a paint roller will likely have a frame in place already. A roller must be selected which fits that frame. This is normally going to be 4.5” or 9”, although there are other sizes available on the market too.
For example; there are larger ones that are built more for ceiling painting, although these are tougher to acquire.
The size of the paint roller will dictate the type of jobs that can be tackled with it. For example; the best paint roller for walls will not necessarily be the best paint roller for dealing with skirting and the like.
Type of Roller
There are several rollers on the market for helping people to get that smooth finish. Ideally; a person will want to opt for either a microfiber roller or a foam roller.
These are the only ones that will give the smoothest possible finish. Never go for a wool roller. While they can feasibly hold a lot more paint than other rollers, they are going to give a ‘bumpier’ finish which is never going to be ideal.
Type of Paint Being Used
Each roller will be rated for a specific type of paint, although unless otherwise noted, all the rollers found on this page can be used with a whole host of different paints.
When searching for a foam roller, a person should always read through the types of paint the manufacturer says that it can be used with. This way the person can know whether it is going to be right for their project or not.
The softness of the Roller
While the softness of the roller will influence the overall finish that the roller gives, there is a much more important reason to focus on the roller. This is about fatigue. A hard roller is going to be tough to use for longer periods, which is not ideal.
Construction material
Different types of fabric can be used in the construction of your roller which calls for your concern regarding this. You need to settle for fabrics like cotton and foam to create a unique effect. The frame should also be strong enough to withstand the heavy use daily.
The construction materials used for paint rollers is different from the construction materials used for tools like chainsaw chains and Geiger counters.
Grip
Since paint rollers are handheld tools, comfort is at a premium. Ideally, you need a tool that is ergonomic and fits comfortably in your hand. A nice padded grip, for example, can make the work process go much smoother. The grips seen in a roller is not as comfortable as the grips in an imaging camera.
Ease of use
Apart from the other features, we have discussed, you need to determine the ease of use of your roller before you can purchase. A good paint roller is one that can be used conveniently. The speed also comes into play when you are evaluating the ease of use.
Cost
One of the best things about paint rollers is that they are typically quite affordable. Although you can pick up this tool for just a few dollars, you may find it worthwhile to splurge a little on a higher-end product.
A quality paint roller shouldn’t break the bank, and it will probably last longer than a product you get on the cheap.
Telescopic?
Telescopic paint rollers are specifically designed for accessing difficult-to-reach locations. The handle can extend several feet, making it simpler to paint ceilings or high walls.
As you might expect, telescopic rollers are harder to control than smaller units, which means you probably won’t use them for tasks that require heightened levels of precision.
BEST PAINT ROLLER
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| Wooster Brush With 9-Inch Sherlock Roller
|
Wooster brush with 9 inches sherlock roller frame
Quick-release spring prevents roller slippage yet allows easy one rap removal Smooth-rolling internal bearings eliminate shank wear and grey streaks Durable green fibreglass reinforced nylon cage and endcaps |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| HomeRight PaintStick EZ-Twist
|
Better than a regular paint roller
Easy paint roller Twistable handle Shed-resistant paint roller covers When you are done, clean up is easy |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| McCauley Tools REVOLVER Roller Kit
|
The only rigid and secure, no flex brush extender.
Pull the trigger- release and rotate mini roller 360° for any angle. (roller cover not included). Accepts most paint brush sizes. Adjust brush 8 different angles for a perfect position. Ergo soft rubber comfort grip for fatigue free painting and cleaner lines. |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| STANLEY PTST03508 8 Piece Paint Kit
|
Clear & Metal Paint Tray, 9 inch 5-Wire Deluxe Roller Frame, Two 9′ x 3/8′ High-Capacity Polyester Rollers
Premium Kit Includes Tools to Paint an Entire Room with Smooth Application Stanley Paint Applicators are Tested to Ensure Smooth and Even Application with One-Coat Specialized Paint Applicators are Designed for Easy Use – Good for Professionals down to Do-It-Yourself Homeowners. |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Krylon K07096 Hand Held Marking Wand
|
Fit type: Universal Fit
Snap-out removable wheel Package Dimensions: 9.144 L x 80.01 H x 13.97 W (centimeters) Package Weight : 0.816 kilograms |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Bates Paint Roller 9 Piece Kit
|
Durable
Comfortable build Great for creating a nice smooth finish |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| KUPOO Paint Roller Kit
|
Smart Paint Roller
Virtually No Dripping Roller Perfect Coat Over All Surfaces Extended Poles |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| VANVENE Foam Paint Roller Frame With Cover
|
Lint-free roller covers
Ideal for trims, line striping, and edge to edge applications The synthetic filaments on these roller covers are easy to clean and dry |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Wagner 0530010 Paint Roller
|
Innovative click-attach arm
Easy cleanup Auto-feed control Extension connection handle |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Graco 244512 Roller Kit
|
Easy attachment to spray guns
Lighter design Easy to use Stainless steel frame |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Wooster Brush With 9-Inch Sherlock Roller
This Wooster Brush paint tool is a sturdy Sherlock roller frame that fits regular extension poles with threaded-tips. Its shank is coated with a flawless Chrome finish (5/16 inches) that leaves an impression of durability.
Apart from its 90-degree structure, this 9-inch roller frame has low-friction bearings that reduce any risk of inefficiency. You can run some paint jobs without thinking about a roller slippage too.
To ensure an even spread of paint on any surface, secure the roller frame with an extendable pole firmly. Also, the width of this Sherlock roller’s frame allows you to scoop the last drop of paint.
| PROS | CONS |
| It has polypropylene grip that compatible with many extendable poles | This product doesn’t come with an extendable pole. |
| Sturdy components like the endcaps and fibreglass cage | |
| It’s designed with a quick-release spring | |
| Durable product |
HomeRight PaintStick EZ-Twist
This HomeRight PaintStick model is popular because it combines efficiency with an improved design. It has a twistable handle that allows you to control the flow of paint easily.
With a twistable handle, you can apply techniques that maximize the spread of paints. Also, the PaintStick EZ-Twist speeds up the time for completing painting jobs. The design includes a fill tube that’s attached to PaintStick’s handle, and it sucks 18 oz of paint.
You can push the handle to activate its feed system and supply paint to the roller. Don’t worry about paint drips from the roller or a roller tray. The precision feed system eliminates any chance of a mess.
| PROS | CONS |
| The kit includes shed-resistant roller covers | The kit doesn’t include a roller cleaner. |
| Paints 8 x 8-inch wall space in one minute | |
| It’s easy to use and clean after paint jobs | |
| A 64-inch paint roller handle |
McCauley Tools REVOLVER Roller Kit
Do you want to paint your walls like a professional? With a high-grade nylon roller and 6-foot plastic roller, you can enjoy the fatigue-free painting of ceilings and walls. This lightweight MCCAULEY REVOLVER roller kit has brushes that apply coats with straight lines.
It has never been easy to paint with traditional rollers. Usually, the convenience of painting from different positions can affect the pace of work.
However, this product provides access to hard-to-reach corners and edges without drips. Also, the threaded-broom handle extends your brush and rollers. When using a pole, the release and lock button gives you more stability and angle-control.
| PROS | CONS |
| Padded non-slip handles with ergonomic designs | The kit doesn’t include an extension pole and roller covers. |
| Trigger-style release and lock for the roller | |
| Adjustable brush with 8 different angles | |
| A 360-degree rotatable mini-roller |
STANLEY PTST03508 8 Piece Paint Kit
The final product to show you is this Stanley Home Paint Kit. It comes equipped with everything that is required to start painting. While the paint rollers included are not the highest quality on the market, they can easily be swapped out for some Purdy rollers when the supply has been exhausted.
Included in this package, there is a metal tin, some paint scrapers, and some rollers (as well as the roll cage), which means that there is more than enough available to tackle a room or two. Since these have been built by Stanley, then people are guaranteed to be getting something of high quality without the high price.
| PROS | CONS |
| Perfectly smooth finishes | Not the highest quality on the market |
| Can easily be upgraded | |
| Good starter kit |
Krylon K07096 Hand Held Marking Wand
If you need to paint somewhere that is quite high up and can be difficult for you to reach then this paint roller wand will be ideal for you to use. This is because it can get to all of those hard to reach places.
Not only this, but it also has a lot of other practical uses as well; for instance, you can also use it for marking pavement, concrete, soil and even grass too. It has a snap out the removable wheel, so if you don’t need to use the wheel, then you don’t have to.
| PROS | CONS |
| It comes with a snap out and removable wheel | none |
| Can be used for other practical uses as well | |
| Suitable for a whole range of materials | |
| Easy to use | |
| Allows you to paint difficult to reach places |
Bates Paint Roller 9 Piece Kit
The Bates takes the top spot on our list for being the best paint roller for a smooth finish. The smoothness factor is largely the product of the fibres on the covers. They are designed to be thick but short, so they leave behind highly consistent strokes.
But there is more to these brushes than the accessories. The handle is designed to be comfortable, and the durable build helps ensure that you will be using this roller for a long time.
It is more expensive than most rollers on the market, but the price is still accessible enough that it shouldn’t break the bank.
| PROS | CONS |
| It can save you time | none |
| It has a thick filament | |
| It will give you a superior finish | |
| Includes everything that you need | |
| Suitable for beginners or professionals |
KUPOO Paint Roller Kit
This paint roller kit has everything you need to get started. In addition to a roller, you also get an edger and a brush, all for a manageable price tag. For this reason, it is a great set for beginners who need to stock up before they can get started.
Unfortunately, the set works better as a concept than an actual product. None of the materials is particularly well built. The grips are uncomfortable, the foam covers are not durable, and none of the elements is likely to last for a long time.
If you are just dipping your toes into the waters of DIY painting, this is a fine option to consider. Otherwise, you may find it prudent to invest in something a little more durable.
| PROS | CONS |
| Comprehensive package | Not very durable |
| Affordable | So-so foam covers |
VANVENE Foam Paint Roller Frame With Cover
This paint roller kit will come with everything that you ever need. And you won’t have to go and purchase anything additional for it at all. You can use this paint roller for quick jobs or large jobs; it will be suitable for both.
It’s also very useful for any hard to reach areas, as it can reach areas that you may have even thought that it couldn’t. The paint roller itself has been made from synthetic filaments that will allow it to hold more paint; therefore, you will be able to save quite a bit of time, as you won’t be forever putting more paint on it.
| PROS | CONS |
| Can be used for small or large jobs | none |
| Made from synthetic filaments | |
| Can reach hard to reach areas | |
| Includes everything you need | |
| Holds a lot more paint |
Wagner 0530010 Paint Roller
For homeowners as well as the DIYers, this will be an ideal choice for you. The Wagner brand is very popular in producing paint-related items. The good thing about this brand is that it exceeds the safety standards which have been laid out.
When compared to the conventional rollers, this power roller has been packed to the brim with just impressive features for your convenience. This is ideal for painting different surfaces leaving a professional look on your walls and ceilings.
| PROS | CONS |
| Comfort for the users | Not ideal for small rooms |
| Efficient to use | |
| Paints a large area easily |
Graco 244512 Roller Kit
This is a very good replacement of the conventional rollers due to its amazing qualities. The first thing you will like it about is its speed which is four times faster than the conventional rollers. In that regard, you will be able to save your time and still enjoy using it as it does not cause any fatigue.
This roller kit easily attaches to the spray allowing one to go straight to trigger pulling ready for painting. Unlike its competitors, this roller gives a convenient reach to those areas which cannot be easily reached. Its lightweight and compact design make it ideal to be used for extended periods.
| PROS | CONS |
| Lightweight and compact design | Weak synthetic cover |
| Efficient operation | |
| Easy to use |
CONCLUSION
There is a whole load of different paint rollers in the list above, and it can be quite confusing when you have to decide what one you should purchase. It’s important that you know what you want to use your paint roller for, because if you’re going to reach higher places, then it’s more than likely that you will need one that can extend, so you will be able to reach it easily.
It’s also important that you check out our buyers guide before you decide to purchase one, as this will be able to guide you about what paint rollers you should consider purchasing and it will also inform you about what you need to look out for.
