Paint Roller Brush
Types Of Paint Roller Brushes
The paint roller brush is extensively used for both interior and exterior paint works. It has become an indispensable tool for any type of painting work.
The simplicity of use, excellent paint finish and the wide choice for design patterns makes the paint roller an ideal choice for all types of paint works.
The roller is a versatile tool that can perform multiple painting tasks. It can be easily used for applying all types of paints and modify the paint finishes. It can also create the stunning special effects on the wall surface.
Selecting the right paint roller can make a big difference in the outcome of your paint DIY project. The market is cluttered with too many options. And therefore, how to select the paint roller becomes a big challenge.
The paint rollers can easily handle different types of paints without any problems. The rollers can easily paint large area in short span of time and produce excellent finish without any variations.
In this DIY guide, you will learn different types of paint rollers, how to select the roller for your requirements, types of special effect rollers , decorative rollers, roller accessories and other important information to get the best out of this versatile tool.
Types Of Paint Roller Brushes
Table Of Contents
- Polyester Roller Brush.
- Foam Roller Brush.
- Decorative Roller Brushes.
- Texture Roller Brush.
- Pattern Roller Brush.
- Special Effect Roller Brush.
- Wood Grains Roller Brush.
Paint Roller Brush
Components Of Paint Roller Brush
The roller brush has three main components. The frame of the roller brush provides the structural strength to the roller brush. The roller frame quality depends upon the brand.
The second component of the roller brush is roller cage. It is the roller cage actually firmly holds the roller cover in place.
The third component of the roller is the roller cover. The roller cover is a detachable and can be easily replaced with new one.
Different types of roller covers can be mounted on the roller cage as per requirements. Please check the product description to verify its compatibility with the roller frame.
Important Tips
A invest in buying good quality roller brush. It might initially cost you more but it pays in the long run.Â
The unbranded cheap rollers are also available. However, substandard rollers can spoil the final outcome of the DIY project.Â
Types Of Paint Roller Brushes
Different types paint rollers are available in the home improvement store. Each roller type is suitable for a specific type of painting work.
It is possible that you might get lost in the home improvement store due to too many options for paint rollers. And therefore , it is important to understand the different types of roller. So that you can pick the right one.
 The roller brushes can grouped into many  types based on the different criterion. A roller can be a general purpose roller or a special purpose roller.
The main differentiating factor in the roller type is the materiel used for the cover fabric, purpose of the roller, roller nap size ( thickness ) , nap length ( width )Â of the roller and different types of decorative rollers.
- General Purpose Roller.
- Special Purpose Roller.
- Natural Fiber Roller.
- Synthetic Fiber Roller.
- Lambs Wool Roller.
- Merino Sheepskin Roller.
- Polyester Roller.
- Foam Roller.
- Microfiber Roller.
- Decorative Roller.
- Texture Roller.
- Pattern Roller.
- Wood Grains Roller.
- Special Effect Roller.
General Purpose Paint Roller
The general purpose rollers can be used for any general purpose painting work. These paint rollers can be easily used for  the application of different types of paints.
The general purpose rollers are easily available in any home improvement store. These roller brushes are extensively used for interior and exterior paint works.
These rollers can paint the wall surfaces, wooden surfaces or metallic surface, ceilings and other surfaces as per the requirement.
The general purpose rollers can be easily sourced from any home improvement store and hardware shops in terms of its nap size and the nap length in inches.
The most commonly used nap size of the general purpose rollers used for painting the wall surfaces include 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch. The common nap length is 6 Inches , 4 Inches and 3 Inches .
Special Purpose Paint Roller
 As the name suggest , the special purpose paint rollers are used for some specific type of paint work . For example, wall patterns , some special textures on the wall surface.
The special purpose paint roller is again a general term used to refer the rollers used to perform some special painting task either for creating wall decoration , textures and patterns.
Natural Fiber Paint Rollers
The natural fibers used in the roller cover material are made up of natural animal hair. These rollers used to be the most widely available brushes few years back .
The natural fiber paint rollers were considered to be of the finest quality due to its ability to render hairline free texture of the painted surface.
However , due to advancement into the synthetic bristle technology these rollers are now being replaced by the synthetic fiber rollers.
The  latest range of synthetic roller covers also offer similar advantages.Â
Natural Fiber Rollers
Natural Fiber Rollers
Synthetic Fiber Paint Roller
The synthetic fiber paint rollers are made up of synthetic material fiber. The synthetic rollers is a generic term used to refer all the paint rollers other than natural fiber rollers.
The synthetic rollers include polyester rollers , Nylon Rollers , sponge rollers , foam rollers and microfiber rollers. The synthetic rollers are durable and can handle different types of paints.
   The synthetic fiber rollers can easily be used for both interior wall paint works as well as exterior wall paint works efficiently.
The synthetic roller cover material is made up of either nylon fiber or polyester fiber or microfiber or combination of the these materials.
The synthetic fiber rollers are comparable in terms of their quality and durability. These rollers also render a uniform hairline free texture of the painted surface.
Due to advancement into the synthetic roller cover material technology the natural fiber rollers are now being replaced by synthetic fiber rollers. The synthetic rollers are versatile and also relatively much cheaper.
Synthetic Paint Rollers
Nylon And Polyester Paint Rollers
The composite bristle brushes are extensively used for different types of painting work. These brushes are easy to clean and have long life.
These brushes are suitable for all types of water based paints ( latex paints ) as well as oil based paints.
The combination of nylon’s durability and polyester’s shape retention make these brushes long lasting and high-quality brushes.
These brushes can be used to flawless finish to the painted surface. These are versatile brushes and can easily handle various types of paints without any problem.
Polyester Fiber Rollers
The polyester paint rollers are best suitable for all types of water based ( latex paints ) paints as well as oil based paints.
The polyester cover rollers can retain the original shape and stiffness for a long time. These rollers can be easily cleaned after the use.
These rollers can also easily handle different types of paints and render smooth uniform finish to the painted surface.
Decorative Paint Rollers
The decorative paint rollers are used to decorate the paint surface with various textures, patterns and special effects.
The decorative rollers include pattern rollers, texture rollers , 3D print rollers, wood grains roller and other rollers used for surface decoration.
Texture Paint Rollers
The texture paint rollers are used to give different types of textures to the surface. The texture finish on the wall looks great for both interior as well as exterior walls.
Wide range of texture roller options are available to choose from. Depending upon the interior design , the texture effects is a great choice to highlight a specific wall of the room or exterior facade.
The texture rollers are also used along with texture paint to create the best texture effect on the wall surface.
Pattern Paint Rollers
The pattern paint rollers are simply decorative rollers used imprint specific pattern on the wall surface. These rollers create a stunning pattern design of on the wall surface.
Different types of pattern rollers are available in the market. The pattern rollers can either be applied on the first coat with dark shade and the second pattern coat with lighter shade.
Pattern Design Rollers
Pattern Design Rollers
It can also be applied on the wet paint surface to create a pattern of design. The pattern design is mostly used on the interior walls.
The pattern effect is a great idea to highlight a single wall in a room. Wide range of pattern paint roller is available in the hardware store.
How To Select The Paint Roller ?
The paint roller brushes are the most commonly used brushes for both interior and exterior use.
However, different types of paint rollers are used for specific purpose. Each paint roller is tailor made for specific application.
And therefore , how to select the correct paint roller is important that significantly affect the outcome of your DIY project. The selection depends upon your requirements.
Important Pro Tips
Depending upon your needs you can change the roller cover. The thicker covers are used for rough surfaces ( Nap Size – 3/4 inch , 1 Inch & 1 ½ inch ).
The thinner roller cover ( Nap Size – ½ inch or bellow ½ inch  ) is used for relatively smoother surfaces.
Such as walls without any texture or wood surface decks and the finished concrete surfaces.
The synthetic roller offer wide range of options and relatively cheaper. These rollers make a great choice as general purpose rollers.
Select the decorative category of rollers to add texture , pattern design and other special effect to the painted surface.
Paint Roller Nap Sizes
The paint roller brush is a versatile tool that can be used to paint different types of surfaces. For example, you can use roller brush to paint relatively smooth wall or a rough textured brick wall.
The paint roller nap size simply indicates the thickness of the roller cover. The higher nap size for the roller indicate the thicker roller cover. Similarly, the thinner roller cover.
The higher nap size rollers are best suited for painting the rough textured walls. The thick roller cover can hold more quantity of paint required to paint the rough surfaces.
Whereas, the lower nap size rollers are best suited for painting the relatively smooth surfaces. The thin roller cover can hold just the right quantity of the paint enough to paint the smooth surfaces.
Paint Roller Brush | Roller Nap Size | Suitable Surface |
 | 1/4 Inch ( 0.25 Inch ) | Suitable Relatively Smooth Surfaces. Untextured Plaster |
 | 1/2 Inch ( 0.50 Inch ) | Suitable Moderately Smooth Surfaces. Unfinished Plaster |
 | 1 Inch ( 1.00 Inch ) | Suitable Relatively Rough Surfaces. Textured Plaster |
 | 1 1/2 Inch ( 1.50 Inch ) | Suitable Very Rough Surfaces. Textured Plaster |
Standard Roller Nap Sizes
The standard roller brush nap sizes include 1.25 inch to 1.5 inch is suitable for highly rough textured surface. The nap size 3/4Â ( 0.75 ) inch to 1 inch is suitable for moderately textured surfaces.
The nap size 3/8 inch to 1/2 ( 0.5 ) inch is suitable for low textured surfaces. Whereas, the nap size 1/16 inch to 1/4 ( 0.25 ) inch is suitable for relatively smooth surfaces
Paint Roller Nap Length
The roller brushes are available in various nap length. The width of the roller cover is referred as nap length. Whereas, the nap size refers to the thickness of the roller cover.
The standard sizes for nap lengths for paint rollers are 2 inch, 3 inch, 4 inch, 7 inch, 9 inch, and 12 inch wide rollers.
Paint Roller Brush | Roller Nap Length | Suitable Surface |
 | 12 inch wide | Suitable to paint large surface area, walls , wooden decks , concret surface. |
 | 9 inch wide | Suitable to paint large surface area, walls , wooden decks , concret surface. |
 | 7 inch wide | General purpose roller suitable to paint surface area, walls , wooden decks . |
 | 4 inch wide | Suitable to paint narrow surfaces ,edjes , fins where only small roller can work. |
 | 3 inch wide | Suitable to paint narrow surfaces ,edjes , fins where only small roller can work. |
 | 2 inch wide | Suitable to paint wall corners , wall ceiling joint corners and edjes. |