Rollers

Paint Rollers

There generally two parts to a paint roller: The "frame", (also called a roller handle) and the "cover"

Usually the frame and cover are sold separately but you can often find roller kits which will usually include the frame, cover, and a roller pan. Some kits will even include a brush, These kits may seem quite cost effective, but keep in mind they often do not include the best quality equipment.

There is a threaded socket in the handle to accept an extension pole

Roller Sizes
Standard rollers are sized by their length . Nine inch is the most common used size for walls and ceilings. A three or four inch roller can come in handy on certain jobs. Standard roller covers all have the same core diameter so that they will fit a standard frame.

For each roller frame you buy you will need the same size roller cover the same length.
In most cases you won't need to be concerned about the core diameter.

Common roller lengths are

9 inch a must have for walls and ceilings

4 inch sometimes use for cabinets shelves door panels ect... Handy

3 inch sometimes use for cabinets shelves door panels ect...

7 inch

14 & 18 inch you will need a large roller pan

Nap Length
The nap of the roller is the fuzz like material bonded to the core or sleeve. The thickness of this nap is
referred to as the "nap length" or "nap size". Painter will often shorten the term to just "nap"
Roller covers are usually available in a an adequate number of nap lengths.

Common Nap Sizes are

1/4" Good for Smooth surfaces. Recommended for oil base
3/8" Good for non-textured walls
1/2" Recommended For non-textured to moderate textured ceilings can be used on walls
3/4" Moderate to coarse texture

Roller covers are available with nap sizes from 3/16" up to 1-1/2"

Some manufacturers make nap sizes between the ones listed Example you may be in a certain large
department store to by a 3/8" and a 1/2 " roller cover but you cant find either size, however they do
have a 7/16" nap cover. Which is half way between a 3/8" and a 1/2 "nap. In such a case you will have
to buy 7/16" rollers (which may work fine) or go to another store

The nap size you should use really depends of the type of surface and the of paint product you will be
using.
The shorter nap rollers will give the smoothest finish but the slowest production...of coarse the short nap
rollers are not much for textured surfaces. Long nap rollers hold allot of paint but may tend to put too
much on smooth surfaces this will lead to creating texture from the paint which may sag.

We usually recommend using shorter nap rollers for oil base paint than we would for latex on like surfaces

When buying roller covers; first check the label on the can of paint you will be using for roller nap
recommendations.

Other Rollers
Non-Standard Most stores that sell paint supplies have a small selection of non-standard rollers. These are usually small rollers that are sold in a kit. They may work fine for certain purposes, but covers to fit
the frames may not be available in different stores.

Johnny Roller or Long John Popular with painters, this roller works good where a standard size roller may be to thick.....around the toilet.

This roller handle is about 24" or 26" long
The cover is about 6-1/2" long and 1-1/2" in diameter