Are foam rollers good for painting walls?

Author: Winnifred Luettgen  |  Last update: Friday, February 21, 2025

Foam rollers are ideal for use on smooth interior walls, whereas traditional rollers are more ideal for exterior walls with uneven surfaces. Foam rollers glide easily along smooth, flat surfaces, dispensing paint uniformly. Foam absorbs liquids easily.

Can I paint a wall with a foam roller?

You can yes. For small spots I use a brush to stipple the texture which saves getting a roller set up. Make sure to wipe the wall down first.

What type of roller is best for painting walls?

The Medium Pile Microfibre Roller

Probably one of the most popular and reliable rollers on the market, these are designed to apply water-based emulsions, such as matt and silk paints, to internal walls and ceilings.

What are the disadvantages of foam rollers?

There are certain conditions and circumstances where use of a foam roller could be detrimental or damaging to a person's body. Foam rolling exercises load and stress the underlying tissues, including nerves, skin receptors, blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as bones.

When should you not use a foam roller?

Don't roll to the point of excessive soreness – it's not an exercise in pain tolerance! Do not foam roll directly onto a joint or bone. Don't roll your neck and seek professional advice if you have neck pain. Don't roll your lower back as this may cause the spine to contract in an effort to protect the spine.

Choosing the Right Paint Roller | Foam Paint Roller vs Fabric Paint Roller | This or That DIY

Does a foam roller give the smoothest finish?

Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best.

Where should I not foam roll?

Avoid rolling the lower back – hyperextension of the lumbar spine can be injurious although rolling the thoracic spine can provide relief from upper back pain and poor posture. The neck should also be avoided. Increase the intensity and duration of foam rolling gradually to avoid post-treatment soreness or bruising.

Why use a foam roller for painting?

Foam rollers have a few advantages, such as the fact they absorb large amounts of paint for great pickup, they do not shed and they cover well, especially when applying thin coats due to their ability to hold paint.

What is better than a foam roller?

A massage gun is the better option when you need deep, localized muscle relief, especially for targeting hard-to-reach areas like your upper back, shoulders, or glutes. Its percussive therapy is ideal for breaking up stubborn muscle knots and speeding up recovery after intense workouts.

How long do foam paint rollers last?

How Many Times Can You Use a Paint Roller? If you clean and store your roller cover properly, you should be able to use it at least three or four times, if not more. You can reuse your roller frame indefinitely, if you clean it properly and don't allow paint to dry and harden in the frame over time.

What type of roller do professional painters use?

Quality 12mm nap rollers will apply an even paint film to your walls and ceilings and give you a great finish, without splattering paint all over you and the floor. Professional painters actually use 20mm nap rollers on ceilings, and 12mm nap rollers on walls.

Should you dampen a roller before painting?

Many painters “break in” a roller cover by priming it with water or thinner. In our lab we never prewet a cover before painting. If you choose to, you must spin it out with five or six strong pumps so it is only lightly damp. Then take even more moisture out by blotting the cover with a paper towel.

Why is my foam roller leaving bubbles?

Using the wrong type of roller can cause foaming of a paint film. Sponge or foam rollers should be avoided with water-based paints. Long pile rollers must be wetted out properly. Foaming happens when air gets into the wet paint film to create air bubbles.

What are the pros cons of foam rolling?

Foam Rolling has been shown to stimulate blood flow to muscles/connective tissue, produce short term increases in flexibility and possibly reduce the effects of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), but it DOES NOT heal injuries, change the way you move, increase joint stability or improve your technique.

Is there a wrong way to use a foam roller?

Common Foam Rolling Mistakes to Avoid

The following are common foam rolling mistakes that can lead to bruising, injury, and decreased effectiveness: Rolling too fast. Rolling over the same spot for more than 90 seconds. Bearing down, instead of letting your body weight do the work.

What is a good substitute for a foam roller at home?

⁠ If you don't have a foam roller readily available, don't worry! There are plenty of household items that can serve as effective alternatives for foam rolling exercises. One option is to use a tennis ball or lacrosse ball, which can provide targeted pressure and help release tension in specific areas of your body.

Where should you not use a foam roller?

Please do not foam roll your neck. Foam rolling – or using a lacrosse ball – on the upper trapezius muscles is fine. But when you attempt to release tissue on your neck, which in geek speak is called the cervical spine, you run the risk of potentially damaging the delicate spinal discs in your neck.

Are foam paint rollers good for walls?

Foam rollers are ideal for use on smooth interior walls, whereas traditional rollers are more ideal for exterior walls with uneven surfaces. Foam rollers glide easily along smooth, flat surfaces, dispensing paint uniformly. Foam absorbs liquids easily.

What is the best roller for painting walls?

Short pile rollers are high density and provide good paint pick up. They are designed for use on very smooth surfaces like new walls or ceilings, smooth furniture or cabinetry as they leave a very silky smooth finish.

How to use a foam roller for beginners?

Learning how to use a foam roller for beginners is as simple as rolling your body over the foam to massage your muscles either before or after a workout. Roll out each body part for around a minute, and keep your core engaged to support your body as you move.

Is foam rolling pointless?

Overall, it was determined that the effects of foam rolling on performance and recovery are rather minor and partly negligible, but can be relevant in some cases (e.g., to increase sprint performance and flexibility or to reduce muscle pain sensation).

Previous article
What roller to use with shellac primer?
Next article
Why is hot air coming out of vents when AC is on?