Extra long nap rollers, exceeding 1 inch in nap length, are designed for extremely rough surfaces such as cinder blocks. These rollers can hold the most paint and reach into the deepest crevices and textures. They're best for these surfaces: Cinder blocks. Bare brick surfaces.
18-26mm NAP
Rough and Textured Surface Rollers have a thick 20mm nap, and are specifically designed to paint rough surfaces like bagged brick, render or brickwork itself. They are also designed to hold large volumes of paint, as these surfaces are very thirsty to paint.
A nap size of 3/16 to 1/4 inch is effective for painting with a roller on smooth surfaces, such as smooth wallboard, drywall, metal, and smooth plaster. A nap size of 3/8 to 1/2 inch is preferred for most ceilings and walls, acoustic tile, paneling, smooth concrete, textured drywall, and wood.
A rule of thumb to follow is that the rougher the painting surface, the thicker the nap you should use. Roller covers are typically available in thicknesses of 3/16 to 1/4-inch, 3/8 to 1/2-inch, 3/4 to 1-inch and 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch, each designed for a different purpose.
Two common types of paint rollers are foam rollers and nap rollers. Nap rollers consists of a large number of strands and fibers. Foam rollers are a more affordable option to traditional rollers and highly useful for many types of painting jobs. Foam is a material that absorbs liquids very easily.
For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.
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.
Ceilings and Drywall - Medium 3/8″ roller covers work best. 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. Smooth Surfaces - Use a white woven short nap roller for an ultra fine finish.
The thinner the roller nap, the smoother the finish will be. A 3/8″ roller nap is ideal for most interior walls, metal, and smooth surfaces. A 1/2″ roller nap is excellent for drywall interior walls and ceilings. A 3/4″ roller nap is best for exterior walls and popcorn ceilings.
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.
Nap sizes depend a lot on what material you're painting and what sort of finish you'd prefer. If you're painting a typical interior door, we recommend using a roller with a shorter nap of around 5mm for a lovely smooth finish.
Painting Furniture With Grooves
When I am painting a piece of furniture that has grooves in it, I use a roller first and then use a brush to paint into the grooves. If you are thinking of painting a piece of furniture, it's best to have both a brush and a roller handy.
For stain-blocking, the KILZ Original Multi-Surface Stain Blocking Interior Oil-Based Primer is highly effective. To hide imperfections, such as cracks and dents, the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Interior/Exterior Water-Based Primer works well.
Simply apply a flat or matte paint over the texture for a smoother look. Another affordable choice is installing beadboard or thin plywood panels directly onto the textured surface. If you're up for it, you could also explore wallpaper or ceiling tiles, though they might be a tad pricier.
There are several simple ways to texture a wall. One option is to roll texture on using a pre-mixed texture compound. Another method is to add texture to paint. Alternatively, faux techniques, such as rolling paint on or off with rags or applying a pattern with a sponge, can also create a textured wall appearance.
Selecting the Right Size
Roller Size and Hair Length: Generally, larger rollers (1.25-2 inches) are best for longer hair, creating loose, voluminous waves and curls. Smaller rollers (0.5-1 inch) are ideal for shorter hair lengths, resulting in tighter, bouncier curls.
Walls, ceilings and paneling require a slightly larger nap size of 3/8-inch; for lightly textured walls, decks and concrete, use a ½-inch nap; and for textured ceilings, stucco and masonry, use ¾-inch.
For walls with a light texture, such as those featuring a subtle stippling or an orange peel effect, a semi-smooth roller is an ideal choice.
As you work your way across the ceiling, position the roller a foot away from the wet edge and roll the next section into the wet edge, overlapping it slightly to prevent ceiling streaks.
Glossy paint: 1-1 ½ hours and 2 hours before applying the second coat. Semi-gloss: It takes roughly 1 hour to dry and 2 hours before applying the second coat. Matte Paint: 30 minutes to an hour for drying and 1-2 hours before applying the second coat.
Step #3: Understand Nap Thickness
⅜” - ½” (9.5-12.7mm)—For smooth and semi-smooth surfaces like drywall, painted or unpainted walls and ceilings. ¾” - 1” (19.05-25.4mm)—For semi-rough surfaces like wood, stucco or a textured ceiling.
It also encourages the spine to move into extension which is the movement vector we most commonly lose due to our modern work and social positions. We can tell joint mobility and the separation of the facet joints is happening because of the pops and clicks you sometimes hear when you are foam rolling the back.
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.
Foam rolling applies gentle, sustained pressure to the fascia, allowing it to slowly stretch and release. This pressure helps to increase blood flow and heat to the area, which softens the fascia and makes it more pliable.