Natural fiber roller covers made of materials such as lamb's wool or mohair are ideal for oil-based paints and painting on any surface texture. Polyester covers made of materials such as nylon resist matting, making them effective with water-based latex paints and suitable for any surface texture.
3-5mm NAP. A thinner nap provides a smooth quality finish using water based or oil based gloss or semi-gloss paints. They are designed to hold a small amount of paint, which also helps in gaining that ultra smooth finish.
Natural fiber roller covers made with mohair or a blend of polyester and lamb's wool are usually recommended for oil-based paints, varnishes and stains. Synthetic fiber roller covers, on the other hand, are most often recommended for applying latex paints.
Microfiber—Holds up to three times more paint than a standard roller cover and provides the smoothest finish; works with all paints, enamel and sheens, and best with semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes like ADVANCE®, an interior paint that's perfect for doors, trim and cabinetry.
Short Nap (5mm or less)
A short nap means a thinner roller. They are designed to hold a small amount of paint to provide an ultra-smooth finish, especially for water and oil-based gloss and semi-gloss paints. They come in microfibre, foam, mohair and synthetic blend.
Use light pressure: As mentioned earlier, avoid pressing too hard on the roller as this can cause unwanted textures. Instead, use light pressure and let the roller do the work for you. Roll in one direction: When laying on the paint, roll in one direction to avoid creating visible lines or uneven coverage.
Short or medium pile microfibre mini rollers are the best when applying water-based, woodwork paints, such as Quick Dry Eggshell, Quick Dry Satinwood or Quick Dry Gloss. Avoid using foam mini rollers when applying Quick Dry products, as these can cause paint bubbles to form when rolled onto the surface.
Load the brush with your gloss paint and wipe away any excess, then begin painting very gently and lightly in long strokes to achieve one final coat with the gloss and avoid brush marks.
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.
Natural-bristle brushes are best for jobs that require oil-based paints, such as painting interior or exterior trim, high-moisture rooms like kitchens or bathrooms, or doors and cabinetry.
Pro painters pick rollers based on the paint and surface. Nylon or polyester for water-based paints, mohair for oil. Nap length matches texture—short naps for smooth walls, long ones for rough surfaces.
A lambswool applicator on a wood block is the recommended method for applying oil-based polyurethane to a hardwood floor.
Start by rolling the paint onto the surface in a W shape, filling in the gaps until you have a solid coat of paint. Then go back over the same area with horizontal strokes, blending them into your W pattern. Remember to work in small sections at a time, and don't overload your roller with paint.
Foam roller covers work well with oil or high-gloss latex paints, particularly on porous surfaces such as bare wood. They may not last as long as other types of rollers. Roller covers made of versatile blends such as natural wool and polyester are effective for multiple uses and different kinds of paint.
Woven roller covers are more shed-resistant, so they're better for gloss and semi-gloss finishes, which can highlight lint left over from the roller. For flat, eggshell, and satin finishes, knit roller covers do the job more efficiently. For consistent control and smooth finish, we recommend microfiber roller covers.
To get a perfectly smooth finish with gloss paints don't paint directly onto the wood. First use a primer which will block stains from coming through the wood. Shake an unopened paint tin well, open and stir again if necessary, to remove any lumps and ensure the paint is mixed well.
Pro Painter's Tip: Never pass the brush across wet paint, because it will leave a mark. Always start two feet away and feather the painted sections together for a professional finish without brush marks. Paints like ADVANCE have longer dry times so they can self-level. There is no need to overbrush a first coat.
If you're painting smooth furniture like glossy cabinets we'd suggest a mini roller like the Prodec Gloss Finish rollers which can be used with any finish of paint, not just gloss, to create a pristine smooth finish.
A foam roller will help to get a smooth finish on a surface such as cabinets. Foam can hold a lot of paint, fitting for porous surfaces such as bare wood.
Use smaller rollers in areas that are tighter. This will prevent you from limiting your strokes and will cover the surface with more efficiency. As a general guide: 6-8mm nap covers are used for gloss and semi-gloss paints.
Gloss and semi-gloss paints go on better with short-nap rollers because this generates fewer bubbles when you're rolling out the paint.
Also, a second coat of paint helps remove roller marks by allowing you to feather out some of the unevenness in the finish. You can do this by overlapping the uneven areas to create a more uniform finish.
Can I Paint Straight Over Gloss? While it is possible to paint straight over gloss, we do not recommend this. The shiny surface of the gloss doesn't provide good adhesion for whatever paint you use over the top of gloss. The new paint will therefore chip easily and won't look good for long.