10-15mm NAP The most commonly used roller for painting all walls and ceilings around the home. They are designed to hold a fair amount of paint, usually for applying flat or low sheen paints.
Regarding most low sheen acrylic interior paints, usually a 3/8 nap roller is recommended. Often, a shorter nap is recommended with more shiny paints. Would using a 1/4 inch nap quality roller with a low luster paint result in a smoother finish? I would assume one would have to work very fast to keep a wet edge, etc...
The two best paint rollers for a smooth finish is a High Density Foam Roller with a Rounded Edge and a Lint Free Low Nap Roller, but I will say that even though both of these are good rollers one wins the prize for the smoothest finish.
The duller the paint finish you're using, the thicker the nap you can get away with. Flat paint, like ceiling paint, is generally done with a 1/2" nap. Wall finishes like matte and eggshell are best applied with a 3/8" nap. Semi gloss finishes on doors and trim are best applied with a 1/4" nap.
It can also hide surface imperfections better than gloss paints. Low sheen paints are suitable for almost all interior surfaces and great for areas where frequent cleaning is necessary such as kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms.
The main difference between eggshell and low sheen paint is the level of gloss or sheen. Eggshell paint has a low sheen finish, while low sheen paint has a slightly higher level of gloss. Eggshell paint is ideal for interior walls, while low sheen paint is a versatile option for both interior and exterior walls.
Satin/Low sheen paints are similar to eggshell paints, but have a slightly higher gloss. They are a good choice for areas where some gloss is desired, but good cleaning properties are also necessary, such as, kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms.
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.
'In general, matte paints can be applied with a roller, brush or sprayed, but if you're using a lower-sheen finish, a brush is your best option', says Charlotte.
Thick or thin makes a big difference
Each roller has a different thickness of fabric or “nap”, specifically designed for different surfaces around the home. The thicker the nap or length of fabric, the more paint a roller will hold. The thicker the nap, the rougher the surface the roller is designed for.
Soft sheen paint is a perfect choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens. It reflects the same amount of light as silk but is much more durable. Soft sheen paint is not as flat as Matt paint and gives a subtle sheen but not quite a shine.
Professional painters know the importance of using the right type and size roller for a particular job, so they often choose popular paint rollers such as Wooster Pro/Doo-Z Rollers, Stanley PTST03508 Eight-Piece Kit or Microfiber True Blue Four-Inch Covers.
Flat, Eggshell, or Satin Paint
Microfiber and foam roller covers are also available in many paint and hardware stores. You can achieve spray-like results with both of these roller covers when applying any type of paint, varnish, or enamel. They are great to use on cabinets, doors, and other smooth surfaces.
Matt or low sheen (3-5% sheen) - the most popular and widely used finish. It's suitable for most interior wall applications including ceilings. Soft or mid sheen (7-10% sheen) - works in areas of high moisture which need a more durable finish.
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.
Foam rollers are ideal for applying thin paints, whether water-based or matte, providing an even finish with minimal texture.
A smooth surface is key to achieving a perfect matte finish. Begin by cleaning the walls to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. If there are imperfections like dents or holes, fill them with spackle and sand the walls once dry. Sanding creates a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to and ensures an even finish.
White China—These natural bristle brushes are best used with oil-based paints, especially enamels and varnishes. Ideal for woodwork, enamels, or marine applications, White China bristles virtually eliminate brush marks.
Roller marks are exactly what they sound like — evidence of where the painter used the roller brush. They are often caused by a painter putting a second coat of paint on the wall before the first coat has completely dried.
Flat is a low-sheen paint with a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections. It's ideal for low traffic areas, interior walls and ceilings. Matte has a low luster reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well, and also hides minor surface imperfections.
Satin has a slight sheen and is a popular choice for many different rooms in the house. Here are some of the key qualities found in satin paint: Durability - Satin paint is more durable than matt or flat finishes due to the higher percentage of resin creating an extra layer of protection.
Low Sheen Paint
It has only a slightly higher reflective power than flat which has no reflectability.