Similar to brushes, finding the best rollers for stain will depend on the type of stain you are applying. Natural fiber rollers are best with alkyd stains. However, they mat if used with acrylic or acrylic/oil coatings. Synthetic fibers should be used with 100 percent acrylic and acrylic/oil stains.
You can use any tool -- rag, brush, paint pad, roller or spray gun -- to apply the stain. You can even dip the object into stain or pour the stain onto the wood and spread it around. It's only important that you wipe off all the excess before the stain dries.
Oil-Based Stains and Finishes.
Oil-based products contain mineral spirits, and for them I reach for a natural bristle brush. For oil-based stains I use a Minwax® Wood Finish™ Stain Brush. These brushes are designed to carry a lot of stain from the can to your project, and hold up much better than foam brushes.
Foam rollers are best for applying oil-based gloss. They don't really hold enough paint for any other type of material.
Mohair - This fabric is perfect for applying oil based and water based gloss & semi-gloss paints. Foam - This nap provides a fine, blemish free finish. Perfect for high gloss finishes.
Selecting a Roller
Similar to brushes, finding the best rollers for stain will depend on the type of stain you are applying. Natural fiber rollers are best with alkyd stains. However, they mat if used with acrylic or acrylic/oil coatings. Synthetic fibers should be used with 100 percent acrylic and acrylic/oil stains.
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.
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.
Oils are easy to apply, with no specialist skill required. It is simply a case of making sure the oil is 'pushed' into the wood rather than leaving it on the surface. If your decking is smooth, a long-handled microfibre roller is the ideal tool for applying decking oil.
Apply oil-based stains with a paintbrush or clean rag. Apply water-based stains with a foam brush or synthetic bristle brush. For deep grain woods, work the stain into the grain by working in a circular motion. Otherwise, apply the stain evenly in the direction of the wood grain.
The oil stains take more work & time than the water stains, but they are not as durable as water-based stains. Also, oil-based stains are more prone to algae, mildew, and mould problems. They require more maintenance in the long term.
If you have oil-based stains (which dries slower), brushing or spraying large areas could work, but lacquer and water-based stains simply dry too fast. This could result in imprints of the bristles on your wood surface. You won't have that problem when you apply and finish staining with lint-free cloth wipers.
Rollers are a great way to apply wood stain as well for the speed at which you can apply the stain. However, when using rollers can be a disadvantage when you have hard to reach areas. If you are going to use a roller to apply your stain, make sure to have a brush as well for those hard to reach areas.
Paint the area with latex or oil-based paint using a roller or paintbrush. Use latex primer and paint over a water-based wood stain or oil-based paint and primer over an oil-based wood stain. Apply even coats to small sections at a time and then let the paint dry before adding another coat.
Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, oil stains and oil-based polyurethanes. The highest quality bristles come from mainland China. Experienced, traditional painters will say there's nothing like the finish that a China bristle can provide for oil-based coatings.
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.
One disadvantage is their strong odor. Oil paints also take longer than latex paints to dry compared, which can be a significant inconvenience for anyone on a strict timeline. Finally, oil-based paints tend to cost more than latex paints upfront, making them less ideal for anyone on a budget.
Professional painters typically use both brushes and rollers when painting. Brushes are used to apply paint in tight spaces or areas with intricate details, while rollers are used for larger surfaces like walls and ceilings.
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.
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.
Smooth Out the Paint
After applying the paint, look out for any imperfections. In case there are any, use a dry roller to smooth them away. Roll over the part of the surface very lightly to achieve total coverage. This will blend the paint and do away with any kind of lines.
Typically brushes with stiff enough bristles are used for oil painting. But if you're looking to create a perfectly soft and smooth blend, then use softer brushes. This technique is usually used when painting realistically.
To remove oil-based, or alkyd paints, you'll have to use mineral spirits or paint thinner. Be sure when using such solvents, to always work in a well-ventilated area. After filling a bucket with solvent, clean your brushes or rollers in the solution.
When painting a wall, go horizontal with your brush strokes. This technique can minimize visible streaks, creating a seamless and uniform finish. For an extra level of smoothness, consider mixing additives like water or linseed oil with your paint to prevent brush marks.