For interior walls, the absolute best Purdy roller is the Purdy White Dove. Made of a high-density woven dralon, it is virtually lint-free, eliminates roller marks, and holds the perfect amount of paint to create a flawless, professional finish.
Walls, Ceilings, Flat Doors – Use a standard-size 9-in. (230 mm) roller. Small Furnishings, Paneled Cabinet Doors, Wide Trim, Narrow or Tight Surfaces, Edges, Frames, Handrails – Use a medium-size 4-in. (100 mm) roller.
Designed for heavy-duty painting projects. Also great for stucco, T1-11 siding, brick or rough-textured walls.
Choosing the right paint roller for your wall depends on the surface texture and the type of paint you are using. Standard 9-inch rollers are ideal for most walls, but selecting the right material and nap thickness determines the overall finish and coverage.
To achieve the smoothest finish on interior walls, you need a 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch nap microfiber or woven synthetic roller. These materials hold paint well but release it evenly, preventing the bumpy texture (stipple) that longer-napped rollers leave behind.
Purdy Ultra Finish roller covers are designed to deliver a super-smooth finish and low splatter.
For textured walls or larger areas, opt for a synthetic polyester or microfibre roller with a medium pile.
Purdy 14-inch roller covers deliver as much as 55% more painting productivity* than our 9-inch roller covers, meaning fewer trips to load up with paint and the potential to turn more jobs in less time. For big jobs, 18-inch roller covers save time when rolling out large walls and painting ceilings.
Professional painters use both methods, often employing a hybrid approach. They spray for speed, flawless finishes, and hard-to-reach areas, but they roll for better paint adhesion, easier touch-ups, and in furnished spaces.
Professional painters rely on high-density knit or woven microfiber rollers for walls, as these materials hold significant amounts of paint while providing a smooth, lint-free finish. The ideal nap thickness is typically 38three-eighths38" to 12one-half12", which balances paint capacity with a flawless, even texture.
Known for their durability and performance, Purdy rollers are perfect for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts looking to achieve an even coat.
Here are some examples of nap thickness and best-suited projects:
Prevention
For the absolute smoothest finish, the best paint rollers are high-density foam rollers (for cabinets and doors) or 1/4" to 3/8" microfiber rollers (for walls). These options leave minimal stipple (orange peel) and ensure flawless paint leveling.
A quality roller should last up to 5 cycles before shedding. You can reuse it without affecting the quality of the paint application and over time it will end up paying for itself.
SERIES
For interior walls, the best overall choice is a 9-inch woven or microfiber roller with a 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch nap. Woven and microfiber covers hold plenty of paint and provide a smooth, lint-free, "stipple-free" finish. The right roller depends entirely on your wall's surface.
The secret of how to paint straight lines between wall and ceiling is to use painter's tape. Run the tape along the edge of the ceiling to prevent any little drips or drops. When you take it away, you'll have a perfect line.
To paint smooth walls with a roller, use a high-quality 3/8-inch nap roller cover for flat surfaces, apply paint in a "W" or "M" pattern to distribute it evenly, and finish with light, vertical "back-rolling" strokes while the paint is wet. Keep the roller loaded and avoid pressing too hard to prevent textured streaks.
Foam rollers are ideal for applying thin paints, whether water-based or matte, providing an even finish with minimal texture. Unlike woven paint rollers, they don't have any pile, giving you the smoothest application.
How to Paint a Straight Line
The Purdy® Altitude™ paint roller cover is designed to deliver an ultra smooth finish, low splatter, and 50% more coverage compared to Purdy® WhiteDove™, when used with premium paints. Made with a premium microfiber and polyester blend, this roller cover is perfect for semi-smooth to semi-rough surfaces.
The Purdy Colossus is a heavy-duty, high-production paint roller designed to hold and release exceptional amounts of paint, allowing you to cover large areas quickly without dripping or splattering. Made of 100% woven polyamide, it is prized by professionals and DIYers for its unmatched durability and abrasion resistance.