Painting Rollers

For expansive flat surfaces such as walls and ceilings, paint rollers allow you to complete the task in roughly half the time it would take with a brush. While brushes are commonly used for detailed trim work and around windows and doors, rollers are the go-to choice for covering larger areas. These rollers come in various widths, ranging from 4 to 18 inches, with the most popular sizes for interior painting being 7 inches and 9 inches.

Paint rollers designed for use on walls or ceilings feature handles made of plastic or wood, often hollowed out to accommodate an extension handle. They also come with a metal or plastic frame that fits inside the roller cover. Of the two types, the metal-rib version (also called a bird cage or spring-metal frame) is preferred as it is easier to clean and less likely to adhere to the inside of the roller cover.

The roller cover you choose depends on the type of paint you'll be using, but all covers are either fiber-covered or urethane-foam-covered cylinders that absorb paint from a tray and release it as you roll over a flat surface. This rolling action generates a vacuum that pulls the paint off the roller. Made from materials like lamb's wool, mohair, Dynel, acetate, or polyurethane foam, most roller covers are labeled according to the type of paint they're suited for. Select your cover based on the paint you plan to use.

The roller package will specify the nap length of the roller cover, or pile, which can range from 1/16 inch to 1 1/2 inches. For rough surfaces, opt for longer naps; for smoother surfaces, shorter naps are ideal. The pile is attached to a tube that slides over the roller's plastic or cardboard frame.

Paint Trays

Paint trays are available in aluminum or plastic and are typically 7 inches or 9 inches wide. The 9-inch tray is the most common choice, as it works with both 7-inch and 9-inch rollers. Some trays come with hooks for easy attachment to a ladder. They're washable and durable, but for even simpler cleanup, you can purchase disposable plastic tray liners or line the tray with aluminum foil.

If you're searching for something else, check out these useful articles: