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How to choose the right paint roller

Decorating? Learn how to choose the right paint roller for flawless results.

With so many rollers to choose from, here’s our advice on which type you need to get the job done and achieve a flawless finish.

First, take note of the area that you’re painting. If the wall is smooth, you’ll want to use a short pile roller, while long pile is best for rougher surfaces, like exposed brick or wood panels.
If you’re using water-based paint, a medium pile woven fibre roller is a good general choice, as it provides great coverage and a smooth finish.
Longer pile rollers hold more paint and are best for uneven or textured surfaces. But don’t overload them – they can splatter!
Smaller rollers are great for hard-to-reach areas such as behind radiators or around pipes.
A foam roller is perfect for solvent-based gloss paints on surfaces such as doors and skirting. You shouldn’t use foam rollers for water-based paints as they’ll encourage the paint to dry too fast and create a more textured finish.
Before you start using your new roller, wash it thoroughly in warm water to remove all loose fibres of pile. This will increase the lifespan of your roller, and ensure you get the best possible finish.
If you’re painting over several days and want to keep your roller fresh, simply wrap it in a wet towel and seal it tight in a plastic bag – and place it in the fridge overnight. This will help keep it in top condition between paint jobs.