- 1). Examine the surface you are painting and get the nap, or thickness, that is right for that surface. Very smooth surfaces, like glassy plaster finishes, take the thinnest naps, around 1/4 inch. For regular drywall and wood, choose the standard size, 3/8 inch. If there is a bit of texture on the drywall, move up to 1/2 inch. For cement block or stucco, choose a 1-inch nap.
- 2). Purchase the cheaper, cardboard core rollers, which don't last very long, if you plan on disposing of them afterward. They have the best immediate price point, and are tough to clean as the core breaks down after extended exposure to water. Plastic cores last longer and hold up to water.
- 3). Get a smaller size roller for smaller jobs. A 3-inch or 6-inch, instead of the standard 9-inch, can be useful to fit between fixtures, and are easier to handle for painting smaller objects or for small hands.
- 4). Choose lambswool over synthetic nap for less splatter and longer life. They are pricier, but are worth considering if you do a lot of painting. Sponge rollers, which take a special roller handle, are excellent for very smooth, low texture applications of paint.
- 5). Use a synthetic fiber roller for latex paints. For oil paints or coatings that have solvents (such varnishes) use either a natural fiber roller or one that combines natural and synthetic materials. Use a roller specially made and rated for high solvents for paints such as epoxy, where you mix two or more solvent-based components to create a paint with a highly resistant finish. These rollers will stand up to the harsh ingredients in these paints that could damage less resistant roller sleeves.
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