Selecting Brushes & Rollers - Sherwin-Williams

Selecting the right brushes and rollers is a crucial step in making your paint jobs look better while helping you to do your work more easily and efficiently.

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Brushes

A paint brush is a very personal tool. That is why there are many different sizes and styles from which to choose. A brush is an ideal choice when painting trim, corners and small areas. Also, a specialty paint brush should be used for projects like painting furniture, exterior decks and railings. When selecting a brush, you'll want to consider the following attributes:

Brushes

Bristle Type

• Nylon and polyester bristle: These synthetic materials are designed to hold their shape with today's popular latex paints. A good quality nylon and polyester blended brush is the best choice for all latex paints and coatings. Many painters prefer a synthetic brush for oil coatings as well.

• Natural China bristle: High-quality natural China bristle brushes have qualities that control oil-based coatings for better flow and leveling for the smoothest finish. A natural China bristle brush is the best choice for oil-based paints, stains and varnishes.

Brush Styles

• Angle sash: Bristles are precisely trimmed at an angle that allows painters to hold the brush more comfortably while painting trim and corners. Brush ends are rounded for a smooth, gradual paint stroke.

• Trim: Trim brushes have a straight cut-line and are also used for painting trim and corners. They can also be used for larger areas. Some painters prefer a straight edge versus an angled cut. Trim brushes also have rounded ends.

• Wall: A wall brush is a larger brush with a straight cut-line. It is better used for larger areas like walls or side paneling. A wall brush has square ends.

Brush Size

Personal preference is always a factor in choosing a brush width, but a good rule of thumb is:

• 1 to 2 inches: For small spaces, tight trim areas, touch-ups and detail work.

• 2 1/2 to 3 inches: For any trim and corner work.

• 4 to 5 inches: For larger areas like walls or side paneling.

Brush Quality

Better brushes bring better results. Sherwin-Williams has continually been at the forefront of brush technology. Contractor Series offers several different product lines:

• High Production Brushes: These brushes are recommended for painters looking for superior paint pick-up and release. High Production brushes deliver great results in less time. They pick-up and release more than 25 percent more paint than any other brush on the market. High Production brushes are available in a nylon/polyester blend for latex coatings and in a white China/polyester blend for oil-based coatings.

• Nylon/Polyester and 100% Nylon Brushes: A specific blend of nylon and polyester filaments make this brush a fine finishing tool that is very durable and easy to clean. The white nylon tips are precisely flagged and tapered for a sharp cut-line. These characteristics have made this line the most popular choice for latex paints for the past 15 years. Sherwin-Williams sells 20 different sizes of these Contractor Series brushes.

• Although nylon is a soft material, it is also the strongest and most expensive material in a paint brush. 100 percent nylon brushes offer extreme durability, even when used on rough or abrasive surfaces. 100 percent nylon brushes are finished using several hand-trimming steps to create a superior cut-in tool.

• Black and White China Bristle Brushes: By nature, Black China bristle is stronger and thicker coarse hair, which makes it the perfect bristle to use with oil-based paints and epoxies. The highest quality Black China bristles available are used in the Contractor Series line.

• White China bristle, by contrast, is soft and thin. A white China bristle brush is the perfect tool for stain, varnishes, polyurethanes and all clear coatings. It lays these topcoats on with a glass-smooth finish. White China bristle brushes are also suitable for oil-based paints if a softer flex tool is desired.

• Black China/Ox Hair Blend Brushes: Ox hair is extremely fine and soft, creating an exceptional tool for fine finish work. Black China/ox hair blend brushes offer a perfect tool for special jobs or to provide a very soft brush feel.

Roller Covers

Rollers help you paint large, flat surfaces in much less time than a brush. They are also excellent for use on all walls, stucco, concrete or any other flat surface. Here are some options to consider when purchasing a roller cover:

Roller Cover Material

• Nylon/polyester: Synthetic roller covers are ideal for applying latex paints. They resist matting and hold their shape for a smooth finish.

• Natural fiber covers: Roller covers that are made from natural fiber include mohair and lambs wool. They are ideal for oil-based coatings.

• Blended covers: Roller covers made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers are excellent multipurpose covers and can be used with all paints.

Roller Length

Standard roller length is nine inches. For smaller areas, a four-inch or seven-inch roller cover may be desired. For larger area walls and floors, 14-inch and 18-inch rollers may increase productivity.

For more decorative paint rollers for wallsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Pile Depth

Roller covers vary in nap length. The nap is determined by the surface texture to be painted:

• 1/4-inch, 3/16-inch: For very smooth surfaces like metal doors and plaster.

• 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch: For smooth and semi-smooth surfaces like drywall.

• 3/4-inch: For semi-rough surfaces like wood or a textured ceiling.

• 1-inch, 1 1/4-inch: For rough surfaces like stucco or a heavily textured ceiling.

• 1 1/2-inch: For extremely rough surfaces like concrete block.

Roller Quality

As with brushes, the initial extra investment in higher quality rollers and covers will pay off in the final look and ease of application. Lesser quality roller covers may leave streaks or nap fibers on the painted surface. Sherwin-Williams Contractor Series line offers five varieties of high-quality roller covers.

• Polyester Knit: The most popular roller cover sold by Sherwin-Williams. Specially formulated for today's latex coatings. The highly crimped fibers offer the best protection against matting.

• Soft Woven: Rivals polyester knit in popularity. Recommended for both latex and oil coatings, they do a fine job with gloss and semi-glass coatings.

• Wool/Polyester Knit: Fifty percent of the roller cover fiber is natural wool, which allows for greater paint pick up and delivery. Fifty percent is polyester, which helps the roller keep its shape during prolonged use. The blend results in an excellent balance of productivity and low matting.

• Merino Sheepskin: Pick up and release more paint than any other roller cover. Many painters use Merino Sheepskin exclusively for any type of coating, claiming it lasts a long time with proper care.

• Mohair: Features a blend of soft natural angora mohair with synthetic fibers to produce the smoothest finish possible with a roller cover. Recommended for use with gloss and high gloss coatings.

A good paint roller makes all the difference in your painting project. Whether you’re refreshing a room or tackling a larger renovation, the right roller will help you achieve a professional-looking finish. In the video above, This Old House painting expert Mauro Henrique breaks down various roller types and techniques, plus shares tips for both experienced and novice painters.

Types of Paint Roller Naps

The nap of a paint roller refers to the length of the fibers that make up the roller cover. Different nap lengths are designed for specific surface types and have different paint applications and coverage.

Short Nap Rollers

Short nap rollers, typically 1/4 inch in length, are ideal for smooth surfaces. These rollers provide excellent coverage without adding unwanted texture to the wall. They’re perfect for the following:

• Cabinets
• Interior doors
• Newly plastered walls
• Smooth drywall

Medium Nap Rollers

Medium nap rollers, usually 3/8 inch in length, work for a range of semi-smooth to slightly textured surfaces. These rollers offer a balance between coverage and texture application. They work well on these surfaces:

• Ceilings
• Lightly textured walls
• Painted concrete
• Wood paneling

Long Nap Rollers

Long nap rollers, which can range from 3/4 inch to 1 inch in length, are designed for highly textured surfaces. These rollers can hold more paint and can reach deep into surface irregularities. They’re best for the following projects:

• Brick walls
• Concrete blocks
• Popcorn ceilings
• Stucco

Extra Long Nap Rollers

Extra long nap rollers, exceeding 1 inch in nap length, are designed for extremely rough surfaces such as cinder blocks. These rollers can hold the most paint and reach into the deepest crevices and textures. They’re best for these surfaces:

• Cinder blocks
• Bare brick surfaces
• Heavily limed and textured plaster walls

Choosing the Right Roller for Your Project

Consider the following factors when choosing your paint roller.

Surface Texture

The main factor that determines which roller to use is the texture of the surface you’re painting. As Henrique explains, matching the roller nap to the surface texture leads to better coverage.

Paint Type

Different types of paint work better with certain roller materials. Here are some examples:

• Foam rollers are great for oil-based paints and varnishes.
• Microfiber rollers work well with latex paints.
• Natural fiber rollers are suitable for oil-based paints and stains.
• Synthetic rollers, such as polyester, can be used with both oil- and water-based paints.

Project Size

For larger projects, consider using a larger roller width to cover more area quickly. Standard rollers are 9 inches wide, but you can find rollers up to 18 inches wide for expansive walls or ceilings. Smaller rollers, around 4 to 6 inches, are good for tight spaces and detailed work on large projects.

Techniques for Using a Paint Roller

Once you’ve chosen the right paint roller for your project, use these techniques to get a clean, professional-looking result:

• Preparation: Before painting, check that  the roller is lint-free by wrapping it with masking tape and removing it. This will pick up any loose fibers. If using a new roller, wash it with water and mild soap to remove any manufacturing residue, then allow it to dry completely.
• Loading the roller: Pour paint into the reservoir of the roller tray. Dip the roller about 1/3 of the way into the paint, then roll it back and forth on the ribbed part of the tray to distribute the paint evenly. The roller should be saturated but not dripping.
• Application: Start with the “W” or “M” method. Begin in a corner and roll the paint on in a 3–foot square “W” or “M” pattern. Then, without re-loading the roller, fill in the pattern with horizontal strokes. This leads to even distribution and coverage. Apply even, moderate pressure to the roller. Too much pressure can leave roller marks and cause splatter, while too little may result in inadequate coverage. Maintain a steady, moderate speed for the most consistent results
• Maintain a wet edge: Always work from a dry area into a wet area, overlapping the previous section by about 3–4 inches. This technique, known as “keeping a wet edge,” prevents lap marks and ensures a uniform finish.
• Avoiding roller marks: On the final pass, use light pressure and roll in one direction from top to bottom (for walls) or all in the same direction (for ceilings) to create a uniform appearance.
• Dealing with corners and edges: Use an edging tool or brush for areas the roller can’t reach easily. Then, blend these areas with the roller while the paint is still wet for a seamless finish.

Our Conclusion

Choosing the right paint roller and using proper techniques can significantly impact the quality of your painting project. By matching the roller nap to your surface texture and following the expert advice provided by Henrique, you can achieve professional-looking results when painting your home. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of types of paint brushes for walls. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.