The best paint roller in 2019

Today we are going to talk about a number of different paint rollers that are each ideally suited to different projects. One is perfect for the detail work that comes with painting furniture or cabinetry and another was purpose-built for painting ceilings. One of our rollers is cheap but effective, while another is a professional-grade power tool designed with the serious painter in mind.

I’ll be sure to break down the benefits of each roller and for what project it’s best suited, but first let’s be clear about two things: First, what we’re talking about here are the paint roller frames, not the covers. The frames are the reusable hardware with the rolling wire frame, the handle, often with an extension pole, and so on.

Second, you have to keep in mind that, while often cheap and effectively single-use disposable, those roller covers are extremely important! You have to choose the right roller cover for the type of paint and the surface you’ll be painting or there’s nothing even the finest roller frame can do for you.

Basically, the smoother the surface you’re painting, the thinner the nap you want on your roller. Think of roller “nap” as shagginess, for an easy reference point. A shag carpet would have a thick nap, while a sheet of silk would have the thinnest. So far so good? If you’re painting a stucco wall with all sorts of texture and depth, you need a roller with a thick, deep nap that will work its way into all of those nooks and crannies.

But on a smooth surface, thick nap rollers will leave a finish that looks uneven and shoddy. Wood panel or drywall, for example, need a roller with a much thinner nap, one measuring a quarter inch of depth or even less. And for some projects, such as painting on glass or smooth metals, you should even consider using foam or rubber roller covers that are effectively flat.

Right then, with that info, you’re now pretty much ready for your very own HGTV show. So let’s roll!

Here are the best paint rollers you can buy:

Updated on 07/01/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.