Paint Roller Buying Guide

Microfibre paint rollers are made of very fine fibres of synthetic material, such as polyester or polyamide. They come in different pile lengths so there’s alway a roller to suit each job, but microfibre paint rollers are usually used for smooth and semi-smooth surfaces like walls, cabinets and ceilings.

Highly absorbent, microfibre paint rollers won’t need topping up as often, and will distribute paint extremely evenly – ensuring a smooth finish. They can be washed and reused multiple times meaning they’re fairly environmentally and cost friendly. Thanks to their fine fibres, these rollers are great at holding onto paint – minimising splatter and reducing clean-up times.

Microfibre paint roller sleeves are less suited to rough surfaces such as external walls or some ceilings, as the texture can damage the sleeves’ fibres. You’ll also find that some microfibre paint rollers may deteriorate when using solvent-based paints. Whilst the greater absorption means a better-quality finish, microfibre rollers will need more thorough cleaning to remove the paint.

Woven paint roller sleeves are made of fibres that have been weaved together, creating a dense fabric that can hold a lot of paint. Typically, natural fibres such as wool or mohair are used – but you’ll find some are made of polyester or polyamide. They are available in different pile lengths, which means woven roller sleeves can be used for a range of projects, but are often used for rough, textured surfaces.

The way these paint rollers are made makes the fibres durable, so they’re suitable for being reused and washed many times. They can also be used with lots of paint types, including water-based and solvent-based paints. Woven roller sleeves can hold lots of paint in the fibres, which can reduce the need to top up the roller regularly. 

Woven roller sleeves may splatter more than other types of paint rollers, as the paint can drip off the fibres. Also, you may find that natural fibres may shed during use – but this will happen less if you use a high quality roller and you remove loose fibres before painting. Woven paint rollers are less suited to smooth surfaces as the finish may be uneven.

Foam paint rollers come in two types: closed-cell foam or open-cell foam. Closed-cell foam paint rollers have sealed air pockets that aren’t connected which make the sleeve more rigid – this is the most popular type. Open-cell foam roller sleeves have small, interconnected air pockets that paint can pass through – they’re flexible and better for delicate projects. Foam paint rollers are used for smooth and semi-smooth surfaces.

Foam paint rollers are very easy to clean and reuse, and will not shed fibres like woven roller sleeves. They offer a smooth and even finish, and are recommended for a range of paint types – even latex paint and oil paints. You’ll find foam paint roller sleeves are generally more affordable than other types of paint rollers, so are a common choice for DIYers.

You may find that foam paint rollers absorb less paint than other sleeve types, meaning they’ll need to be reloaded more frequently. They’re also less durable and may need to be replaced more often – although are perfectly fine to be washed and reused a few times. Foam paint rollers may leave bubbles on the surface if they’re not used properly, and are less suitable for rough surfaces as there are no fibres to get into bumps and cracks.

Double-arm roller frames have two arms on either side which hold the frame in place with pins or a full width bar. They’re generally 9-to-12 inches long, perfect for standard and large roller frames. Double-arm rollers are usually used by tradespeople for large painting projects, but are DIY friendly too. 

The main advantage of double-arm rollers is the extra stability they provide, which can offer a neater, streak-free finish as well as offer extra support for the user during long projects. They’re also durable, as they hold the frame from both sides and are therefore not susceptible to damage. Double-arm rollers are also usually compatible with extension poles.

Double-arm rollers can come with a higher price tag and have a limited availability compared to standard cage rollers, which is why they’re more commonly used by tradespeople. You may also find they have limited flexibility in tighter areas due to the frame taking up space on both sides of the sleeve.

Cage roller frames, as the name suggests, have a cage-like design that holds the roller sleeve firmly in place. They’re a standard roller type and you’ll find most cage rollers are 9 inches long. Their size and stability makes them ideal for DIYers and tradespeople carrying out medium-to-large projects.

The structure of cage rollers makes them durable and suited to repeated use, as they’re not susceptible to deforming or becoming damaged over time. Cage rollers are also easy to use – simply slide the sleeve over the frame and it’s completely secure and will offer a neat finish. They’re also widely available and come at a range of price points.

Cage rollers are slightly heavier than traditional frames made of a single piece of metal due to the extra metal work – although the benefits of cage frames mean traditional frames are less common these days. They’re also not compatible with all roller covers, as the sleeve has to fit around the frame.

Adjustable paint rollers allow you to adjust the length of the frame for different sleeves and different tasks, reducing the need for multiple frames. You’ll find frames that can be between 12 and 18 inches, making them ideal for medium-to-large projects. They’re mostly used by professionals looking to cut down the number of tools they carry from job to job.

You’ll find that adjustable rollers are versatile for different projects, sleeves, and are even compatible with extension poles – making them the perfect alternative to many other frames. They’re also highly durable and stable as they secure the sleeve from both sides like double-arm paint rollers.

Adjustable paint rollers are more complex to use than other frames as they need adjusting, and if they’re not secured correctly they could come loose. They also come at a higher price tag than other frame types, due to the fact they reduce the need for multiple tools. Adjustable rollers are also less widely available.