Using the right roller nap will help bring out the best in your paint’s finish. Using a high-quality paint brush ensures a better-looking finish with less effort because it holds more paint and applies paint more evenly. Here are some basic guidelines for choosing the right roller cover and paint brush for your project.

Paint Roller Covers

Use a thinner nap of ¼-inch or ⅜-inch when painting a smooth or slightly textured surface.

Use a thicker nap of ½-inch or more when the surface you’re covering is porous like masonry, textured like stucco or a stippled ceiling, or has nooks and crannies like brick and mortar. Note: Thicker naps hold more paint so that it will spread more evenly and reach deeper into these types of surfaces.

A nap of ½-inch thick or more is also recommended when applying a thicker paint or a heavier coating to any surface.

Quick Tip: For greater reach on walls and ceilings, attach your roller to an extension pole. Most rollers screw easily onto the pole just like a push broom.

Quick Tip: When painting in smaller, tighter or hard-to- reach spaces, use a 4-inch wide mini-roller.

Paint Brushes

Paint brushes come in a variety of sizes, shapes and bristle types. The bristles may look similar to one another but each is designed for a specific type of paint and project.

Bristle types: When applying a latex paint, use a brush with bristles made of nylon, polyester or a nylon/polyester blend.

When applying an oil-based paint or oil-based finish like varnish, shellac and polyurethane, use a natural bristle brush or a nylon/polyester blend brush.

Bristle shapes: Angled or slanted bristles make it easier to paint your trim and help you achieve a nice, straight line for trimming in corners and edges.

Straight or “squared” bristles are best for applying paint over larger, at areas.

Brush sizes: 2-inch and 2½-inch wide brushes are ideal for covering trim. Brushes 4 inches wide and greater are best for covering larger, open areas.