House painting with rollers achieves outstanding results on your walls. Paint rollers deliver a smooth finish, providing excellent coverage and saving time in the process. Rollers are a favourite of the Brisbane paint contractor, as well as for many a DIY project.
In this article, you’ll discover which roller types and sizes are preferred by Australian painting contractors. Along with seeing how rollers work, you’ll understand the crucial connection between roller selection and paint choice. You’ll also learn how best to clean and maintain your paint rollers.
Why House Painting with Rollers?
Paint rollers excel at covering large wall areas quickly, making them an obvious choice for big projects or even single-room makeovers. The roller’s cover material soaks up paint in its fibres, ready to be released across the surface. The paint rolls on evenly and avoids streaks, lap marks, and brush strokes.
When it comes to brush strokes, we have an entire article about using paint brushes too!
Popular Roller Types in Brisbane
Brisbane professional painters typically use:
Synthetic Rollers (Nylon or Polyester): Ideal for water-based and acrylic paints, synthetic rollers hold plenty of paint for an even finish on interior walls.
Natural Fibre Rollers (Lambswool): Excellent for oil-based or enamel paints, natural fibre rollers are known for superior absorption and distribution.
Microfibre Rollers: Perfect for gloss or semi-gloss surfaces thanks to their ultra-smooth application.
Paint Roller Nap Length
The nap (pile thickness) of your roller cover material affects how much paint it holds and how it distributes paint on the wall:
Short Nap (5mm–8mm): Great for smooth surfaces like plasterboard, leaving fewer roller marks.
Medium Nap (10mm–12mm): A typical all-rounder, best for lightly textured walls and commonly used by Australian contractors.
Thick Nap (15mm–20mm): Suited to rough or textured surfaces, such as brick or heavily rendered walls.
Choosing the Right Roller Size
A standard 230mm roller will suit the average wall painting task. It strikes a balance between coverage area and ease of movement.
Smaller rollers in 100mm or 150mm sizes, are useful for tighter spaces, trims, and corners, ensuring minimal overlap and cleaner edges.
Preparing for a Professional Finish
Before you pick up a roller, prep your walls. Remove dust, cobwebs, and any grease or flaking paint. Fill and sand holes or cracks. If needed, apply primer after the surface has dried. Taking these steps will ensure the best possible result once you start rolling.
How to Paint with Rollers for Even Coverage
Dip your roller in the paint tray, then on the tray’s ridged area, roll it back and forth to remove excess paint. Begin painting, tracing a “W” or “M” shape, then fill in the gaps with even, overlapping strokes. This method spreads paint uniformly and minimises drips. Work in manageable sections and maintain a “wet edge” to avoid uneven patches.
Roller Handles and Extensions
Roller frames usually come with a standard grip and a threaded handle for attachment to an extension pole for painting higher sections. Some frames feature ergonomic handles or quick-release mechanisms, that make it easier and quicker to swap covers or rollers.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Water-Based Paint: Rinse the roller cover under warm running water until it runs clean, then squeeze out excess moisture. Let the roller cover dry standing upright.
Oil-Based Paint: Use mineral turpentine or appropriate solvents to remove paint residues. Rinse thoroughly and dry before storage.
Storage
Keep rollers in a dust-free environment—some painters wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminium foil for short-term storage between coats.
Paint Considerations
Different paints require different rollers:
Low-VOC and Eco-Friendly Paints: Perform best with synthetic or microfibre rollers.
Gloss or Semi-Gloss Finishes: A short or microfibre nap helps achieve a polished look with minimal roller texture.
Enamels and Oils: Lambswool rollers remain a favourite for even distribution.
Conclusion
A good-quality roller and proper technique will help you achieve a professional-grade finish on your walls. Selecting the right roller type, size, and using the right nap will dramatically influence your painting experience and the end result.
With diligent cleaning and maintenance, your rollers will be good for many future projects.
To have your property expertly painted for you, contact our Brisbane painting team today for an obligation-free quote.