To figure out the best type of paint roller cover to use for your project, we turned to the experts. We chatted with representatives from both Sherwin-Williams and Wagner SprayTech and learned when you want to use a foam roller or a microfiber one, why nap thickness is so important and the difference between knit and woven fibers. Here are the best paint roller covers for your specific project.
Purdy WhiteDove
Efficient covers with a woven paint-holding surface
The experts place Purdy paint rollers at the top of their list because of how well they hold paint, create smooth and uniform strokes, and keep its form throughout the project without needing to be replaced often. This is because the WhiteDove roller covers are woven rather than knit to give a nicer finish to your surface. The 1/2-inch nap makes it a good choice for most walls, even those that are slightly textured.
Cascade Microfiber 10-pack Paint Roller Covers
Paint-ready microfiber multi-pack
This 10-pack of 9-inch paint roller covers are made to fit on most standard paint rollers. Made from microfiber, these covers hold a lot of paint so you don’t need refill often. And because of its nap length, the Cascade Microfiber covers work well on smooth surfaces.
Wagner Spraytech Cover
Plush cover offering a smooth, even coat
The thick, 3/40-inch nap of this paint roller cover makes it a great choice for painting textured walls and other surfaces. The thickness helps it get into breaks and lines for a smooth, even cover, and a beautiful overall finish. This paint roller cover is also designed to work with automatic paint rollers and not just manual ones, so it’s a good, versatile choice, too.
Painter’s Choice by Wooster Brush
Water-resistant wall-prepping covers
This roller cover is best for flat and eggshell paints because of its knitted fibers. It also is a good choice for primers and jobs that don’t need a perfectly smooth finish. Made from polypropylene, these roller covers are water-resistant and don’t crack so they last a long, long time and can easily be used multiple times before needing to be replaced.
RollerLite ProLam Lambswool Roller Cover
Paint-ready covers in a three-pack
These roller covers hold a lot of paint and work well to cover both smooth and semi-textured surfaces. It holds high-gloss and semi-gloss paints well regardless if it is water, latex, or acrylic-based. The ProLam covers also work really well with stains. All these finishes wash out so you can reuse your covers multiple times before having to replace them.
Pro Grade Microfiber Covers
Must-have multi-use painting basic set
The paint roller covers by Pro Grade can be used for a variety of projects and are easy to use whether you’re a professional painter or just a beginner. The microfibers hold a lot of paint while keeping it in check as you apply it to ensure you don’t over saturate or waste paint on your walls. These covers work with all types of paint and stains, are easy to clean, and work on both smooth and textured surfaces.
Kraft Tool Decorative Roller Cover
Unique cover offering a textured finish
The crow’s foot design of this roller cover gives you a neat, decorative design as you use it to apply drywall mud to your surface. It’s an easy way to create a uniform, textured design. Plus this cover can be cleaned with mild soap and water and reused several times before needing to be replaced. This cover slips over standard paint rollers, but it is not intended or recommended to be used with paint.
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The paint roller cover you need depends on your project. For most, the Purdy WhiteDove covers will take care of most projects. These hold a decent amount of paint and create a beautiful, smooth finish on most surfaces, including textured ones. If you need to prime before painting, Painter’s Choice by Wooster Brush is designed specifically for this. These covers can also be used for flat and eggshell paints that don’t require a perfectly even finish.
If you’d like to texture your walls before painting them, the Kraft Tool cover can be slipped over a paint roller and used to apply drywall mud.