Brushes & Rollers

Choosing the right paint roller comes down to surface and finish. For smooth walls and ceilings, use a short nap (5–10 mm) microfiber or foam roller for a sleek finish. Slightly textured plaster or older walls? Go for a medium nap (10–14 mm). Rough brick or render needs a long nap (20+ mm) to reach into pits. Synthetic covers suit water-based paints; mohair or foam shines with oil-based enamels.

Use a paint brush for cutting in edges, trims, and detailed areas where rollers can’t reach. A quality angled sash brush gives crisp lines and reduces masking time.

Quick tips:

• Load the roller evenly and roll off excess in the tray well to prevent splatter.
• Work in manageable sections, rolling in an “M” or “W” pattern, then lay off lightly.
• Keep a damp microfiber cloth handy to catch drips fast.
• Clean rollers promptly. Warm soapy water for acrylics and appropriate thinner for oils.

Pairing the right painting tools gives you speed and sharp lines. It's a win-win! Here’s a simple workflow that delivers a pro finish.

• Prep and plan:
• Cut in first with a quality angled paint brush around ceilings, corners, trims, and switches.
• Work one wall at a time to keep a wet edge and avoid lap marks.
• Brush techniques:
• Load the brush one-third to halfway; tap off excess.
• Feather your cut-in line 50–100 mm from the edge so the roller can blend it.
• Use light, steady strokes to avoid ridges.
• Roller techniques:
• Choose nap length to match the surface: short for smooth, medium for light texture, long for rough.
• Load evenly and roll in an “M/W” pattern, then lay off lightly in one direction.
• Roll as close to the cut-in as possible while the paint is still wet to blend seamlessly.
• Pro tips:
• Maintain consistent pressure—don’t overwork drying paint.
• Wrap tools in plastic between coats to prevent drying.
• Use the same sheen and batch across the wall for colour consistency.

Proper brush care saves you time and money, AND keeps your finishes looking sharp. Follow these quick steps:

• Before you start:
• Pre-wet synthetic bristles with clean water (for water-based paints) or a touch of solvent for oils. This reduces paint build-up.
• During painting:
• Don’t overload. Dip the paint brush one-third to halfway into the paint and tap off excess.
• If you pause, wrap the brush in plastic or aluminium foil to keep it from drying out.
• Cleaning:
• Water-based paints: Rinse under warm water, comb bristles, then wash with mild soap until water runs clear.
• Oil-based paints: Work through mineral turps or appropriate solvent, repeat with fresh solvent, then wash with soapy water and rinse.
• Drying and storage:
• Reshape the bristles, hang to dry or lay flat with the ferrule supported.
• Store in a brush keeper or original sleeve to maintain the edge.

When to grab a paint roller:

• Large, flat walls or ceilings where speed and even coverage matter. Use a roller, then switch back to the brush for cutting in and trims.

With the right roller care, you can reuse a roller brush several times, often across an entire project and beyond. Longevity depends on paint type, surface texture, and how well you clean and store your painting tools.

Tips to extend roller life:

• Match the job: Use short nap (5–10 mm) for smooth walls, medium (10–14 mm) for light texture, and long (20+ mm) for rough surfaces. The right paint roller cover wears less and delivers a better finish.
• Clean promptly:
• Water-based paints: Scrape excess back into the tray, rinse warm, wash with mild detergent, rinse until clear, then spin or shake out water.
• Oil-based paints: Work through mineral turps/appropriate solvent, repeat with fresh solvent, then wash with soapy water and rinse.
• Store smart: Reshape, let dry fully, then keep in a clean sleeve or sealed bag. For short breaks between coats, wrap tightly in plastic to prevent drying.
• Label covers: Note paint type and colour to reuse on matching coats without cross-contamination.

Signs it’s time to replace:

• Matted fibres, excessive shedding, or persistent streaking/orange peel.