Best Rollers for Painting Furniture

Are you confused about what the best rollers for painting furniture are? Let me help you decide! If you’re new to painting, picking which one to use is overwhelming. There are so many different sizes and types. Heck, I get overwhelmed by it myself!

When it comes to these furniture painting tools and supplies, a good roller can make all the difference in creating a smooth and professional finish on your DIY projects. So, keep reading to learn about your options!

Rollers are a great option because they can help you cover a large surface faster than if you use a paintbrush. Plus, they are perfect for applying an even coat without leaving behind any unsightly brush marks.

However, they can also leave some unwanted texture or bumps behind, and you’ll probably have to still use a paintbrush for the corners, details, and crevices. So, it’s important to choose the right roller for the job.

So, what type is the best roller for painting furniture? Check out these different options to see which one works best for your project and your personal preference. Things like budget and availability matter, too!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also may earn from other qualifying purchases with other companies or get free product to review and use. All opinions are my own.

Mohair Mini Roller

A common problem when using a roller is that it leaves a textured or bumpy finish behind. That’s fine if you don’t mind some texture on your piece, but I prefer a smooth finish without bumps.

The Sherwin Williams mohair rollers are my go-to because they don’t leave as much texture behind. The 3/16 inch nap is smaller than most, so I think this contributes even more to create a smooth finish.

Pros:

• Creates a very smooth finish
• Can be used for all types of paints and clear coats
• Does not shed
• Durable/Can be cleaned and reused

Cons:

• It is not available in major hardware stores. I make a separate trip to Sherwin Williams to buy it.
• It may cost you a few more bucks, but considering how good it is, it is worth it.
• Make sure to buy the handle too, since these don’t come with one.

Where To Buy Mohair Mini Roller

• Sherwin Williams

1/4-inch White Woven Mini Roller

This is similar to the Mohair one. The nap is a little bit longer, but not by much. So it can also create a smooth finish. But it can also get into details a little bit better than the Mohair.

Pros:

• Minimal shedding
• Holds more coating than other options
• Works with latex and oil based coatings
• Creates a smooth finish
• Durable/Can be cleaned and reused
• Available at big box hardware stores

Cons:

• It’s more likely to shed than the Mohair

This means you might find fibers on your finished piece once it dries. So, before using it, wrap it with some painter’s tape, and then remove the tape to remove any loose threads.

Where To Buy 1/4-Inch White Woven Mini Roller

• Home Depot – 1/4-inch White Woven Mini Roller

High Density Foam Mini Roller

DIYers commonly use high density foam rollers because they are widely available and budget friendly. These are suitable for all paints and stains but aren’t as durable as the others mentioned above.

Pros:

• Shed resistant and lint free
• Creates a smooth finish
• Works with all paints and stains
• Can get into details, crevices, and corners easier because it’s so flexible
• Available at most hardware stores and big box stores

Cons:

• Not as durable as the other options
• More prone to leave bubbles or bumps behind

Where To Buy High Density Foam Mini Roller

• Home Depot – High Density Foam Mini Roller

Tips for Using Rollers

Here are some guides on choosing a roller nap and tips to help you paint with a roller.

What Is the Nap in a Paint Roller?

The nap is the length of the material on a roller, which determines coverage and texture. Below is a size guide for you:

• 3/4 inch to 1 inch – I wouldn’t recommend using this size. This is best for textured surfaces like stucco or brick.
• 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch – These naps are best for semi smooth surfaces like drywall. A 3/8 inch nap is better for painting furniture than a 1/2 inch, but it does not create as smooth of a finish as the 3/16 inch to 1/4 inch nap.
• 3/16 inch to 1/4 inch – These are the best naps because they create an almost texture free finish and work great on smooth surfaces.

Learn more about the differences in paint roller naps here.

What Size of Roller to Use When Painting Furniture?

You may be curious as to why I use and recommend mini ones when I said that rollers cover a larger surface area quickly.

Based on my experience, I wouldn’t use anything bigger than a 4 inch because most pieces have a lot of details and smaller areas, and it’s harder to get into and around the details with a larger one.

If you’re in a pinch, a 6 inch one would be fine. But 4 inch types are the best for painting.

What Is the Best Paint for Furniture?

If you are a beginner, I would choose a self leveling paint like Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel or General Finishes Milk Paint. Read through this post to learn more about painting furniture with enamel paint.

A self leveling type allows you to roll it on your piece without it leaving a lot of little bumps (or texture) behind. Learn more about the best paint for furniture and best paints for wood furniture here.

How to Get a Smooth Paint Finish with a Roller

• Don’t put too much coating on your roller. You want it to be covered in a very small amount before you apply it. This will create a smoother finish, and thinner coats are better for adhesion.
• Make sure that the surface you initially applied coating on is dry before rolling another coat onto it. Rolling over a partially dry coat will make the finish feel rougher.

Get more tips on how to get a smooth finish in our post about how to paint furniture without brush marks.

Is it Better to Paint Furniture with a Brush or a Roller?

This is a personal preference. A roller allows you to cover a larger area faster than a brush. But you will still probably need a brush for the corners and crevices of the piece you are working on.

However, if you use a brush, you will not necessarily need a roller, but it doesn’t get the job done as quickly as the roller. Both tools leave some sort of texture behind. Brush strokes can be seen when using a paintbrush, and little bumps or bubbles can be seen when using a roller.

Paint Sprayer VS Roller

I invested in a sprayer because it creates the smoothest finish and, overall, it’s much faster. But it’s hard to use indoors. And you have to cover everything nearby with plastic, so you don’t get coating on everything. Here’s a great post on how to prevent overspray when painting furniture.

If you’re interested in using one, here is my list of the best HVLP paint sprayers for furniture.

Rollers are easier on your wallet, and you can use them indoors, which is good during winter. You also don’t have to cover everything around you…. just cover the floor, typically.

But, they do leave behind some texture, and it does take a little bit longer to apply coating with a roller. Here is a closeup of some of the texture you might get with it.

You’ll just have to weigh the benefits of each and decide which one to go for. Here’s a detailed comparison if you can’t decide between a paint sprayer vs roller. You can also learn about how this one change made my painted furniture look professional!

Now that you know what the best rollers for painting furniture are, try it and let us know how your project turned out!

More Painting Furniture Resources

• How to Paint Furniture: The Beginners Guide
• How to Prepare Furniture for Painting
• Types of Paint for Furniture
• Why Most People’s Furniture Paint Jobs Fail (and How to Fix It)
• Best Sanders for Furniture

Follow us on YouTube to get more tips for painting furniture.

Or Share your project with us on our Facebook Group and be part of our community. See you there!