Roller Covers

 

     Roller covers, like brushes, are available in various qualities and can be made with natural fibers or synthetic fibers.  Just like brushes, the higher the quality of the roller cover, the easier the painting and the better the results.

     Rollers and roller covers are available in many sizes.  There are trim rollers, corner rollers and roller covers for other special applications.  However, the two most popular lengths of roller covers are 7" and 9"; with 9" being the most popular of the two.  Roller covers earn their "cover" name from being used on roller frames (which come in many different sizes, shapes and types of handles).  The 

most common frame is a "five wire cage" frame that is made with five parallel wires that help to maintain the round shape of the cover.  Most higher quality retail frames and generally all professional frames have a threaded handle to permit the use of extension poles for painting floors, ceilings and tall walls.

Selecting the correct roller is really as easy as 1 - 2 - 3.

     1.  What surface are you going to paint and how smooth is it? 

     2.  What type of paint are you going to use?

     3.  Will you be re-using the roller cover or "toss it away" when the job is
          over?

     By knowing the surface (i.e. wall, ceiling, fence, etc.) you can determine the correct nap and degree of finish required (is some texture permissible or does it require enamel smoothness?)  The type of paint helps in determining the degree of "texture" permissible.  The last question establishes the strength and durability requirements (will the cover be in constant / repeated use or simply "tossed-away" when the job is done?)
     Roller covers made with natural fibers like wool or mohair are often used for oil-based paints, varnishes and stains.  Synthetic fiber covers (usually a blend of fabrics with names like Dralon, Kanecaron and Orlon) are used with latex, oil and alkyd paints.

     Putting it all together - A roller cover is comprised of a core and fabric(s) which are adhered with epoxy adhesives to the core.  Higher quality retail and professional covers, are buffed and beveled.

     Roller cover cores are plys of cardboard, usually 3 - 4 ply.  Better cores are impregnated with resin to provide strength and durability.  Less expensive cores for "toss-away" covers are often untreated and have only the cardboard material as the core itself.  Synthetic cores are also gaining broad acceptance.
     Woven Fabrics are attached to the backing of the roller fabric at two points, thus ensuring the most lint-free type of cover available - for the application of coatings on smooth surfaces.  The ALLPRO PRO WEAVE™, MASTERWEAVE™ and ALL PRIMERS™ lines along with the 1/4" and 3/8" covers in the FINEST QUALITY consumer and PRO PLUS™ lines are woven fabric covers.  Knitted Fabrics are attached to the backing at one point.  This process is used on covers where lint is not an important factor in the end result.  The ALLPRO GOLD PRO™, A•P PRO, GENERAL PURPOSE PRO, and PRO PLUS™ lines (excluding the 1/4" & 3/8" covers) are made with knitted fabric.
     "Nap" or pile is a term that is frequently used to describe the fabric pile height.  It also affects the depth of paint reach in the application process.  For example, if the surface is extremely rough (like heavy stucco), then a large nap like 1" or 1-1/4" would be appropriate.  If the surface is very smooth or a fine finish is required, then a 1/4" nap would be the right choice.
Typical surface textures and recommended naps are:
Surface Texture Nap
Smooth (walls, floors, or fine finishing) 1/4"
Semi-Smooth (walls, sand textures or basement floors) 3/8"
Semi-Rough (exterior wood, metal surfaces or light stucco) 1/2"
Rough (rough sawn siding, stucco or masonry) 3/4"
Extra Rough (sand-blasted metal or highly textured ceilings) 1" - 1-1/4"





Fabric pile height or nap, as previously discussed, is the length of fabric from the core that determines the depth of surface or profile which can be painted.

Fabric density is how solid the fiber is per square inch and how many fibers there are per square inch.  The more fibers, the better the cover.

Fabric Denier is the diameter of the fiber.  A good cover has varying deniers.  Using fabrics with higher density and various deniers also increases resistance to matting; thus improving paint pick up and release. 
     Higher quality covers like the ALLPRO Finest Quality Consumer and Professional GOLD SERIES are finished off with a buffing to remove all loose fibers and then beveled at the ends to prevent splattering.  This finishing provides easier cutting in of the paint.

TIPS ON THE USE OF ALLPRO ROLLER COVERS & BRUSHES
     Before painting with a roller, "ruffle" the pile to make sure any loose lint, dust or pile is removed.  If you suspect there may be some loose pile and the paint job may be affected, pre-roll some paint on a paper or another smooth test surface to make sure all loose pile is gone and the finish is acceptable.  Don't overload the cover with paint.  Roll out lightly on the paint tray or grid to help distribute the paint evenly and prevent "dumping" on the surface.  Painting too fast with a roller causes splattering and misting.  A good steady pace will get the job done quickly and neatly.  Deposit the paint in a "W" on the surface to be painted.  Roll out evenly in one direction then cross roll to assure the paint is uniform.  Finish strokes should always be in the same direction.  Avoid pressing too hard on the roller as this spreads the paint too thin.  Do ladder work first.  Clean up should be done immediately after painting, using the recommended solvent (warm soapy water for latex paints.).  Store the roller on end to prevent matting of the fiber as the roller cover dries.

     Keep in mind that ALLPRO only carries the better quality applicators in the ALLPRO line.  Our brush filaments and roller cover fabrics are the best in the industry.  Remember, the better the quality of the applicator tool, the better the results.

Its "guts" not glitz that gets the job done!