The 6 Best Paint Rollers

The 6 Best Paint Rollers

1

Best Overall

Pro Grade Paint Roller Set

Pros
  • Includes brushes
  • Can be screwed into extension handle
Cons
  • Flimsy tray may not be durable enough for frequent use

If you’re starting from scratch and want a low-cost painting kit, this 10-piece roller set from Pro Grade could be the perfect fit. It includes everything you need to get started, including both 9-inch and 4-inch rollers, ensuring that you’ll be prepared for a range of painting tasks.

You also get two pairs of ½-inch nap roller covers that are easy to wash and reuse for later projects, and three sash brushes for tackling edges and trim work. The 9-inch roller can also accept an extension handle, which is always a nice perk.

Key Specs

Roller Length 9 in. and 4 in.
Roller Cover ½-in. nap and foam
Extension Pole Compatibility Yes
Pieces 10

2

Best Automatic Roller

Wagner Spraytech Smart Sidekick Powered Roller

Pros
  • Cleans up in 10 minutes
  • 16-foot hose
  • Auto-feed control on handle
Cons
  • Not ideal for small jobs

It wouldn’t be practical for those who don’t have a big painting project coming up, but if you do, and you’re comfortable spending the money, this Wagner roller could save you a significant amount of time and energy.

Its electric motor pumps paint directly from the can to your roller, eliminating the need for time-consuming paint tray refills, allowing you to continuously roll without interruption. The threaded handle can be used with any extension pole, and thanks to the 16-foot paint hose, will be able to reach high walls and ceilings without issue.

Key Specs

Roller Length 9 in.
Roller Cover 3/8-in. nap
Extension Pole Compatibility Yes
Height N/A

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3

Best for Small Projects

Nanja Foam Paint Roller Kit

Pros
  • Large quantity of covers
  • Includes tray
Cons
  • Cannot fit threaded extension pole

If you’re planning on tackling a smaller-scale painting project or just need to access areas that a larger roller wouldn’t be able to reach, this kit could be a great choice. In addition to the 4-inch roller, it also includes 10 roller covers—five foam and five fabric—so you’ll be prepared to use both oil- and water-based paints.

However, it’s important to note that this roller handle is not designed to fit a threaded extension handle, so it won’t be suitable for reaching elevated areas unless you’re comfortable on a ladder.

Key Specs

Roller Length 4 in.
Roller Cover Microfiber and foam
Extension Pole Compatibility No
Pieces 12

4

Best Soft-Grip Roller

Wooster Brush 501 Roller Frame R501-9

Pros
  • Comfortable handle
  • Durable construction
Cons
  • Cover not included

If you’re in need of a high-quality roller that’s built to last, this Wooster model could be just what you’re looking for. Our favorite feature of this model is its soft, ergonomic handle, which is not only comfortable to use for long periods of time, but also provides a solid and sturdy grip while you roll.

We’ve been using Wooster paint products for years, and have always had a good experience when it comes to their durability and quality construction. This roller also uses an additional layer of material at the bottom of the handle, making it less likely to bend or crack when using an extension pole.

Key Specs

Roller Length 9 in.
Roller Cover None
Extension Pole Compatibility Yes
Pieces 1

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5

Best Extension Pole Kit

Hosko 6-Foot Paint Roller Kit

Pros
  • Includes three roller covers
  • Lightweight
  • Metal extension poles are more durable than plastic
Cons
  • Cannot be used with threaded rollers

This Hosko roller kit includes a 6-foot extension pole, making it well-suited for extra large painting projects with hard-to-reach areas. The adjustable pole can also be customized to your preferred height by simply removing sections until you reach your desired length. If 6 feet is longer than you need, the handle is also available in a 4-foot version.

One drawback to this kit is that the roller handle does not use a threaded connection to the pole, so you won’t be able to use a different roller if you lose or break this one.

Key Specs

Roller Length 9 in.
Roller Cover Microfiber
Extension Pole Compatibility No
Pieces 4

6

Best for Detail Work

PinStone 20-Piece Small Paint Roller Set

Pros
  • 9 total roller covers
  • Includes a brush
  • Good value
Cons
  • Not ideal for projects bigger than detail work

This kit wouldn’t be ideal for larger jobs—you’d want a 9-inch roller for those—but if you’re just tackling smaller detail work like cabinetry or staining, this kit could be the perfect fit.

In addition to the 4-inch roller covers, it also includes a pair of extra-small 2-inch options, perfect for working on narrow or tight areas, or for crafting projects like stenciling.

Those rollers, plus the 2-inch brush, should have you prepared for both large and small precision jobs. You also get five disposable tray liners, which should make cleanup a breeze.

Key Specs

Roller Length 4 in. and 2 in.
Roller Cover Microfiber and foam
Extension Pole Compatibility Yes
Pieces 20
Headshot of Alex Rennie

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider’s Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

 

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