While paint brushes are good for going around corners and tricky details like mains sockets and ceiling roses, if you want a professional finish on your paint jobs, rollers are by far the most efficient tool for the task.
They allow you to impart a thin layer of paint in even strokes, meaning less likelihood of bubbles or mistakes. This means that the coat of paint in question will dry faster, allowing you to get on with a second if needed and pleasingly, finishing the whole project in a timely manner.
Rollers are also crucial if you’re painting tall walls or ceilings, allowing you to extend the handle and get the paint up without balancing precariously on a ladder or putting up scaffolding, a la Michelangelo.
Even for smaller DIY projects like upcycling old furniture or painting a feature wall, rollers are your fast track to gliding through the project so you can enjoy smooth results faster.
How to prepare the room for paint
Before beginning any paint job, it’s crucial to cover the floor and furniture with a dust sheet or a similar protective covering to shield your nice things from the inevitable spills and drips that come with wall painting. Secure it down with decorator’s tape, before turning your attention to taping around light switches, skirting boards, window frames and any other features you don’t want to get paint on.
Next, clean the walls of dust and cobwebs so they’re ready for paint. A clean surface will grip the formula better and is a step worth doing if it adds up to a seamless finish.
Once your paint is mixed and your tray is full, it’s time to get started. Cover the walls in short, even strokes, moving diagonally up and down until there are no patches left. Dip and repeat until you’ve finished the section and allow to dry fully before you go in for a second coat.
If you’re itching to start your paint job, we’ve rounded up the best paint rollers to help you achieve a professional finish. From hand rollers to ones with telescopic handles, shop now and have them delivered to your door.
See the best paint rollers for walls below
Harris Trade Micropoly Medium pile Roller set, 19 pieces
Planning to give the whole house a spruce? It's time to call in the big guns with Harris' 19-piece painting set. The bundle includes paint brushes of varying widths, mini rollers and regular versions too with two deep ridge trays to keep mess to a minimum. A lockable extension pole is part of the parcel to help you cover large and high areas easily.
Buy now £35.00, B&Q
COAT Paints Large Supplies Kit
If you're buying one of COAT's paints anyway, head to the supplies section to pick up an eco tools bundle too. The Big Kit has everything you need to start your DIY project, from brushes and decorator's tape to two roller brushes and a roller tray too.
Buy now £34.00, COAT
ROLLINGDOG Paint Roller Set
Hit the high bits with ease thanks to this roller set which comes with an extension pole to get to spots 90cm higher than your reach. The lint-free microfibre sleeves are good to use on both oil and water-based paint and can be washed, ready to reuse for next time.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Coral Complete 12 piece Roller Set
Be ready for practically any paint project with this roller set which offers a dozen rollers in different sizes. The mix of microfibre and foam mini rollers will help you nail awkward spots while the larger hybrid brush gives neat paint lines thanks to the lack of bristles. Suitable to use with both gloss and emulsion paint.
Buy now £12.00, Argos
Harris Seriously Good Walls & Ceilings Twin Medium Pile Paint Roller Set with Tray & Frame
From one of the most trusted names in painting and decorating comes this 9-inch roller set with a second sleeve to use after you've ruined the first or want to swap between paint colours mid-job. The medium pile is good to use on semi-smooth surface with emulsion paint.
Buy now £7.50, Amazon
LEEFENGQI Telescopic Aluminium Alloy Rod Paint Roller Brush Set
They say an artist is only as good as their tools. Nail the master strokes with this roller, which comes with an aluminium extension pole that can go to 200cm, making the need for ladders redundant. It can cover 23cm across at a time, offering fast coverage which is useful when you've got a large area to cover.
It comes with two spare sleeves and a paint brush but no paint tray.
Buy now £35.99, Amazon
Harris Essentials 9 Inch Wall & Ceiling Roller Pole
Decorating the ceiling is one of the top interior trends of the moment. If you want to dip into it, there’s no need to erect scaffolding to reach those heights: simply add Harris’ 9-inch roller to your basket now. Comes with a removable roller sleeve.
Buy now £10.50, Argos
Black & Decker Electric Speedy Easy Paint Roller No Drip Easy Clean BDPR400-XJ
No need to faff around with a paint tray. This option gets paint onto the walls quicker by allowing you to inject paint into the handle and roll it on for easy, simple application. The pivoting head makes it easy to reach tricky spots like under stairs, eaves and as close to the ceiling as possible.
Buy now £43.99, JD Williams
Clean Cut Paint Edger Brush
Get right up to the edge of walls and sockets without going outside the ‘lines’ with this clever edger brush that takes colour right up to the walls. The soft bristles help the emulsion to get on streak-free, while the wider handle makes it easier to grip. It’s also an excellent cleaning tool, allowing you to reach parts where a regular duster just can’t.
Buy now £13.88, Amazon
Robert Dyas Dekton 6Pc Paint Tool Kit With Pole
If your renovation budget is getting tighter by the day, this excellent budget option should have enough to see you through a modest project. The kit comes with six pieces to paint and finesse decor in interior rooms, with a roller, edger, corner pad, paint jug, resting tray and a telescopic extension pole all part of the mix. The self-contained kit keeps mess to a minimum and ensures clean-up is quick and easy.
Buy now £14.99, Robert Dyas
Verdict
Covering all interior painting eventualities, Harris rides to the rescue with its 19-piece kit. With brushes as well as rollers in the mix, the set will see you through any DIY job and means you can swap colours as often as you fancy.
Rollingdog's smaller bundle with an extension pole is a better bet for more modest projects.
