The Right Roller Nap Length
Choosing the right length depends on the substrate you're working with and the finish you're going for.
Sponsored by Benjamin Moore
When determining your roller nap length, start by looking at the substrate. If you are painting a coarse-textured surface such as a popcorn ceiling or stucco, you want a high-nap roller, either 3/4 in. or 1 in. The finished aesthetic doesn’t really matter in this case because the surface is already textured, so the goal is to apply as quickly as possible and get full coverage.
On smoother surfaces such as drywall, however, the finished aesthetic does matter. You can’t leave a coarse heavy texture on a nice, smooth wall. In this case, use a 3/8-in. or 1/2-in. roller nap, which will leave you with a uniform and subtle sheen.
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