Best Paint Rollers for Textured Walls

When it comes to painting textured walls, using the right tools can make a huge difference in the final result. Textured walls whether they feature a knockdown finish, popcorn texture, or another style can be difficult to paint, especially if you don’t have the right roller. Not all paint rollers are created equal, and some are better suited for textured surfaces than others.

Choosing the best paint roller for textured walls can help ensure that your paint application is even, smooth, and thorough, covering every bump, groove, and imperfection in the surface. We’ll explore the types of paint rollers that work best for textured walls, highlight some of the top-rated options on the market, and provide tips for achieving a flawless finish.

Types of Paint Rollers for Textured Walls

Before diving into specific product recommendations, it’s important to understand the different types of paint rollers that work best for textured walls. The key to successfully painting textured walls is selecting the right roller nap (the length of the fibers on the roller). Here’s a breakdown of the types of rollers that are most effective for textured surfaces:

1. Long-Nap Rollers (3/4 to 1 inch)

Long-nap rollers are ideal for textured walls because they have a thicker pile, which allows them to hold more paint and reach deep into the crevices of textured surfaces. This ensures an even coat is applied to all parts of the wall, including the low and high points of the texture.

• Best for: Heavy textures, such as popcorn ceilings, knockdown finishes, and rough plaster walls.
• Advantages: Can apply a thicker coat of paint and fill in deep crevices.
• Disadvantages: May result in some splattering if not used carefully.

2. Medium-Nap Rollers (1/2 inch)

Medium-nap rollers are versatile and can be used on lightly textured walls or surfaces with moderate texture. While they don’t reach as deep into the grooves as long-nap rollers, they still provide a good finish and are easier to control.

• Best for: Subtle textures, such as lightly textured drywall or lightly textured plaster.
• Advantages: Easier to handle and less messy than long-nap rollers.
• Disadvantages: Might not provide as thorough coverage on heavily textured surfaces.

3. Short-Nap Rollers (1/4 to 3/8 inch)

Short-nap rollers are typically used on smooth walls, but they can sometimes be helpful for lightly textured walls. However, for heavily textured surfaces, short-nap rollers are usually not the best choice, as they cannot get into the crevices effectively.

• Best for: Smooth walls or surfaces with very light texture.
• Advantages: Provides a smooth, even finish without excess paint.
• Disadvantages: Not effective for deep texture, and might miss areas of the surface.

4. Specialty Rollers (for Popcorn Ceilings or Heavy Texture)

There are also specialized rollers designed for extremely textured surfaces, such as those specifically made for popcorn ceilings or for heavy texture finishes. These rollers typically have an even longer nap and are designed to help distribute paint evenly while minimizing the mess.

• Best for: Popcorn ceilings, stucco, and highly textured walls.
• Advantages: Designed to handle heavy textures.
• Disadvantages: May not be as versatile as other roller types and may be harder to find.

Top Paint Rollers for Textured Walls

Now that you understand the types of rollers, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market for textured walls. Each of these rollers has been designed with heavy-duty surfaces in mind and is widely praised for providing even, smooth coverage on rough surfaces.

1. Wooster Pro 9-Inch Lambswool Roller Cover (3/4 inch Nap)

Best for: Heavy textured surfaces like stucco, popcorn ceilings, and rough plaster.

Wooster’s Pro Lambswool Roller Cover is an excellent choice for textured walls. The 3/4-inch nap is the perfect length for deep textures, allowing the roller to reach into the nooks and crannies of the wall. Made with natural lambswool, this roller cover holds plenty of paint and delivers a smooth, even application. It’s highly durable and resistant to shedding, ensuring a clean finish.

Why it’s great:

• Ideal for rough and uneven surfaces.
• Holds a significant amount of paint for efficient coverage.
• Durable and resistant to wear and shedding.

2. Purdy White Dove 9-Inch Roller Cover (1/2 inch Nap)

Best for: Moderate to lightly textured walls.

Purdy is a well-respected brand in the painting industry, and the White Dove Roller Cover is one of their top-rated options for textured surfaces. This roller has a 1/2-inch nap that works well on moderate textures, such as lightly textured drywall. It provides a great balance between smooth application and texture coverage. Made with synthetic fibers, it offers excellent durability and resistance to shedding.

Why it’s great:

• Versatile for moderate textures.
• Excellent durability with minimal shedding.
• Provides smooth, even coverage without excessive splatter.

3. Eden Products 9-Inch Roller Cover (3/4 inch Nap)

Best for: Heavy texture like knockdown finishes and popcorn ceilings.

Eden Products offers an affordable roller cover option that works wonders on textured walls. With a 3/4-inch nap, this roller is perfect for heavy textures. It features a premium blend of fabric, which ensures smooth application without excessive splatter. The roller cover is designed to hold a generous amount of paint, allowing you to cover larger areas quickly while achieving consistent results.

Why it’s great:

• Designed specifically for heavily textured surfaces.
• Affordable yet effective for a professional-grade finish.
• Holds a lot of paint for efficient work.

4. Shur-Line 3/4-Inch Nap Roller Cover (9-Inch)

Best for: Rough and textured surfaces.

The Shur-Line 3/4-inch Nap Roller Cover is another top option for heavily textured walls, especially for surfaces like rough plaster or stucco. The thick nap allows it to cover all the uneven spots effectively, while the fabric is durable and won’t shed, helping to ensure a smooth finish. The roller cover is designed to reduce splattering, making it ideal for textured walls.

Why it’s great:

• Excellent for rough, uneven surfaces.
• Holds more paint, making it ideal for larger textured areas.
• Provides a smooth, clean finish with minimal splattering.

5. Bates 9-Inch High-Density Foam Roller (3/4 inch Nap)

Best for: Popcorn ceilings and extremely textured walls.

If you’re painting a popcorn ceiling or another highly textured surface, the Bates high-density foam roller is an excellent choice. The foam roller absorbs and distributes paint evenly across rough surfaces, providing even coverage. It’s particularly useful for textured walls that require a thicker application. The roller is also washable and reusable, making it a cost-effective option.

Why it’s great:

• Perfect for heavy texture like popcorn ceilings.
• Smooth, even finish with no brush marks or splatter.
• Washable and reusable for multiple uses.

Tips for Painting Textured Walls with a Roller

1. Use the Right Paint: Heavily textured walls require thicker paints for optimal coverage. Consider using paint with a higher viscosity or adding a texture additive to your paint to help it spread more evenly over the bumps and grooves.
2. Don’t Overload the Roller: Loading the roller with too much paint can result in drips and excessive splatter. It’s important to load the roller lightly and apply thin coats, especially on textured surfaces.
3. Work in Small Sections: Instead of trying to paint large sections at once, work in smaller, manageable areas. This will help ensure even coverage and prevent the paint from drying too quickly before you have a chance to smooth it out.
4. Roll in Multiple Directions: To ensure full coverage, roll the paint in multiple directions. Start by rolling vertically, then go over it with horizontal strokes to make sure the paint gets into every crevice.
5. Allow Each Coat to Dry Completely: Textured surfaces can take longer to dry, especially if you’ve applied a thick coat of paint. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next one to avoid smearing or uneven application.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint roller for textured walls is essential for achieving a smooth, even finish. Long-nap rollers (3/4 to 1 inch) are the best for heavily textured surfaces, while medium and short-nap rollers are great for lighter textures. Brands like Wooster, Purdy, Eden Products, and Shur-Line offer top-quality options that make painting textured walls easier and more efficient.

By selecting the right roller and following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to transform your textured walls with a flawless, professional-looking finish that will last for years to come.