Is it better to paint with a brush or roller? It’s a question that’s been around as long as DIY. The truth is, there isn’t a right or wrong answer, as it depends on the task at hand.
Rollers are better in some circumstances, whereas brushes are more suited to others. To help answer the question in more detail, let’s look at when you may choose to use one or the other.
Paint Brushes
Paint brushes are ideal for smaller, more detailed areas. They’re small and flexible, making them well-suited to precision work. You’re likely to use them for cutting in and out of small areas such as
- Window sills
- Corners
- Ceilings
- Around fittings
When deciding whether to paint with a brush or a roller, the desired texture needs considering. A brush may leave stroke marks, and you may not have an even application.
Brushes hold more paint, meaning you get through more of it than you would do painting the same area with a roller. It’s less economical and doesn’t yield the evenest results. We especially wouldn’t recommend painting large areas with brushes, as they’re a much slower method than rollers.
With a range of paint brush sizes available, it’s easy to find a brush for any task.
Paint Rollers
Paint rollers have a porous surface, meaning they apply thin and even layers of paint. With large rollers, you can cover a large surface in a short amount of time. The surface, however, needs to be smooth and well prepared before you attempt to paint with a roller.
We’d recommend using rollers
- On large, flat surfaces, including walls and ceilings
- With certain floor paints, although you may need appropriate attachments
- Anywhere requiring an even, professional finish
The downside to rollers is the lack of accuracy. Unlike brushes, you can’t get into small areas and can end up splattering paint further than you expect. Keep this in mind when deciding whether to paint with a brush or roller.
You can use different rollers to achieve different finishes, from smooth to fluffy for a more textured finish.
Types of Roller Brushes for Painting
With so many different paints available, it’s no surprise there are also many types of roller brushes for painting. They’re usually made of a sleeve and a coating of wool or natural fibres to help create different textures.
Here’s our quick overview of each type to help you understand the best one for the job:
- Smooth foam rollers: They have a smooth surface for a smooth finish
- Short-haired rollers: These are suited to most painting jobs. The hairs provide a good level of coverage
- Long-haired rollers: Create more of a texture, ideal for Artex ceilings
- Synthetic fibre rollers: These are more suited to gloss and other oil-based paints
- Wool rollers: Opt for these for rougher surfaces or emulsion paints
To Paint With a Brush or Roller: To Summarise
Paint brushes and rollers both have their place in painting and you don’t have to choose one over the other. In most cases, using a combination of them both delivers the best results.
Choose a roller to cover the large, open spaces and a brush for the smaller, fiddly sections. If you’ve got a painting job and would like some assistance with choosing quality paints and accessories, the team at Black Country Paints is here to help. Browse our painting accessories for sale today.
