Yes, you can use a roller with non-drip gloss paint, and it is often recommended for achieving a smooth finish quickly over larger areas.
Using Rollers with Gloss Paint
Applying gloss paint, including non-drip varieties, with a roller is a common practice. While brushes are traditional for detailed work, rollers offer efficiency for covering surfaces like doors, trim, or furniture panels.
According to expert advice, "We advise for gloss and semi-gloss paints to use short-nap rollers because this generates fewer bubbles when you're rolling out the paint." This key piece of guidance confirms the suitability of rollers and specifies the type most effective for gloss finishes.
Using the correct roller type is crucial to minimise common issues like bubbling or leaving too much texture.
Choosing the Right Roller
Selecting the appropriate roller sleeve is essential for a successful gloss finish:
- Short-Nap Rollers: As recommended, short-nap rollers (typically 4-6mm nap length) are ideal. Their short fibres pick up and lay down paint smoothly, reducing the likelihood of air bubbles becoming trapped in the film.
- Foam Rollers: Dense foam rollers can also be used for very smooth finishes, but be mindful of potential air bubbles in the foam itself, which can transfer to the paint.
- Avoid Long-Nap Rollers: Rollers designed for emulsion paints (medium to long nap) hold too much paint and can create significant texture and bubbles when used with higher-sheen paints like gloss.
Tips for Rolling Non-Drip Gloss Paint
Achieving a professional look with a roller and gloss paint involves more than just the sleeve:
- Preparation is Key: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and properly primed or undercoated. Any imperfections will show through the glossy finish.
- Load the Roller Correctly: Don't overload the roller. Roll it in the paint tray reservoir to evenly distribute paint and remove excess.
- Use Even Pressure: Apply gentle, consistent pressure. Excessive pressure can squeeze paint out the sides and create thicker edges or drips.
- Work in Sections: Tackle manageable areas at a time, maintaining a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
- Roll in One Direction: For the final pass on a section, roll lightly in one consistent direction (e.g., top to bottom on a door) to help smooth out roller marks.
- Consider "Laying Off": Some professionals follow rolling with a light pass from a good quality brush held at a shallow angle. This technique, called "laying off," can help level the paint and remove any remaining roller texture or bubbles. However, with a short-nap roller and careful technique, this may not be necessary, especially with self-levelling gloss paints.
By following these steps and using the recommended short-nap roller, you can effectively apply non-drip gloss paint and achieve a smooth, durable finish.
| Roller Type | Recommended for Gloss Paint? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Nap | Yes | Fewer bubbles, smoother finish |
| Medium-Nap | No | Creates too much texture and bubbles |
| Long-Nap | No | Excessive texture and bubbles |
| Dense Foam | Potentially, with care | Can give smooth finish, watch for foam bubbles |
