What’s the Right Nap for Your Paint Roller?
It’s one of those weird little details that doesn’t sound important.
But using the wrong roller nap can mess up your whole finish.
And nobody wants to paint a room twice.
First things first. What is “nap”?
It’s the thickness of the roller cover.
The fluff. The pile. The stuff that holds the paint.
Low nap means less texture.
High nap means more paint and deeper coverage.
Here’s what to use on smooth walls:
Go for a low nap roller — something like a 3/8 inch.
It holds just enough paint.
It lays it down evenly.
And it won’t leave behind that unwanted roller texture.
Perfect for drywall, finished plaster, or smooth interior surfaces.
What about lightly textured walls?
If you’ve got a light knockdown or orange peel texture, a 1/2 inch roller is a better choice.
It holds more paint.
It gets into the grooves.
And you’re not constantly running back to the tray.
For heavy texture or stucco:
This is where you bump things up to 3/4 inch or even 1 inch nap.
These rollers look big, but they’re built to push paint into all the deep textures.
Stucco. Brick. Heavily textured ceilings.
You need something that can carry enough paint and press it into the surface.
Quick breakdown:
- 3/8 inch for smooth walls
- 1/2 inch for light texture
- 3/4 inch or more for heavy texture or stucco
Choosing the right roller is a small decision.
But it’s the kind of thing that makes your finish cleaner, your coat more even, and your project a lot less frustrating.
Pick the right nap, and roll on.
