What’s the Best Roller Nap Size for Smooth or Textured Walls?

That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your house can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With locations across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.

You’re standing in the paint aisle.
You’ve got your color picked out, your tray in the cart, and then you look at the rollers.

Half-inch? Three-eighths? Three-quarter?
Suddenly, it’s confusing.

The good news?
The right nap size depends primarily on your wall’s surface, and once you know what to look for, it’s pretty simple.

What is roller nap?

The nap is the thickness of the roller cover.
It’s what determines how much paint it holds and how it applies to the surface.

The more textured your wall, the thicker the nap you’ll want.
The smoother your wall, the shorter the nap.

For smooth walls

If your walls are flat and smooth, think fresh drywall or a newer build, go with a shorter nap.

• ¼-inch to ?-inch nap is ideal
  
• Gives you a clean, even finish
  
• Less splatter, more control
  
• Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and ceilings
  

For textured walls

If your walls have any texture knockdown, orange peel, or even light stucco you’ll need a thicker roller.

• ½-inch to ¾-inch nap works best
  
• Reaches into grooves and raised areas
  
• Holds more paint so you get better coverage
  
• Great for older homes, accent walls, and surfaces with visible texture
  

The thicker nap helps fill in dips and bumps without having to press too hard or go over the same spot a dozen times.

What if your walls are somewhere in between?

Most homes fall somewhere in the middle.
If you’re not sure, a ½-inch roller is usually a safe bet.
It gives you flexibility and works well on lightly textured walls.

So… what’s the best roller nap size?

For smooth walls, go short.
For textured walls, go thick.

And if you’re still not sure what you’re working with, give That 1 Painter a call.
We’ll take a look and make sure you have the right tools for the job — or just take care of it for you.

No guesswork needed. Just the right finish, the first time.