Your roller
How the picker decides
- Surface and texture set the nap. Each surface starts at the nap paint makers recommend and moves up a size for light or heavy texture. The full table is in the nap guide.
- Sheen sets the cover. Semi-gloss and gloss on smooth work get a woven, microfiber or foam cover. Flat paint gets a knit or microfiber cover that holds more paint. Long naps are knit either way.
- The job sets the width. 9 inch for walls and ceilings, 4 to 6 inch minis for cabinets, doors and trim. When a mini roller makes sense.
When to ignore the picker
- Your paint names a nap. Some coatings, such as elastomerics and some enamels, list a recommended cover on the can or its technical data sheet.
- You see orange peel. Benjamin Moore suggests switching to a thinner nap if the finish looks dimpled like orange peel.
- The texture is fragile. Old popcorn ceilings can loosen when wet. Test first; see rollers for ceilings.
Questions people ask
How does the picker choose a nap?
It follows the nap guidance Benjamin Moore, Purdy and Sherwin-Williams publish: 1/4 inch for very smooth surfaces, 3/8 inch for walls and ceilings, 1/2 inch for semi-rough, 3/4 inch for rough and 1 to 1-1/4 inch for brick and block. Texture moves you up the scale.
Why does sheen change the cover?
Glossy paint shows lint and stipple. Purdy pairs glossy sheens and enamels with woven covers, which leave less lint and a smoother finish, and knit covers with everyday oil and water-based paints because they hold and release more paint.
Are the suggestions tested?
No. We have not tested these products. The picker turns paint makers’ published guidance into a recommendation and links to Amazon searches so you can compare current options.
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.