Rollers or pads

[chriselevate]

I've got a freshly plastered room that after two mist coats (white emulsion 75% paint 25% water) is done in going to paint using a dulux colour.

Previously I've used Harris paint pads as I feel they leave a nice smooth flat finish. The problem is they seem expensive and slow to use?!

Would you suggest sticking with them or switching to rollers? If I switch to rollers I would probably buy from my local tool station who look like they sell Prodec 9" microfiber short pile sleeves for £2.18!

Large paint pad refills are £4.99 from homebase which I've always thought is quite expensive.

Thanks for your time and help

 

[paul_v]

never seen anyone use paint pads, rollers are much easier and faster and give a perfect finish if used properly.

I bet you'll struggle to find a pro on here who uses paint pads

 

[joe-90]

He'll have to go to Mumsnet to find anyone that uses them.

 

[chriselevate]

Thanks for that. I think I'm sold on rollers to be honest.

Could you advise me on the different types and the brand I've chosen as per the original post please?

Thanks

 

[paul_v]

rollers come in three types, short pile for smooth plaster, medium pile, slightly textured surfaces, long pile very textured sufaces. If you use a short pile roller on plaster you should get a very smooth finish, only use medium or long pile for textured surfaces or you will get a textured finish if used on plaster.

I've used pro dec a couple of times from toolstation but to be honest the prodec ones tend to leave bits of fluff on the wall which you obviously dont want. If you have a screwfix near you then get the harris ones i always use these and have never had a problem and for the extra 80p there well worth it. I think they sell the harris ones at B&Q as well but they charge over the odds there.

With any roller sleeve you need to de fluff it first, to do this make a tube using your fingers and thumb and pull the sleeve through your hand a couple of times twisting it as you do - hard to explain but very easy in practice.

 

[rjm2k]

I tried pads after someone told me how great they were, terrible is all I can say! Rollers are much better