If you’ve been thrust into the world of painting, we can understand the thrilling yet overwhelming amount of information for the best equipment to use. Amongst the many different types of equipment and tools for a painting job available, it can be easy to stumble across the question: should I use a paint roller or a paintbrush? 

There is, unfortunately, no easy answer when it comes to deciding whether to use paint rollers or paint brushes for your painting project. They both have their pros and cons, a lot of it ultimately comes down to the specific details of your project, including what you’ll be painting, where and what the surface is like. 

Why Use Paintbrushes? 

Precision

Paintbrushes allow for greater precision when painting. If you’re working on a project that requires a lot of detail work or are aiming for a very specific look, then paintbrushes will be your best friend. You’ll find that professional painters often start with a paintbrush to access the little corners and intricate parts of a paint job that require that extra bit of control and precision of where the paint should cover and how well it should cover that surface area as well. 

They also tend to use less paint overall since you have more control over where the paint goes and can avoid spillage and excess. 

Texture

Some people also find that they prefer the look and feel of paintbrushes, as the brushstrokes can add a certain charm or character to the finished product. Paintbrushes can provide a certain texture and finish that you won’t be able to achieve with a roller. 

If you’re hoping to add a personal touch or give your painting project a more rustic look, then going with paintbrushes might be the way to go.

Why Use Paint Rollers? 

Greater Surface Area

Paint rollers are much easier and faster to use than paintbrushes because they can cover a greater surface area. If you’re working on a large project or don’t have a lot of time to spare, then you’ll find that using a roller will help you get the job done much quicker. You can find paint rollers from 230mm (9″) to 455mm (18″) which are great for walls, ceilings and larger surfaces that need a consistent coat of paint with a great finish. At Two Fussy Blokes, we stock many sizes including big paint sleeves for those bigger projects that require a lot of paint coverage.

What to Consider When Deciding Between Paint Rollers or Paintbrushes 

Now that we’ve gone over some of the key differences between paint rollers and paintbrushes, it’s time to identify what you should take into consideration before making your final decision. 

The size of the project: 

If you’re working on a large project, then paint rollers will definitely be the way to go as they can cover more surface area in less time. However, if you’re working on a smaller project or one that requires more precision, then paint brushes might be the better choice. 

The type of surface: 

Paint rollers can sometimes be best for smoother surfaces, while paintbrushes can work well on both smooth and textured surfaces. If you’re not sure about the surface you’ll be working with, it might be a good idea to test out both paint rollers and paint brushes on a small section to see which provides the best results.  

The paint: 

The type of paint you’re using can also influence your decision between paint rollers or paint brushes. If you’re using thick paint, then you might find it easier to work with a paintbrush. On the other hand, if you’re using thin paint, then you might have better luck with a roller. 

 

You Might Need Both!

What most professional painters do is use a mix of both of these depending on the project. If you’re painting walls and ceilings, you’d usually use both paint rollers and brushes, since the paintbrushes are great for cutting and painting smaller areas that require more precision. 

Windows and frames are another type of surface where you can use both or just a brush in you’re super comfortable with them. Flat doors, on the other hand, you can probably get away with just a paint roller. 

Most projects do require both tools so we’d recommend that you try them both out and see how you can use them to their advantage in your next project to avoid missing the tools necessary for an easy and satisfying paint job.