<p>While there's minimal difference functionally between the two types of roller, <strong>for the case you have specified here, covering a curved surface, neither is a suitable choice.</strong></p>
<p><strong>A paint roller is designed to rapidly cover a flat surface</strong> without leaving brush strokes; your vase you wish to paint has no flat surfaces at all, and the roller cannot and will not curve around the surface to apply a good coat. You'll get lines of paint, likely with thick globs along the edges of them as paint is squeezed out of the roller by the vase. Ultimately, you'll have a poor result, as this is a case of choosing the wrong tool for the job, regardless of which roller you select.</p>
<p>You have two options for how to proceed with painting. One, <strong>you can use a brush</strong>. If you want to minimize the appearance of brush strokes, try a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/2-in-Chiseled-Foam-Paint-Brush-8500-2/100671926" rel="nofollow noreferrer">foam brush</a>, which will flex around the surface but, as it has no bristles, will leave very minimal brush lines if any. If these aren't available, careful application of the paint using a new, clean, good-quality brush can minimize the appearance of brush lines, but you may wish to practice on another surface with the same paint first.</p>
<p>Two, <strong>you can use a sprayer</strong>. There are simpler options than a full airbrush or paint sprayer system; the Preval system is one that is frequently recommended to crafters in the US who don't want or need a full airbrush or sprayer system; it's likely a similar device exists in your area as well, as it's effectively a jar with a specially designed can of compressed air attached to it. You'll similarly want to practice a bit with your specific paint so you don't experience uneven application, runny paint, or splattering on your final project. If you invest in a more expensive system, ensure you also take the time to learn how to fully clean the system after use so it will last you a long time, through many projects.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there's really no way around the fact that <strong>a roller is the wrong tool for this job</strong>. You can attempt to proceed with one or the other, but neither is going to offer a good result.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T19:08:05.223Z
I agree with this answer.  An even simpler spray solution would be to save the paint for another project and buy new paint in spray cans.
fixer1234
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T22:10:01.520Z
@fixer1234 you're right, but I've had some strange effects with gold spray cans where the surface wasn't perfectly smooth. It might need particular care in priming depending on the substrate. I haven't seen the same issues with brush metallic paints. (Actually on the fake brass banding on the treasure chest in my profile pic)
Chris H
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T17:22:03.340Z
2022-02-28T17:22:03.340Z
Allison C
<p>It is mentioned that you would like to use it as a gloss finish. Foam would be ideal for gloss shine. But not sure if the roller would be an effective way of using it.</p>
<p><strong>Questionable</strong></p>
<p>These types of rollers you listed would be used in these manners:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Synthetic/polyester fiber are to help not stick together/mat, and not glop paint. Making them effective for water based latex paints. Which is suitable for any surface type.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Foam rollers are typically work well with oil or high-gloss latex paints, particularly on porous surfaces such as bare wood. Which the plaster might need a primer prior to covering it with the gloss finish.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Consider the nap</strong><br />
Based off of the rougher the surface the thicker the nap you would want to use. <strong>So a nap of 3/16 to 1/4 would be your best option for smooth gloss finishes.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>3/16 to 1/4inch is commonly used for smooth surface coverage.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Answer</strong><br />
If there are only two options of paint roller covers to choose from, the microfiber cover might be a better option because the plaster surface isn't porous enough to use something like a foam cover. But the foam cover is commonly used to do gloss finishes. So, the question is debatable.</p>
<p>[edited]<br />
Choosing the right brush or paint roller: <a href="https://www.frogtape.com/inspiration/tutorials/projects/how-to-choose-the-right-paint-rollers-and-brushes" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.frogtape.com/inspiration/tutorials/projects/how-to-choose-the-right-paint-rollers-and-brushes</a></p>
<p>Source saying you can use a paint roller with gloss and steps:<br />
<a href="https://artradarjournal.com/2021/12/05/can-you-use-a-roller-with-gloss-paint/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://artradarjournal.com/2021/12/05/can-you-use-a-roller-with-gloss-paint/</a></p>
<p>Best way to use gloss for paint roller:<br />
<a href="https://treehozz.com/what-is-the-best-roller-for-gloss-paint" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://treehozz.com/what-is-the-best-roller-for-gloss-paint</a></p>
<p>Information about nap sizes and roller types:<br />
<a href="https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/best-paint-roller-for-your-projects/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90b35a4d7e" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/best-paint-roller-for-your-projects/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90b35a4d7e</a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-26T18:14:20.463Z
Thanks for the reply.. but if i am looking for a finish near the finish produced by spraying the paint.. then which roller i should use?, why i thought foam can give the best finish as no strokes will be produced.. and the plaster surface does not have any porous (small holes) on it.. any advice? thanks
John John
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T14:51:35.297Z
@JohnJohn both types of rollers will leave a similar fine texture to the surface
Allison C
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T16:00:09.090Z
@Allison C
so can I understand from you that there are no differences between the 2 types?
John John
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T17:08:21.497Z
@JohnJohn there's minor differences, but you're going to get a textured finish either way. Moreover, rollers are designed for flat surfaces, so you'll get more lining with them than you would with a brush.
Allison C
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T17:26:49.160Z
Downvoting for two reasons. 1: This answers the title of the question but not the body of it. 2: A substantial portion is plagiarized from https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/best-paint-roller-for-your-projects/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90b35a4d7e
Allison C
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T18:23:19.273Z
Have worked in the tool industry for several years. I am using factual information to back up my claims in my own words. If there is a way to reword the information, which I felt I did. I am open. 
Initially the question was broken up into two questions. Which the question should of been closed from the beginning. But I left it open. Not sure how to take factual information and break it apart.
Lyssagal
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T18:27:50.417Z
@Lyssagal it's not a matter of factual information, it's that the information is virtually word for word identical to the linked site, with minimal rewording and no attribution.
Allison C
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T18:31:24.040Z
Additionally, taking a look at the edit done to the original question, the original title was a better explanation (if awkward); the edit done to the title made the title fit this specific answer.
Allison C
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T18:42:37.967Z
Noted, Allison. I had a hard time understanding the question myself. If it can be edited in a way that it makes sense, please do.
Lyssagal
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-26T15:07:35.930Z
2022-02-28T20:36:44.997Z
2022-02-28T20:36:44.997Z
Lyssagal
<p>I have a new raw plaster jar, as shown below:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/RsVnf.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/RsVnf.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>I want to paint it using this Gold metallic paint from AkzoNobel:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.carrefouruae.com/mafuae/en/root-maf-category/nonfood-navigation-category/home-garden/diy-electricals/tool-boxes-nails-screws/tools-sets/levi-s-multipurpose-metallic-decorative-paint-gold-750ml/p/LEVISGOLD750ML" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Levi's - Multipurpose Metallic Decorative Paint Gold</a></p>
<p>I have these two 10-cm rollers, one of which is microfiber and the other is foam, as shown in this picture:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/eDjfk.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/eDjfk.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>So which roller should I use for my project (meaning, which one best fits the plaster surface + the paint type I am going to use), and why?</p>
<p>I am excluding using a paint brush to avoid any brush strokes, and I have excluded using spray as I do not have a spray gun.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-26T11:21:17.417Z
Different rollers can produce different textures, so the answer is "it depends". What texture do you want to achieve? Mirror finish? Slightly textured? Heavily textured?
Elmy
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-26T18:10:39.357Z
@Elmy Thanks for you reply ... Mirror finish is what i am trying to achieve, or the closet finish to spraying... so which one best fit my need ?
John John
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-27T13:10:30.943Z
Spray cans are also not an option? I think you can get the cleanest, smoothest finish by spraying paint, and you won't need a spray gun for it.
Joachim
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-27T13:37:04.647Z
@Joachim i bought the paint in a cane and i do not have a spray gun.. so i am trying to get the best finish using the roller
John John
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-27T18:11:41.753Z
I'm envisioning using the foam roller, and it just glop on and kind of smearing it instead of it smoothly being applied. The microfiber might hold onto the paint better compared to the foam.
Lyssagal
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T14:49:53.560Z
@Lyssagal foam rollers actually work very well; the only reason they would smear paint is if you neglected to clean it properly, causing it to stop "rolling" on the handle.
Allison C
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-02-28T19:02:59.710Z
@JohnJohn, a roller is really the wrong tool for the job.  For the kind of finish you want, spraying is the right way to do it.  You've spend a few dollars on some paint.  Don't let that sunk cost drive your decisions for where to go from here.  A lot of time, effort, and other materials can be wasted .  Spray guns aren't insanely expensive, and you can buy spray gadgets.  But the simplest, least expensive solution would be to save that paint for another project and just buy new paint in spray cans.
fixer1234
<painting><paint><paint-brushes><plaster>
Which roller is best for applying paint to a plaster jar?
John John
# Which roller is best for applying paint to a plaster jar?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2022-02-26)

I have a new raw plaster jar, as shown below:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/RsVnf.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/RsVnf.png)

I want to paint it using this Gold metallic paint from AkzoNobel:

[Levi's - Multipurpose Metallic Decorative Paint Gold](https://www.carrefouruae.com/mafuae/en/root-maf-category/nonfood-navigation-category/home-garden/diy-electricals/tool-boxes-nails-screws/tools-sets/levi-s-multipurpose-metallic-decorative-paint-gold-750ml/p/LEVISGOLD750ML)

I have these two 10-cm rollers, one of which is microfiber and the other is foam, as shown in this picture:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/eDjfk.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/eDjfk.png)

So which roller should I use for my project (meaning, which one best fits the plaster surface + the paint type I am going to use), and why?

I am excluding using a paint brush to avoid any brush strokes, and I have excluded using spray as I do not have a spray gun.

**Tags:** painting, paint, paint-brushes, plaster

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Different rollers can produce different textures, so the answer is "it depends". What texture do you want to achieve? Mirror finish? Slightly textured? Heavily textured?  
> **username_0**: @username_1 Thanks for you reply ... Mirror finish is what i am trying to achieve, or the closet finish to spraying... so which one best fit my need ?  
> **username_2**: Spray cans are also not an option? I think you can get the cleanest, smoothest finish by spraying paint, and you won't need a spray gun for it.  
> **username_0**: @username_2 i bought the paint in a cane and i do not have a spray gun.. so i am trying to get the best finish using the roller  
> **username_3**: I'm envisioning using the foam roller, and it just glop on and kind of smearing it instead of it smoothly being applied. The microfiber might hold onto the paint better compared to the foam.  
> **username_4**: @username_3 foam rollers actually work very well; the only reason they would smear paint is if you neglected to clean it properly, causing it to stop "rolling" on the handle.  
> **username_5**: @JohnJohn, a roller is really the wrong tool for the job.  For the kind of finish you want, spraying is the right way to do it.  You've spend a few dollars on some paint.  Don't let that sunk cost drive your decisions for where to go from here.  A lot of time, effort, and other materials can be wasted .  Spray guns aren't insanely expensive, and you can buy spray gadgets.  But the simplest, least expensive solution would be to save that paint for another project and just buy new paint in spray cans.  

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_4 on 2022-02-28. Score: 3

While there's minimal difference functionally between the two types of roller, **for the case you have specified here, covering a curved surface, neither is a suitable choice.**

**A paint roller is designed to rapidly cover a flat surface** without leaving brush strokes; your vase you wish to paint has no flat surfaces at all, and the roller cannot and will not curve around the surface to apply a good coat. You'll get lines of paint, likely with thick globs along the edges of them as paint is squeezed out of the roller by the vase. Ultimately, you'll have a poor result, as this is a case of choosing the wrong tool for the job, regardless of which roller you select.

You have two options for how to proceed with painting. One, **you can use a brush**. If you want to minimize the appearance of brush strokes, try a [foam brush](https://www.homedepot.com/p/2-in-Chiseled-Foam-Paint-Brush-8500-2/100671926), which will flex around the surface but, as it has no bristles, will leave very minimal brush lines if any. If these aren't available, careful application of the paint using a new, clean, good-quality brush can minimize the appearance of brush lines, but you may wish to practice on another surface with the same paint first.

Two, **you can use a sprayer**. There are simpler options than a full airbrush or paint sprayer system; the Preval system is one that is frequently recommended to crafters in the US who don't want or need a full airbrush or sprayer system; it's likely a similar device exists in your area as well, as it's effectively a jar with a specially designed can of compressed air attached to it. You'll similarly want to practice a bit with your specific paint so you don't experience uneven application, runny paint, or splattering on your final project. If you invest in a more expensive system, ensure you also take the time to learn how to fully clean the system after use so it will last you a long time, through many projects.

Unfortunately, there's really no way around the fact that **a roller is the wrong tool for this job**. You can attempt to proceed with one or the other, but neither is going to offer a good result.

> **Comments:**
> **username_5**: I agree with this answer.  An even simpler spray solution would be to save the paint for another project and buy new paint in spray cans.  
> **username_6**: @username_5 you're right, but I've had some strange effects with gold spray cans where the surface wasn't perfectly smooth. It might need particular care in priming depending on the substrate. I haven't seen the same issues with brush metallic paints. (Actually on the fake brass banding on the treasure chest in my profile pic)  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2022-02-26. Score: 2

It is mentioned that you would like to use it as a gloss finish. Foam would be ideal for gloss shine. But not sure if the roller would be an effective way of using it.

**Questionable**

These types of rollers you listed would be used in these manners:

* Synthetic/polyester fiber are to help not stick together/mat, and not glop paint. Making them effective for water based latex paints. Which is suitable for any surface type.
* Foam rollers are typically work well with oil or high-gloss latex paints, particularly on porous surfaces such as bare wood. Which the plaster might need a primer prior to covering it with the gloss finish.

**Consider the nap**  
Based off of the rougher the surface the thicker the nap you would want to use. **So a nap of 3/16 to 1/4 would be your best option for smooth gloss finishes.**

* 3/16 to 1/4inch is commonly used for smooth surface coverage.

**Answer**  
If there are only two options of paint roller covers to choose from, the microfiber cover might be a better option because the plaster surface isn't porous enough to use something like a foam cover. But the foam cover is commonly used to do gloss finishes. So, the question is debatable.

[edited]  
Choosing the right brush or paint roller: <https://www.frogtape.com/inspiration/tutorials/projects/how-to-choose-the-right-paint-rollers-and-brushes>

Source saying you can use a paint roller with gloss and steps:  
<https://artradarjournal.com/2021/12/05/can-you-use-a-roller-with-gloss-paint/>

Best way to use gloss for paint roller:  
<https://treehozz.com/what-is-the-best-roller-for-gloss-paint>

Information about nap sizes and roller types:  
<https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/best-paint-roller-for-your-projects/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90b35a4d7e>

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thanks for the reply.. but if i am looking for a finish near the finish produced by spraying the paint.. then which roller i should use?, why i thought foam can give the best finish as no strokes will be produced.. and the plaster surface does not have any porous (small holes) on it.. any advice? thanks  
> **username_4**: @JohnJohn both types of rollers will leave a similar fine texture to the surface  
> **username_0**: @username_4 so can I understand from you that there are no differences between the 2 types?  
> **username_4**: @JohnJohn there's minor differences, but you're going to get a textured finish either way. Moreover, rollers are designed for flat surfaces, so you'll get more lining with them than you would with a brush.  
> **username_4**: Downvoting for two reasons. 1: This answers the title of the question but not the body of it. 2: A substantial portion is plagiarized from https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/best-paint-roller-for-your-projects/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90b35a4d7e  
> **username_3**: Have worked in the tool industry for several years. I am using factual information to back up my claims in my own words. If there is a way to reword the information, which I felt I did. I am open.  Initially the question was broken up into two questions. Which the question should of been closed from the beginning. But I left it open. Not sure how to take factual information and break it apart.  
> **username_4**: @username_3 it's not a matter of factual information, it's that the information is virtually word for word identical to the linked site, with minimal rewording and no attribution.  
> **username_4**: Additionally, taking a look at the edit done to the original question, the original title was a better explanation (if awkward); the edit done to the title made the title fit this specific answer.  
> **username_3**: Noted, Allison. I had a hard time understanding the question myself. If it can be edited in a way that it makes sense, please do.  

---

