The 8 Best Paint Rollers For Ceilings (And How To Choose)

When most homeowners think of paint rollers, they picture your typical manual paint roller. However, when it comes down to painting a ceiling, some paint rollers are better than others. If you’re wondering about the best paint rollers for your home’s ceiling, look no further! 

If you need to purchase a paint roller for your ceiling, we will cover all your top options. We’ve got you covered whether you’re looking for an extendable paint roller, a smart one, an all-in-one set, or one designed for textured ceilings. You’ll be painting your ceiling in no time! 

The 8 Best Paint Rollers For Ceilings 

PRODUCT DETAILS
  • Inexpensive
  • High-density foam brush is also included
  • Perfect for beginners and professionals
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  • Perfect for homeowners
  • You can paint different surfaces
  • Paint trays are included
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  • Ideal for textured surfaces
  • Different sizes available
  • Different nap thicknesses available
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When most homeowners think of paint rollers, they think of your typical manual paint roller. This type of paint roller is manually rolled across different surfaces to apply paint. Many of these manual rollers feature connectors, which allow their handle length to be increased. 

Naturally, manual paint rollers are ideal for painting high surfaces like ceilings. In fact, with the right handle length, you may not even require a ladder when painting your home’s ceiling. You’ll find many different sizes of manual paint rollers available. There are even smart, automatic paint rollers! 

Generally, paint rollers that support 9-inch-long roller covers are best suited to ceilings. Ultimately, the size of your paint roller needs to be proportional to the size of the surface you’re painting. A 9-inch paint roller will allow you to quickly and effectively apply your coats to a large surface like a ceiling. 

There are also more specialized paint rollers available today. For instance, specialized manual paint rollers are ideal for painting textured surfaces. These specialty rollers are designed to coat textured surfaces from popcorn ceilings to light plaster. 

Depending on your ceiling, you may require one of these specialized paint rollers. These paint rollers are also designed to cover large surfaces, making them great for ceilings. However, if your ceiling isn’t textured, you might prefer using a thick nap paint roller with a nap that’s ¾-inch or 3/8-inch thick. 

Thick nap rollers are uniquely designed to carry more paint. Furthermore, when painting a surface like your ceiling, a thick nap paint roller will allow you to easily paint corners and crevices. With other manual rollers, painting these areas can often be a hassle. In addition to painting ceilings, thick nap rollers are also ideal for brick and masonry surfaces.  

From the above, it’s clear that there are many types of paint rollers well-suited to ceilings. Ultimately, the paint roller(s) you use depends on the specific ceiling you want to paint. Luckily, we’re going to outline the ten best paint rollers for ceilings. One of these paint rollers is sure to be perfect for your home’s ceiling! 

Best All-in-One Paint Roller Set – Hynec Technologies All-in-One Paint Roller Set 

If you’re looking for a high-performance paint roller set, this option from Hynec Technologies is ideal. A set like this is particularly perfect for homeowners who do not already have their own paint roller trays and frames. By purchasing this set, you’ll have everything you need to paint different surfaces. 

Within this set, a 9-inch roller frame and paint tray are included, as well as three 9-inch roller covers. In addition to this, you get a 4-inch roller frame and tray, as well as five roller covers. The set also includes brushes and filler knives, as well as paint can openers, and more. 

With this kit, you’ll just need the right can of paint for your ceiling! There is also a cheaper Ultimate kit, which is available at the same link. This kit includes slightly fewer supplies, but the lower price tag might appeal to your budget! 

From more than 2800 user ratings, this all-in-one set from Hynec Technologies holds a stellar rating of 4.5/5. Many of the reviews praise the high-quality nature of these kits. Other users praised the fact that everything they needed for painting different home surfaces was included in this kit. 

  • Perfect for homeowners
  • You can paint different surfaces
  • Paint trays are included
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Best Paint Roller Combo Deal – Bates Paint Roller Set 

This roller set from Bates is a great, inexpensive way to acquire all the tools you need to paint your ceiling and more! This 11-piece set includes a 9-inch and 4-inch roller frame, as well as two covers for each. A high-density foam brush is also included, which is perfect for textured ceilings. 

This combo is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. If you’re looking for an incredible combo deal, you should strongly consider this set. From more than 8000 ratings, this set holds a stellar rating of 4.6/5. The reviews have praised this set for simplifying the process of interior painting. 

  • Inexpensive
  • High-density foam brush is also included
  • Perfect for beginners and professionals
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Best Overall Paint Roller – True Blue Professional 9-inch Paint Roller

When it comes down to your ceiling, these 9-inch paint roller covers are ideal. The microfiber covers provide excellent paint coverage, producing smooth finishes. As we mentioned earlier, the 9-inch covers are ideal for ceilings. However, True Blue also manufactures covers that are 4- 14-and 18-inches in length. 

This company was started by two painting contractors, which is evident in the high-quality design of this product. These roller covers work on a variety of surfaces. You’ll be able to choose between a ½-inch and 3/8-inch nap thickness, with the latter being optimal for ceilings. 

When purchasing this roller cover, you’ll need a roller frame compatible with the 9-inch covers. From more than 250 ratings, these paint covers hold a rating of 4.4/5. Reviews highlight the no-drip nature of these rollers, which is essential for painting ceiling surfaces. 

  • Microfiber covers provide excellent paint coverage
  • High-quality design
  • Works on a variety of surfaces
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Best Budget Paint Roller – Purdy Contractor 9-inch Paint Roller

If you want the best budget paint roller, these covers from Purdy are ideal. Firstly, these covers are 9-inches in length, making them ideal for ceilings. Furthermore, they feature a 3/8-inch nap, which is the perfect thickness for painting ceiling crevices and corners. Once again, you’ll need a roller frame to use these covers. 

Of course, there are also other sizes and nap thicknesses available. For exceptionally large ceilings, you might prefer the 18-inch roller cover size. For the nap thicknesses, 1-, ½-, and ¾-inch thicknesses are also available. The covers can be bought individually or in packs of 6, 15, and 24. 

From more than 250 user reviews, these roller covers hold a rating of 4.5/5. Many of the reviews come from satisfied customers who have been using Purdy’s paint rollers for years. These reviews highlight how easily these covers paint surfaces. 

  • Perfect thickness for painting ceiling crevices
  • Easy to Use
  • Budget buy
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Best High-Quality Paint Roller – Wooster Pro Paint Roller

For consumers seeking the best of the best quality paint rollers, these 9-inch roller covers from Wooster are perfect. Made from a unique fabric blend, these rollers are able to hold more paint without dripping. You’ll be able to achieve smooth finishes with flat, satin, gloss, and semi-gloss paints, as well as enamels, primers, and epoxies. 

These roller covers feature a thick 3/8-inch nap, which is ideal for painting ceilings. In order to utilize these professional-grade paint rollers, you’ll need to have a compatible paint roller frame, such as this inexpensive one from Wooster. This set includes 6 roller covers, which are sure to see you through your ceiling’s painting. 

From nearly 500 reviews, these roller covers hold a rating of 4.7/5. One reviewer detailed his struggle to find a suitable paint roller, trying both cheap and expensive options to no avail – until they found these roller covers from Wooster, that is. 

  • Best quality paint rollers
  • Hold more paint without dripping
  • Achieve smooth finishes
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Best Extendable Paint Roller Frame – Shur-Line Premium Twist-N-Reach Paint Roller

This Twist-N-Reach paint roller frame from Shur-Line supports 9-inch covers. This means this extendable frame can be used with any of the paint roller covers discussed earlier in this list. With this frame, your paint roller can be extended to 3-feet in length. If you’re looking for an easy, ladder-free way to paint your ceiling, this roller is perfect! 

The twist-to-release functionality makes it easy to adjust the length of your paint roller. The handle also features an ergonomic grip, making it more comfortable to hold while painting your ceiling. From nearly 300 users, this extendable rolling frame holds a rating of 4.4/5. Many reviews have praised how easy and comfortable this roller frame is to use! 

  • Easy, ladder-free way to paint your ceiling
  • Twist-to-release functionality
  • Ergonomic grip
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Best Smart Paint Roller – Wagner Smart Paint Roller

If you’re looking for a paint roller with even more functionality than the model discussed above, this smart roller from Wagner may be perfect! This innovative automatic paint roller can hold 22 ounces of paint, which is stored in the handle. With long reach capabilities, this automatic roller is perfectly suited to painting ceilings. 

Consumers will be glad to learn that this smart roller is also compatible with a wide variety of paints, including latex paints. The fill tube can be connected to your paint and can be effortlessly filled. Cleaning your automatic roller is also easy! From nearly 5000 reviews, this smart roller holds a rating of 3.8/5. 

  • Automatic paint roller
  • Long reach capabilities
  • Compatible with a wide variety of paints
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Best Paint Roller For Textured Surfaces – Purdy Colossus Paint Roller

This paint roller cover from Purdy is ideal for textured surfaces. There are different sizes available, including 9-inch and 18-inch roller covers. There are also different nap thicknesses available, including ½-inch, 1-inch, and ¾-inch nap thicknesses. To use these covers, you’ll need a paint roller frame compatible with 9- or 18-inch roller covers. 

From nearly 2000 reviews, this roller cover from Purdy holds a rating of 4.7/5. If you need to paint rough and textured surfaces, this paint roller cover is ideal. You can buy these covers individually or in packs of 6 and 24. 

  • Ideal for textured surfaces
  • Different sizes available
  • Different nap thicknesses available
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Choosing The Best Paint Roller For Your Ceiling 

paint rollers

In the previous section, we outlined the eight best paint roller covers and frames for painting ceilings. However, when choosing the option that’s best suited to your ceiling, you should carefully consider the following five factors: size, length, nap thickness, price, and reviews. 

Consider The Paint Roller’s Size 

When choosing a paint roller, size is an important consideration. As we explained earlier, 9-inch paint rollers are best suited to painting ceilings. However, both shorter and longer sizes are available for roller frames and covers. 

Consider The Paint Roller’s Length 

Many manual paint roller frames have a fixed length. However, there are adjustable frames available today. For those who want to avoid using ladders when painting their ceilings, a longer or adjustable paint roller will be ideal. 

Consider The Paint Roller’s Nap Thickness 

paint rollers size

Nap thickness refers to the thickness of the roller cover you’re using. As we briefly discussed earlier, thicker naps are perfect for painting corners and crevices. For ceilings, paint rollers with ¾-inch and 3/8-inch-thick naps are ideal. 

Consider The Paint Roller’s Price 

Cost should also be considered when purchasing a paint roller. You’ll find some roller covers cost far more than others. With some options, covers and frames may be sold separately. You may find an inclusive paint roller set is the best solution to paint your ceiling. With many of these sets, you’ll just need to add the paint you’ll be using for your ceiling. 

Consider The Paint Roller’s Reviews 

When choosing the right paint roller for your ceiling, it’s important to consider other user reviews. By considering these reviews, you can see what other homeowners have had to say and choose the best option for your specific needs. These reviews are available on every online store!

Conclusion

When it comes down to painting your home’s ceiling, there are many fantastic paint rollers available today. This selection includes both manual and automatic paint rollers – and everything in-between. From True Blue to Purdy, there are plenty of great brands to choose from. Ultimately, the paint roller you choose depends on your ceiling! 

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Barry Gray

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.