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The Best Paint Rollers For Concrete

I’ve been a mason for over 25 years and can tell you from firsthand experience that the best paint rollers for concrete have at least a 1/2 to 1 inch thick nap and are between 4 to 18 inches long. Nap is the thickness of the roller cover that gets covered in paint. Different thicknesses work better on different surface types. In general, you should always use a thicker nap for a rougher surface like concrete.

Concrete is a very rough and porous material that comes in different types. Some is very dense and smooth while other types are rough and gritty. Before you select a paint roller, examine the concrete carefully and determine how rough it is.

Thicker nap rollers hold more paint, stain, and sealers, which helps get it into all the concrete’s cracks and crevices. But if your concrete is smooth you can use a roller with a smaller nap.

Paint roller frames come in two common sizes, 4 inches and 9 inches. But a frame that fits the roller and nap you plan on using.

Another option is a paint roller with a larger frame, or yoke. These are commonly 18 inches in width and are primarily for commercial use. They cost more, but you can get your painting done in less time.

Paint rollers are a great way to quickly apply paint to large areas while also achieving thorough and even coverage. But not all rollers are created equal.

Whether you’re painting concrete floors, walls, steps or a patio, using a roller with the right size nap is very important if you want good coverage, but you also need a roller that’s good quality and can withstand repeatedly rolling over the gritty texture of concrete.

The Best Paint Roller For Concrete

The best paint roller for concrete depends a lot on the type of concrete you’re painting, it’s size, location and condition. There’s no single best paint roller for every situation because concrete is a very versatile material. Painting a poured concrete foundation wall is very different than blocks, a patio, countertop, steps or a fireplace surround.

You have to choose the best roller for your specific type of concrete. But in general, what you need is a tough roller because concrete is gritty. It should have at least a 3/8 to 1 inch nap. And the length should be appropriate for the size of the job.

Here’s a quick list of the top paint rollers for concrete followed by an in depth review of each:

GREAT VALUE: Wooster Super/Fab 3 Pack is a great all around roller at an affordable price with a 3/4 inch nap which makes it great for painting rough concrete surfaces.

18 INCH: Purdy Colossus 18 Inch Concrete Paint Roller is the best commercial size 18 inch roller. Great for large concrete painting jobs.

3/8 INCH NAP: Purdy White Dove 9 Inch Concrete Paint Roller is the best 3/8 inch nap roller for smooth grit concrete surfaces. Great for smooth surface poured concrete walls.

1/2 INCH NAP: Purdy Pro-Extra 9 Inch Concrete Paint Roller is the best concrete paint roller for medium to rough grit concrete. This is the standard roller I use for most concrete painting.

MINI: Purdy 4 1/2 Inch Jumbo Colossus Concrete Paint Rollers is the best mini paint roller for fine to medium grit concrete. It’s ideal for corners and detail work.

ROUGH SURFACES: Purdy Colossus 1 Inch Nap Concrete Paint Roller is the best for painting extremely rough concrete and blocks. I use these for painting all of my concrete block work.

These rollers are in no particular order. They’re all fantastic rollers. I personally use them all whenever I paint concrete or cinder blocks. Which one I choose at the time depends on the type and condition of the concrete and the size of the job. And usually I’ll use several different rollers from this list on the same job.

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Paint Roller For Concrete

There are several important factors to consider when choosing the best paint roller for your concrete. Things like the size of the job, accessibility, height, location and the concrete itself. Paint rollers come in various widths, materials and nap sizes which are designed for different types of concrete.

Before you choose a paint roller, inspect the concrete you’ll be painting. Take notice if it’s dense and smooth, has cracks, visible stones and large pores or if it’s been previously painted. The type of concrete, where it’s located, its condition and whether or not it’s been previously painted will effect the type of roller you should use.

In the next section we’ll discuss the different types of paint rollers you can use on concrete and when you should use them.

The Best Paint Roller Nap For Concrete

The thickness of your paint roller’s nap will determine how well it will work based on the concrete’s texture and condition. The grittier and more textured the concrete is the thicker nap you’ll need.

These are the different roller nap sizes you can choose from to paint concrete:

  • 3/8 inch: Best for semi-smooth to medium poured concrete with no cracks.
  • 1/2 inch: Great for medium textured poured concrete with no cracks.
  • 3/4 inch: Used for semi-rough poured concrete with some cracks or concrete blocks.
  • 1 inch: Ideal for rough concrete or concrete blocks.

Keep in mind that you can use different size roller naps on the same project. I paint a lot of concrete and use a small nap roller for smoother areas that are in good condition and then switch to a thick nap and brushes for cracks or porous sections.

I also prefer using a thinner nap for edges, corners and detail painting because it gives me more control over the paint edge.

The Best Paint Roller Length For Concrete

Concrete paint rollers come in a variety of lengths ranging from 6 inch to 18 inch. What size is best for your project depend on what you’re painting, its size, location and budget.

Here are the most common length paint rollers made for concrete and when you should use them:

  • 6 to 7 inch: Great for smaller concrete projects like steps.
  • 9 inch: This is the standard concrete roller size. It’s good for walls and floors.
  • 12 inch: A great size if your project is really large because it saves some time vs 9 inch rollers and below.
  • 18 inch: These are great for really large concrete painting projects like an entire foundation.

Generally the large a concrete paint roller is, the more it costs. 18 inch rollers are considered commercial grade so they’re expensive. And they also require larger pans and handles. For most home projects you should stick with 12 inch rollers and below because the equipment is easier to get and more affordable.

Shorter rollers are a bit easier to work with. They’re lighter and easier to control in tight corners. Especially up high or in corners.

Longer paint rollers can get heavy when you’re painting with a pole. Masonry paint is thick and most concrete rollers have a longer nap which holds more paint. If you’re not used to the weight start with a shorter roller length.

The Best Paint Roller Material For Concrete

Another important thing to consider when choosing the best paint roller to use on concrete is the material its made of.Paint rollers are made of either Nylon, Dralon or Polyester. Each material reacts differently with different paints, primers and surfaces. And some materials are tougher than others so you should pay extra for for a premium grade roller when working on extremely rough concrete but not if the surface is relatively smooth.

These are the different roller materials you can choose from for painting concrete:

  • Polyester: Great for smooth concrete or detail work because it applies paint smooth and even. I use Polyester rollers for painting smooth concrete, most interior concrete or details like edges and corners.
  • Dralon: A durable acrylic fabric that’s great for medium grit concrete. This is the roller material I use the most for painting exterior concrete.
  • Nylon: The most durable concrete paint roller material. I use it to paint rough concrete surfaces that would damage other materials.
  • Woven Polyamide: A synthetic material used to make clothes and fine fabrics. It’s durable and creates a smooth finish.

It’s OK to use different roller materials on the same concrete painting job. I use Polyester for smooth areas or detail work like edges and corners. Then I use either Dralon or Nylon for medium to high-grit concrete surfaces that would tear up a Polyester roller.

Examine the concrete by eye for visible cracks, pores and stones that could damage the roller. Then run your fingers over the concrete to feel how gritty it is. A careful examination will help you determine the right roller material you need to paint your concrete.

When in doubt, I always choose something more durable. If the roller material is too soft for your concrete it could start to deteriorate before the job is done.

The Best Paint Roller Grip Design For Concrete

In addition to choosing the right roller for painting concrete, you also have to choose the handle which holds the roller. Using a handle that’s comfortable and designed for the type of painting you’ll be doing is very important.

Here are a few types of roller designs you can choose from:

  • Ergonomic: Handles with an ergonomic design are more comfortable in your hand and distribute the weight of the paint roller better. Using a roller that’s comfortable can make a big difference on a long painting project.
  • Long /Extendable: Long or extendable roller poles are essential when you’re painting walls or ceilings. I prefer extendable poles because you can adjust the length but they’re heavier than single length long poles. I would start off with a standard 6 to 8 foot pole.
  • Compatibility: Make sure you select a handle and pole that fits the roller you want to work with. Not all poles, handles and rollers are interchangeable.
  • Ball Bearings: Rollers with ball bearings are more expensive but apply paint smoother. I don’t use them for painting textured concrete but if the area is super smooth there may be a benefit.

Since compatibility is an issue, I always choose the roller first. Then I select a handle that works with the roller I want to use. Finally I pick out a pole that works with the handle. When painting concrete the most important piece of equipment is the roller. The other equipment makes painting easier but doesn’t apply any paint to the concrete.

Tips For Painting Concrete With A Roller

Once you have the right roller, handle and pole for your concrete painting project, it’s time to start painting.

I have separate posts that explain how to paint concrete walls, steps, slabs, foundations, etc. which you can read later. But here are some quick tips to help you achieve the best possible paint job:

  • Weather: If you’re painting outside always check the weather. it’s best to paint concrete on a warm day with low humidity and no chance of rain. Start painting after the morning moisture has dried up.
  • Clean: It’s very important to paint concrete that’s clean. If there’s dirt the paint won;t adhere properly to the concrete and will eventually bubble or peel off. Use soapy water to remove any dirt and debris that could prevent your paint from sticking. Use stronger cleaners to remove mold, oils and grease.
  • Repairs: Fill cracks and repair damaged areas before you paint. Use fresh concrete, mortar or cement to make repairs.
  • Masking: Use painter’s tape and/or plastic sheets to cover nearby areas so they don’t get painted.
  • Prime: Apply a primer to the concrete before painting to help the paint adhere properly.
  • Excess: Use a paint tray or screen to remove excess paint from your roller before you start painting. This will help eliminate runs, blotches and uneven paint jobs.
  • Technique: Paint with your roller in long strokes not small areas.
  • Finish: Make sure you finish an entire area before moving on before it dries. If you let a section dry before its done the paint will be uneven and you could see lines.

With the right roller and proper technique you can achieve a professional quality paint job on all of your concrete surfaces.

Our Top Picks

The best paint rollers for concrete can make a big difference depending on the type of concrete you’re painting and its condition. While there are many options when buying a roller, not all paint rollers work the same on concrete.

The following rollers are considered among the best on the market. I’ll review them one at a time and discuss a bit about when and how to use each one.

wooster super-fab concrete rollers 3 pack

Wooster Super/Fab 3 Pack

The Best Multi Pack Paint Rollers For Concrete

This is my favorite concrete paint roller multi pack because of the value. On my jobs I need a a roller that does delivers a good paint job and is affordable. Wooster Super/Fab work on concrete indoors and out and on large or small projects. And it’s a standard size roller that will fit just about all 9 inch roller handles.

Quantity: 3

Size: 3/4 inch nap, 9 inch length

Material: Double Thick Polypropylene Core

Best Feature: Coverage and value

If you’ve got a big concrete painting job and are looking for value, this is a great pack to buy. They’re made of a high quality fabric that delivers smooth even coverage.

These rollers work great with flat or satin paints, stains, and waterproofing.

The 3/4 inch nap work on all concrete surfaces.

  • Pros: A good value for the money and a smooth finish. A standard size that works with almost all roller handles. 9 inch is good for large areas but not detail work. Professional quality.
  • Cons: Not the best choice for small areas. Too expensive if all you need is one roller.

Summary: Wooster Super/Fab rollers are great for all concrete surfaces including those that are rough and gritty. 9 Inch is fairly wide which is good for areas like foundation walls, ceilings, floors, etc. But they’re not the best choice for detail work or small areas. A 3-pack can be expensive if all you need is one roller.

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Purdy Colossus 18 inch concrete paint roller

Purdy Colossus 18 Inch Concrete Paint Roller

The Best 18 Inch Concrete Paint Roller

This is the best 18 inch concrete paint roller. It’s great for large scale painting projects like floors, ceilings and foundation walls. The nap is 3/4 inch which is wide enough for gritty concrete with lots of texture. But the quality is still very smooth.

The only thing this roller isn’t great at is detail work. Use it to paint large concrete areas along with a brush or small roller for details.

Using a roller this wide will save a lot of time and money on a concrete painting job. But it requires a wide pan and special roller cage because the hole is too wide for standard size equipment. If you buy a roller this big, you also need the Purdy Pro Extra 1 3/4 inch roller cage or similar.

Quantity: 1

Size: 3/4 inch nap, 18 inch length

Material: Woven Polyamide

Best Feature: Smooth finish, wide roller length, 3/4 inch nap

This is a great roller for large concrete painting projects. I wouldn’t use 18 inch unless you paint a lot because it requires buying other specialized equipment like wider pans and a special roller cage.

Because of the large nap, this roller holds a lot of paint which can be heavy. Make sure to use it with a good quality pole.

  • Pros: A great roller for large areas with a smooth finish and thick nap. Professional quality.
  • Cons: Not a great choice for a single paint job because you have to buy other specialized equipment with it.

Summary: Purdy Colossus 18 inch rollers are fantastic for painting large concrete areas. if you paint a lot I highly recommend them. The finish is smooth and the nap is thick enough to paint gritty concrete. But they require special equipment to use them and can get a bit heavy because of all the paint they hold.

Just about every painter, including myself, is using Purdy Colossus rollers for painting concrete. The finish is top notch, they holds lots of paint, create a smooth finish with a clean edge and are durable.

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Purdy White Dove concrete paint roller

Purdy White Dove 9 Inch Concrete Paint Roller

The Best 3/8 Inch Nap Concrete Paint Roller

This is the best 3/8 inch nap concrete paint roller for smooth surfaces. If you’re painting smooth or semi-smooth concrete, the Purdy White Dove Roller is a great choice. It’s designed to achieve achieve a super smooth finish which looks fantastic on floors and walls.

It’s approved for just about all types of paints.

Quantity: 3

Size: 3/8 inch nap, 9 inch length

Material: Woven Dralon Fabric

Best Feature: Smooth finish

This is a great roller for painting smooth concrete surfaces but I wouldn’t use it on anything rough. The roller will deteriorate and mix into the paint.

Because the nap is so small you can use it right up to a corner which makes it pretty good for detail work. All you need to compete the corner is an angle brush to cut in a small 1/4 to 1/2 inch line.

  • Pros: A great roller for painting smooth concrete surfaces both indoor and out. Professional quality.
  • Cons: Not a great choice for rough surfaces. A 3-pack is expensive if you only need one roller.

Summary: Purdy White Dove 9 inch rollers with a 3/8 inch nap are great for painting concrete with a smooth surface. The paint finish is excellent with great coverage. But you can’t use it on rough concrete.

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Purdy Pro Extra concrete paint roller 1

Purdy Pro-Extra 9 Inch Concrete Paint Roller

The Best 9 Inch Concrete Paint Roller With 1/2 Inch Nap

This is the best 1/2 inch nap concrete 9 inch paint roller I’ve used. If you’re painting smooth to medium grit concrete, the Purdy Pro-Extra is a great choice. But it has a 1 3/4 inch core which means you need a wider than standard roller handle. The Purdy Colossus line of paint rollers are professional quality equipment so you need the right handle and pole to go with them. But they’re excellent and worth the extra money.

It’s approved for just about all types of paints.

Quantity: 1

Size: 1/2 inch nap, 9 inch length

Material: Woven Polyamide

Best Feature: Smooth finish. Works with just about all types of paint. Great for smooth to medium grit concrete indoors and out.

This is a great roller for painting concrete with a smooth to medium grit. The Purdy Colossus line of rollers are all excellent but require larger handles to use.

  • Pros: A great roller for painting smooth the medium grit concrete surfaces both indoor and out. Professional quality.
  • Cons: Not a great choice for extremely rough concrete. Requires a 1 3/4 inch core handle.

Summary: Purdy Colossus Pro-Extra 9 inch rollers with a 1/2 inch nap are great for painting concrete with a smooth to medium grit surface. The paint finish is excellent with great coverage. But you can’t use it on rough concrete and it requires a 1 3/4 inch core handle.

Just about every painter, including myself, is using Purdy Colossus rollers for painting concrete. The finish is top notch, they holds lots of paint, create a smooth finish with a clean edge and are very durable.

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Purdy 4 1/2 inch concrete paint rollers

Purdy 4 1/2 Inch Jumbo Colossus Concrete Paint Rollers

The Best Mini Concrete Paint Rollers

This is the best mini concrete paint roller I’ve used. If you’re painting smooth to medium grit concrete, the Purdy Jumbo Colossus 4 1/2 inch roller is a great choice. The roller is very durable, great for smooth to medium grit surfaces which includes the majority of concrete, and provides a very smooth finish with a clean edge. When you need a small roller for corners or tight spaces, this is a great choice.

The Purdy Colossus line of paint rollers are professional quality equipment so you need the right handle to go with them. This one requires a jumbo mini roller.

It’s approved for just about all types of paints.

When I’m painting concrete I generally like to bring a small roller for edge details and corners. This is the always the roller I use. It’s fantastic but does require a jumbo handle so don’t forget to buy one because it won’t fit on the standard size mini roller handle.

Quantity: 2

Size: 1/2 inch nap, 4 1/2 inch length

Material: Woven Polyamide

Best Feature: Smooth finish. Works with just about all types of paint. Great for smooth to medium grit concrete indoors and out. Small enough for detail work.

This is a great roller for painting concrete with a smooth to medium grit. The Purdy Colossus line of rollers are all excellent but require larger handles to use.

  • Pros: A great roller for painting smooth the medium grit concrete surfaces both indoor and out. Small enough for detail work and corners. Leaves a clean edge. Holds a decent amount of paint. Professional quality. 
  • Cons: Not a great choice for extremely rough concrete. Requires a jumbo mini handle.

Summary: Purdy Jumbo Colossus 4 1/2 inch are great for painting concrete with a smooth to medium grit surface. The paint finish is excellent with great coverage and a clean edge. But you can’t use it on rough concrete and it requires a jumbo mini handle.

Just about every painter, including myself, is using Purdy Colossus rollers for painting concrete. The finish is top notch, they holds lots of paint, create a smooth finish with a clean edge and are very durable.

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Purdy Colossus 1 inch nap roller

Purdy Colossus 1 Inch Nap Concrete Paint Roller

The Best Paint Roller For Rough Concrete & Concrete Blocks

This is the best paint roller for rough concrete and concrete blocks because of its extra thick 1 inch nap. The roller holds a lot of paint but still delivers a smooth finish and clean edge. 9 Inches is a long enough roller for big surfaces like floors, ceilings and walls.

The Purdy Colossus line of paint rollers are professional quality equipment so you need the right handle to go with them. Make sure you buy the right handle which the Purdy 1 3/4 inch roller cage or equivalent.

It’s approved for just about all types of paints.

When I’m painting rough concrete or block this is the roller I always use. The 1 inch nap is very thick which is great for getting paint and primer into cracks and cinder block joints. Using a thick nap helps me avoid a lot of brush work which saves time and money.

Quantity: 1

Size: 1 inch nap, 9 inch length

Material: Woven Polyamide

Best Feature: Smooth finish. Works with just about all types of paint. Great for rough grit concrete indoors and out. Leaves a clean edge. Professional quality.

This is a great roller for painting concrete with a rough grit or blocks.

  • Pros: A great roller for painting rough grit concrete surfaces or block both indoor and out. Leaves a clean edge. Holds a lot of paint. Professional quality.
  • Cons: Not a great choice for smooth surfaces.

Summary: Purdy Colossus 1 inch nap rollers are great for painting concrete with a rough grit surface or blocks. The paint finish is excellent with great coverage and a clean edge.

Just about every painter, including myself, is using Purdy Colossus rollers for painting concrete. The finish is top notch, they holds lots of paint, create a smooth finish with a clean edge and are very durable.

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The Overall Best Paint Roller For Concrete

I personally use each one of the paint rollers on this list whenever I paint concrete or cinder blocks. They’re all fantastic products and work best for different reasons depending on the type if concrete you’re painting and its condition.

But if I had to choose an overall best paint roller for concrete it would be the Purdy Pro-Extra 9 Inch Concrete Paint Roller because a 9 inch length with a 1/2 inch nap is the most common size I use for poured concrete.

However I’d choose the Purdy Colossus 1 Inch Nap Concrete Paint Roller if I was painting concrete block because of its 1 inch nap. With a nap this thick you don;t have to go back and paint the joints with a brush. This saves a lot of time and money when painting a black foundation wall.

How We Chose The Best Paint Rollers For Concrete

How we chose the best paint rollers for concrete is very easy, experience. I’ve been a custom home builder and a mason for over 20 years and paint tons of concrete surfaces. We build concrete patios, sidewalks, foundations, pools, driveways, ceilings, floors, etc. We also manufacture custom concrete countertops, shelves and fireplace surrounds. If it’s made out of concrete we’ve most likely built it and possibly painted it.

The rollers listed in our review are the actual paint rollers we use every day on all of out concrete painting projects.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about choosing the right roller for painting concrete.

What Kind Of Roller Do You Use To Paint Concrete?

The best paint rollers for concrete have at least a 1/2 to 1 inch thick nap and are between 4 to 18 inches long. The nap is the thickness of the roller cover that gets covered in paint. Different thicknesses work better on different surface types. In general you should always use a thicker nap for a rougher surface.

Check out the package of the roller. Some specifically state that they’re for painting concrete or masonry. Others may say something like for painting rough surfaces. If the roller says for smooth surfaces only, it’s not for concrete.

What Is The Best Paint Roller For Masonry Paint?

Most paint rollers will work fine with masonry paint. What you need to consider is what type of masonry you’re painting, not the paint itself. You need something durable, because masonry is a rough surface, and you need a thicker than usual nap because masonry is porous and uneven.

The best paint rollers for masonry have at least a 1/2 to 1 inch thick nap and are between 4 to 18 inches long. The nap is the thickness of the roller cover that gets covered in paint. Different thicknesses work better on different surface types. In general you should always use a thicker nap for a rougher surface.

Check out the package of the roller. Some specifically state that they’re for painting concrete or masonry. Others may say something like for painting rough surfaces. If the roller says for smooth surfaces only, it’s not for concrete.

Disclaimer

Keep in mind we may earn a small commission if you click one of the links and purchase a roller from Amazon because we are an Amazon affiliate. These small affiliate commissions help us pay for the site and all the supplies and equipment we need to test new products and write new articles.

Summary: The Best Paint Rollers For Concrete

I’ve been a mason for over 25 years and can tell you from firsthand experience that the best paint rollers for concrete have at least a 1/2 to 1 inch thick nap and are between 4 to 18 inches long. Nap is the thickness of the roller cover that gets covered in paint. Different thicknesses work better on different surface types. In general, you should always use a thicker nap for a rougher surface like concrete.

Concrete is a very rough and porous material that comes in different types. Some is very dense and smooth while other types are rough and gritty. Before you select a paint roller, examine the concrete carefully and determine how rough it is.

Thicker nap rollers hold more paint, stain, and sealers, which helps get it into all the concrete’s cracks and crevices. But if your concrete is smooth you can use a roller with a smaller nap.

Paint roller frames come in two common sizes, 4 inches and 9 inches. But a frame that fits the roller and nap you plan on using.

Another option is a paint roller with a larger frame, or yoke. These are commonly 18 inches in width and are primarily for commercial use. They cost more, but you can get your painting done in less time.

Paint rollers are a great way to quickly apply paint to large areas while also achieving thorough and even coverage. But not all rollers are created equal.

When painting concrete, using a roller with the right size nap is very important if you want good coverage, but you also need a roller that’s good quality and can withstand repeatedly rolling over the gritty texture of concrete.

If you have any questions or comments about painting concrete email any time.

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John Mazzuca | About | More Posts |

Custom Home Builder

John Mazzuca is a custom home designer and builder at Gambrick with over 25 years experience in the construction industry. John has designed, built and/or remodeled hundreds of homes, small buildings, and commercial projects. He writes about business, real estate, home building, and household electronics. His work has been featured in Fox Business, Better Homes & Garden, House Beautiful, and more.

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