In the arsenal of every builder or master of finishing operations, tools for painting work are certainly provided. The design of traditional rollers is still in demand despite the dominance of more technological machines for painting. With the help of a maneuverable manual assistant, the master can perform operations in difficult areas, as well as timely correct mistakes made in the process of painting. At the same time, it cannot be said that the paint roller is not being improved at all. Of course, the elementary design of this tool remains its main advantage, due to which high ergonomics is achieved. Nevertheless, the market offers a wide range of roller models that differ in shape, size and materials.
General arrangement of paint rollers
The basis of the design of almost all versions is represented by a handle with a plastic handle. A metal rod departs from it, on which the working part of the tool is fixed - a cylinder with a fur coat. There are many types of materials that are used in the manufacture of this nozzle. Depending on the purpose, the painting tool may also include the presenceadditional devices that expand its functionality. It is important to note that the convenience in the process of work to a large extent depends on the characteristics of a particular device. For example, coating with several types of paint and varnish compositions should be carried out with different rollers, because any contact between foreign solutions and emulsions can spoil the result of painting work.
Roller sizes
In judging size, attention should be paid to three main values. First of all, this is the length of the pile. This parameter determines how effectively the fur coat will absorb and give off paint or other composition. For example, a paint roller, the size of the pile along the length of which varies from 10 to 12 mm, can be used to cover smooth surfaces with a finishing paint and varnish layer. Models with this parameter of 15-20 mm are already recommended for working with rough and problematic surfaces. Usually, in such cases, protective and dispersion compounds are used.
The next characteristic to pay attention to is the thickness of the handle that connects the handle and the cylinder. The convenience of doing the job depends on it. In the standard, this value varies from 6 to 8 mm. For example, Stayer paint rollers in the Dualon series are supplied with rollers with a handle thickness of 8 mm and a cylinder diameter of 30-48 mm. And another important parameter is the width of the video, which on average is 20-25 cm.
Classification of rollers by materials
Whendifferent materials are used in the manufacture of fur coats for rollers, among which the following are the most popular:
- Polyamide. This is a fiber of artificial origin, which has good holding qualities. Using a fur coat made of this material, you can realize the optimal distribution of paint over the work surface, ensuring high chemical resistance.
- Foam. By its origin it belongs to polyurethanes. The advantages that a foam rubber roller has include elasticity and quick recovery of shape. It should also be borne in mind that this material does not combine well with aggressive chemical components, but with the right choice of paint, it provides a uniform coating without bubbles.
- Velor. Such a fur coat is provided with a fabric base with a pile based on polyamide fibers. This option is good because it does not roll, and does not spray the mass for application. Recommended for use as a final coat on smooth areas.
- Natural fur. In the manufacture of fur coats, sheepskin is usually used, which is distinguished by excellent absorbency and the ability to effectively distribute the composition over the working surface. You can use a fur roller on any surface, applying oil paints, enamels and varnishes. However, it is better not to combine lime mortars with such a roller, since the fur is destroyed by contact with lime.
Classification by type of coat attachment
There are three ways to fix the fur coat to the basetools - these are models with glued and hot-melt fasteners, as well as modifications with interchangeable nozzles. In the first case, fixation is achieved by simply gluing the base with fibers to the core. Usually, a foam roller is made in this way, which is not designed for long-term operation. The process of creating hot-melt models involves the use of thermal welding of a fur coat onto a base. In this case, the tape with fibers is wound on a tube with a hot surface, as a result of which a monolithic bundle of a fur coat and a roller is formed.
Models with interchangeable coats are versatile and practical to use. Installation of a working element on a paint roller of this type is carried out using special plugs. First, the excess fur coat is driven lengthwise into the base of the tube, and then it is fixed with a cotter pin and bushings.
Classification by purpose
As an entry level, consider a variety of mini rollers. These are small devices with rollers, the width of which rarely exceeds 15 cm. Such models are recommended for painting in hard-to-reach places or for small amounts of work. However, the most widely used standard paint roller. Types of fur coats in this case are used without exception, and the sizes can be different. With such a roller, you can also paint a flat surface, and provide protection for weakly relief areas, as well as leveling using a water-based solution. In professional circles, morefacade models are in demand, the fur coats of which are usually made of fur with a pile of about 20 mm. With the help of such a roller, you can perform not only typical painting tasks, but also cover large areas of problematic surfaces with high quality.
Choosing the optimal paint roller
When choosing the right tool, it is important to strike a balance between providing two opposing qualities. In particular, the roller must hold the ink mass on its fibers, but at the same time it is easy to give it to the working surface. In order not to miscalculate in this choice, it is necessary to take into account both the properties of the coloring composition and the performance characteristics of the fur coat fibers. For example, fur paint rollers are best suited for paints and varnishes, polyester models work well with water-based solutions, and velor tools are suitable for water-dispersion and alkyd compounds.
Painting aids
In such a responsible and delicate operation, one roller cannot be dispensed with. First of all, you should provide a container for paint. The traditional way of dipping a tool into a bucket is irrational and wasteful. It is better to purchase a special bath for this purpose, divided into two parts. It will also be useful to prepare a paint brush. Although the paint roller, in theory. should replace its function, in some situations it is more convenient to use a more compact tool. For example, not a single fur coat will paint over the corners as well as a brush will do. Expandthe functionality of the roller will also help the handle-holder, with which you can reach remote areas. In addition, it is worth noting the need to use personal protective equipment - the traditional set of a painter in this part includes a respirator, goggles and gloves.
Rules for using the roller
From the outside, this procedure seems simple and easy. But to obtain a high-quality coating, several important painting rules should be considered. Start work from a light source so that there are no noticeable transitions. In this case, the joints, corners and transition zones are painted over first. The uniformity of the paint application is ensured not only in the process of painting - for example, after dipping the roller into the composition, it is necessary to draw it over a ribbed surface. This will allow you to apply a layer of paint without streaks and smudges. Use the painting tool carefully, without jerking and strong pressure. The direction of movement of the roller should be the same - this will also increase the uniformity of the coating and minimize the risk of defects.
Conclusion
Painting is considered one of the most difficult stages of finishing activities. Usually, in operations where high precision of tool handling is required, automated technical means are used. This area is not devoid of such devices, but they do not always provide a decent result. This increases the value of the work of craftsmen who use a roller as their main tool.painting in one modification or another. Even paint sprayers, which are distinguished by ease of application, lose to traditional devices in a number of operational parameters. And this is not to mention the advantages of the roller in terms of economy. Firstly, this is one of the cheapest options from the entire range of painting tools. Second, it is virtually maintenance free.
