Achieving a flawless paint finish on furniture doesn't have to be a daunting task, and you don’t need to invest in an expensive spray gun to achieve great results. Instead, for just a few pounds, the right rollers, and by applying some quick and easy techniques you can transform your upcycling project into a super smooth sensation in no time.
When a fellow furniture painter recommended I use one of these rollers to get a smooth finish on the top of a large sideboard, I was sceptical but willing to give them a go. I was panicking, I had a commission, I couldn't get the top perfectly smooth and the clock was ticking. I had to get this piece back to my client. Her words to me were “These are the bomb trust me”, and so I did, and I have never looked back from that day.
Here we will explore the benefits of this game-changing duo: Two Fussy Blokes Rollers and Staalmeester rollers. I will explain the differences between them, and the crucial leverage they will bring to the finish and speed of your work.
I will share tips and tricks, from preparing your surface to laying off that final finish, and help you learn how to avoid common mistakes such as roller marks and track lines, the “orange peel” effect, and streaks.
Are you ready to roll?
Preparing the surface of your furniture for rolling on your paint
Preparation, preparation, preparation. I know I sound like a stuck record, but your finished surface is only as good as your prepared surface
Before rolling your paint, stain or varnish, follow these simple rules:
- Fill any holes or cracks
- Glue down and make good any lifting veneer
- Remove any traces of dirt, grease, wax, oil or polish
- Sand previously painted and varnished surfaces
Choosing the right roller to paint your furniture: Two Fussy Blokes paint rollers vs Staalmeester paint rollers
I hear this question asked so many times. Which paint rollers are best for painting furniture? Two Fussy Blokes or Staalmeester? This subject frequently pops up in painting groups and forums.
Now depending on who is answering this question you will get a different answer. Those who stock Two Fussy Blokes rollers will say Two Fussy Blokes are the best paint rollers and those who sell Staalmeester rollers will say Staalmeester are the best paint rollers.
I tried both and I love them both, and by doing so, I feel that I can give a balanced opinion for you to compare and contrast so you can make your considered choice.
Roller sizes
Both the Two Fussy Blokes and the Staalmeester roller sleeves will fit a universally compliant roller handle, though each does have brand-specific handles.
Both Staalmeester and Two Fussy Blokes are available in 100mm width.
Two Fussy Blokes also introduced new sizes in 2024:
- 50mm: great for tight spaces and stencilling
- 160mm: ideal for larger flat areas
Material and pile depth
Staalmeester: microfelt, pile (nap) 5mm
Two Fussy Blokes: microfibre, pile (nap) 5mm ('smooth') & 10mm ('semi-smooth')
Pack sizes
Staalmeester mini roller sleeve: 2-pack and 10-pack
Two Fussy Blokes mini roller sleeve: 100mm 3-pack and 10-pack, 50mm 5-pack, and 160ml 3-pack
Suitable uses
Both Two Fussy Blokes Rollers and Staalmeester rollers should be used ideally for applying water-based paints, stains, and varnishes.
Two Fussy Blokes do offer specialist alternative rollers for use with oil-based products, but I have used the micro fibre rollers with both oil and water-based products successfully.
Clean up
Warm soapy water, to remove water-based paints and rinse with just water to remove the soapy residue.
Methylated spirits to remove oil-based paints. Once all of the paint has been removed, apply the above process.
Top Tip; The roller sleeves won't feel as soft once dried as they did when they were brand new, but just put them under cold water then remove the excess water and you are all ready to roll once again.
Comparison between Two Fussy Blokes rollers and Staalmeester rollers
The two are pretty similar and both give great results.
The Staalmeester rollers are slightly more expensive, but not enough of a difference to choose one brand over the other.
The Two Fussy Blokes rollers are available in two different naps 5mm ('smooth') and 10mm ('semi-smooth'). The shorter nap is perfect for smaller flat surfaces, whereas the deeper nap is a game-changer when it comes to doing large flat surfaces such as table tops and large sideboards.
Don’t worry, the finish with the semi-smooth rollers is still perfectly smooth despite the description. If you don’t believe me then see the results for yourself.
How to get a smooth spray-like finish with a paint roller
Ok, so we have covered the preparation required and the products needed. Now let’s get on to the painting, with some tips and tricks to help you get the very best finish using a paint roller.
How to correctly load a paint roller
Pour your paint into the well end of the roller tray (deepest part).
Make sure you have a good amount of paint in there, sufficient to distribute paint onto your roller, but not too much that it is flowing over the shallow part. About one-third full is what you are aiming for.
Dip your roller into the paint and load the paint by spinning the roller in the paint a few times, then in the usually shallower part of the tray (contoured area) remove the excess paint by rolling backwards and forwards, gently but firmly but with no excess force.
If you have too much paint on your roller you can end up with track lines on both sides of the area you have rolled, too little paint will cause patchiness and your natural tendency will be to apply more pressure which will only exacerbate the patchiness.
Practice rolling on a spare piece of wood. This will not only help you gauge the correct amount of paint needed in your roller, it will also give you the confidence to embark on your project.
Applying the paint
Always roll in the direction of the wood grain and always start at one side for sides and at the back for tops.
Roll your first pass of paint in a rolling motion principally in one direction, then roll the next section in the opposite direction and slightly overlap the previous pass. Don’t worry: your lines don’t have to be perfectly straight.
Repeat this process until the surface is completely covered. Don’t roll backwards and forwards over the same area, fiddle or faff, just trust the process.
Then just have a quick check to make sure you don’t have any debris in your wet paint such as dust, paint particles, hairs or flies, if you do gently remove them without disturbing your wet paint.
Laying off after rolling
What does 'laying off' paint mean?
This is a process to give your paint a smooth, consistent, spray-like finish.
Immediately after rolling, before your paint has had any chance to start drying, simply place your unloaded roller at the point you started painting and with zero pressure roll over that area in the same direction as when you applied the paint, then back on the second pass and so on until you have gone over the whole surface. Don’t roll in the same direction for each pass as this can cause a stripy appearance.
Adding more coats
Allow your paint to dry thoroughly before applying further coats. If your paint isn’t sufficiently dry, the new layer will act as a suction on your previous coat and cause the surface to peak and this can cause an orange peel finish, because your first paint layer is partially dry and so it has lost its ability to self-level.
Place your paint roller and tray in an airtight zip bag between coats to prevent your paint and roller from drying out. This will save you from having to wash them in between, saving you time, money, and water.
Give the area a gentle sand with 500-grit sandpaper, such as Mirka Goldflex. This will de-nib your paint, but it won’t scratch it. Then just remove all sanding debris with a damp lint-free cloth and allow the surface to dry.
Repeat the rolling and sanding process between coats until you have good coverage. This shouldn’t be more than 3 coats. Anything over this and you are likely to end up with too big a build-up of paint and this can lead to an uneven surface.
How to paint the top surface of furniture with a roller
The top surfaces of furniture are the most unforgiving areas to show imperfections: this is why the correct preparation before any painting is essential.
Time is of the essence here, so make sure everything you need is close to hand and you are not going to get any interruptions.
If you are painting a big surface, use the semi-smooth rollers for great paint pick up. It saves precious time the fewer times you need to reload your roller.
Always start painting at the back of the surface of the piece in the direction of the grain. The back is the furthest point and as you roll your arm will get tired, so if you’re trying to reach over wet paint your posture is going to be more awkward and your rolling will become less even, also not reaching over wet paint will avoid anything falling in it.
Use a fine continuous mister bottle to apply the merest hint of moisture evenly across the surface before you start painting and between coats. Don’t use a general spray bottle as the water droplets are too big and can affect the look and finish of your paint.
Roller the paint using the same method as detailed above and lay off if applicable.
Top tips for better paint rolling results
Housekeeping rules for paint rollers
- Make sure your roller handle is clean and not caked up in old dried paint as this will prevent your roller from rotating freely.
- Make sure your roller handle isn’t bent or distorted, as this will cause your roller to deliver the paint unevenly This can happen over time due to the force of pushing on and pulling off roller sleeves.
- Rinse your roller sleeves under the tap, then remove as much of the water as possible by squeezing it out just before use. This will not only remove any loose fibres attracted to them, but it will extend those fibres enabling more paint pick-up, the addition of some moisture will also assist with paint flow.
- Use a roller tray as this allows you to evenly load your roller in the paint well area and remove the excess paint before applying it onto your furniture.
- Before you start, line your roller tray with cling film or tin foil, this will save you on clean-up time
What are good conditions for rolling paint?
- Have your roller tray close to where you are painting
- Work in good light
- Try not to work in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight
Tips for applying paint with a roller
- Have one final check of your surface for any likely issues such as fallen dust, and fix them
- Work in thinner layers, especially on your first coat, rather than trying to cover your surface in one hit.
- You may see air bubbles as you start to roll, don’t worry about these, they will disappear provided you apply the correct methods and use the correct paint.
- You can add just a little water to your paint if it feels too thick but just be careful, the more water you add to mineral paint the less durable your paint will be. Other alternatives are to dampen your roller or light mister the surface using a use a Fusion mister bottle
Conclusion
When someone came into my shop and asked me how much I charged to spray furniture, I knew investing in a pack of rollers was worthwhile!
I replied, "I don’t have a sprayer: I use a roller," and his face was a picture. No matter how closely he examined the furniture he couldn’t see any evidence of roller marks, and believe me when I say that I have very good albeit very unforgiving light in my shop.
With a few simple techniques and the right rollers, it’s quite possible to achieve a spray-like finish. The downside that I can see to using a paint roller is you do use more paint, but the counterbalance is you can paint much quicker with a roller, saving you time and time is money. Two Fussy Blokes and Staalmeester are both my go-to rollers,
The finish you achieve from both is exceptional: it really does come down to your preference. The price point on the Staalmeester rollers is slightly higher and they only have one nap. The Two Fussy Blokes rollers are a little cheaper, but by no means inferior, but having the deeper nap (semi-smooth) makes them a game changer for me when it comes to painting table tops, large sideboards. and wardrobes.
I would highly recommend you give both brands a go because only you will know which you prefer to use.
I hope you find this information useful and I would love for you to join in and cast your vote in the comments for Two Fussy Blokes vs Staalmeester!