PSA: Don't cheap out on paint rollers like I did

I bought a 4 pack of no-name rollers from a discount bin for $3.50 last month. After 2 coats on my living room walls, the fibers started shedding into the paint. I spent 4 hours picking little fuzz bits out of the finish with tweezers before I gave up and started over. Has anyone else dealt with a roller that just disintegrates mid-project?

3 comments

3 Comments

amy_west1mo ago

That four hours of tweezing is the kind of thing that makes you question your life choices. I had a similar situation with a cheap roller that started leaving little blue fuzz balls all over my trim work. After two hours of trying to pick them out with a damp cloth, I just gave up and let the paint dry, then sanded the whole thing down and started fresh. The worst part is you don't notice the shedding until the paint is already half dry and you're committed. A decent roller is maybe eight bucks, and it saves you a weekend of frustration.

claire_davis311mo ago

Four hours tweezing wet paint? That seems a bit excessive honestly.

cooper.drew1mo ago

Shudder thinking about picking fuzz out of wet paint for four hours, that’s a nightmare I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I’ve had cheap rollers shed a little, but nothing that turned into a full-blown tweezers operation like that. Gotta respect the dedication though, because that’s when I would’ve just thrown the whole wall out.