Usually, everything in those kits are junk. The sleeves will usually shed and hold paint unevenly. For best results, buy the best stuff. It's only a few dollars more. The 3/4" nap is a good idea for textured surfaces. Good sleeves are Purdy White Doves or Wooster SuperFab. The frames you want to buy are Wooster Sherlocks because they are not only strong, but they lock the sleeves in place so they don't slide off. When you are rolling a textured surface you want to make sure that you load the sleeve really well with paint. The more paint in the sleeve, the less pressure you will have to apply. Let the sleeve do the work for you.

Thanks for the suggestion. That looks like a nice roller. Hopefully it can withstand some pressure :-)

What Paintguy said!!

To be more specific when shopping...
* The frames he mentions have a 5/16" (instead of 1/4") frame/neck.
* The handle where the pole screws/attaches is stronger too.
* The Wooster Super-Fab 3/4", and the Purdy Contractor-1st 3/4" sleeves are popular 'round here for popcorn ceilings.
* I like the 3/4" "Slit-Foam" design. If you run your finger along this roller, you'll notice all the "slices".
These do NEED TO BE RINSED OUT/DE-FUZZED b4 use though!!
* Squeeze all the water out, and let dry for a couple hours...maybe the night b4 doing the painting.
* FOR THE FIRST LOADING...Let the paint soak in for a couple minutes, regardless what cover-style you use...load again...let soak another 2 minutes.
* Now, roll off the excess and start painting!

Main point:
* It takes a deeply-saturated sleeve to apply paint evenly.
* Notice I didn't say "paint dripping off the roller".
* With a properly loaded roller, you should be able to walk around the room and not spill a drop.

Faron

I picked up a couple of Wooster Sherlock rollers and they are TONS better, thanks! I appreciate your help.

I also would recommend buying the Sherlock extension poles. They don't screw in...instead there is a button that clicks into a hole. It's more sturdy and won't spin away while you are rolling because it is not threaded. It's a system...only works with Sherlock frames and poles. The 18" rollers are heavy, especially when you are using a fully loaded 3/4" nap sleeve and are rolling over your head. You may get tired faster and when you get tired that is when your roller slides all over the ceiling, you get skidding and you start applying uneven pressure. It may work for you....I imagine it depends on how strong and coordinated you are. It also requires you to buy a special frame and tray and you cannot roll tight into the corners because the frame sticks out on both sides.

I have to agree with Calgal about finding a reputable paint store run by retired painters and contractors, instead of the local box stores. I drive across town to get my paint...the service and pro tips are all worth the extra gas $ and my time.

The quality of paint makes a considerable difference too - don't skimp, it's like night and day when you go from the cheap stuff to better quality brands.

Good luck!

Professional grade products sure make a difference!

I repainted my daughter's 20X20 great room ceiling this week with an 18" roller. If you're a DIY'er, or a short female, an 18" roller, properly loaded with paint, will kick your butt. It did mine!

Michael