When applying epoxy and polyurethane products, contractors often overlook the importance of using the correct roller, resulting in sub-standard finishes.
Since roller covers are throwaway items, many contractors tend to go for the least expensive ones on the market. However, using low quality rollers can lead to low quality finishes that may have to be sanded and redone, ultimately costing more money.
Given that the materials being used are not inexpensive with most kits of quality epoxies and polyurethanes costing hundreds of dollars, why choose a cheap roller and run the risk of a less-than-satisfactory job that may have to be corrected?
A quality roller will provide a high quality smooth and flat finish without the tell-tale roller markings. Good quality rollers also ensure you don’t need to keep pausing between applications to remove lint or fix up roller marks and any other shortcoming that may result from using a cheap roller, thereby, saving you time and cost while reducing the hassle.
Concrete Colour Systems lists the characteristics of a good quality roller to use with epoxy and polyurethane products:
- Lint-free to prevent fish-eyeing from particles coming away from the roller and embedding themselves in the coating;
- Moisture-resistant thick multi-ply phenolic cardboard core to prevent losing form and shape, and causing several roller replacements on a single job;
- High resistance to harsh solvents to prevent the glued fabric from ending up in the coating;
- A nap of 10-12mm to provide excellent product coverage over the surface of the floor.
Conclusion: Avoid the temptation to buy cheap rollers for these coating applications. Don’t compromise on the quality of your roller covers – a good quality roller will ensure an excellent quality finish for your epoxy or polyurethane coatings.
