Short answer
Smooth siding and trim: 3/8 inch. Rough wood siding and T1-11: 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Stucco and masonry: 3/4 inch. Brick and concrete block: 1 to 1-1/4 inch. Use synthetic knit covers with latex exterior paint, roll from a 5 gallon bucket with a grid, and paint in the shade.
Nap by exterior surface
| Surface | Nap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth siding, doors, trim | 1/4 to 3/8 in. | Woven or short microfiber on doors and trim in higher sheens |
| Rough wood, T1-11, fences | 1/2 to 3/4 in. | Brush or back-brush grooves and grain |
| Stucco, masonry | 3/4 in. | Benjamin Moore and Purdy: textured ceilings, stucco and masonry |
| Coarse stucco | 1 to 1-1/4 in. | Step up if the 3/4 in. cover skips |
| Brick, concrete and cinder block | 1 to 1-1/4 in. | Benjamin Moore: best for brick and masonry block |
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01Brick and block
A 1-1/4 inch masonry cover
Best for Brick, concrete block, cinder block, coarse stucco
- Nap
- 1 to 1-1/4 in.
- Fabric
- Thick knit
- Width
- 9 in.
- Shur-Line lists a 1-1/4 in. knit cover for brick, concrete and masonry block (retailer listings).
-
02Stucco
A 3/4 inch knit cover
Best for Most stucco and masonry, rough wood
- Nap
- 3/4 in.
- Fabric
- Knit polyester
- Width
- 9 in.
-
03Setup
A 5 gallon bucket and roller grid
Best for Any exterior job bigger than a door
- Holds
- Up to 5 gallons
- Fits
- 9 in. and wider covers
- Pairs with
- An extension pole
- Fewer refills than a tray, and the bucket moves along the wall with you.
Exterior technique
- Chase the shade. Benjamin Moore lists direct sun and wind among the causes of lap marks. Paint each side of the house after the sun has left it.
- Prime porous surfaces. The same source recommends a primer or sealer on very porous surfaces to create uniform porosity, which prevents patchy sheen.
- Work wet to dry. Roll from the unpainted area back into the wet edge, and stop only at corners, trim or downspouts.
- Back-roll after spraying. On stucco and block, many painters spray and then roll to push paint into pores.
- Synthetic covers for latex. Sherwin-Williams says synthetic covers suit latex paints, and that water in latex can swell and mat natural fibers.
Purdy also notes that temperature and humidity should factor into your roller choice. Check the paint can for temperature limits before you start.
Setting up for a big job? Compare tray vs bucket grid, and see rollers for textured surfaces for decks and rough wood.
Questions people ask
What nap roller for stucco?
3/4 inch for most stucco, which Benjamin Moore and Purdy both recommend for stucco and masonry. Very coarse stucco can take 1 to 1-1/4 inch. Many painters back-roll after spraying stucco to work the paint into the texture.
What nap roller for brick?
1 to 1-1/4 inch. Benjamin Moore lists 1 to 1-1/4 inch as best for brick and masonry block, and Purdy points rough surfaces such as brick and cinder block to a 1 inch nap.
Can I roll exterior siding?
Yes, on flat panels and the faces of lap siding, often followed by a brush to work paint under the lap edges. Use the nap that matches the siding texture, and check the paint maker’s directions.
Why does exterior paint show lap marks?
Sun and wind dry the edge too fast. Benjamin Moore lists direct sunlight and wind among the causes of lap marks; paint in the shade, in manageable sections, and break only at corners, trim or other natural stops.
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.