Should I apply gloss paint with a roller or brush?

Whether you should apply gloss or semi-gloss paint with a roller or brush depends on the surface you are painting and the finish you want, and often the best results come from using both together. For large, flat areas like walls or cabinet panels, a roller is faster and can give a more even coat than a brush alone, but you need the right type of roller. For semi-gloss and gloss paints, use a short-nap roller, such as 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch microfiber or foam roller, to minimize texture and stipple, because glossier paints show roller texture more. For detailed work, trim, doors, baseboards, and edges, a high-quality brush is essential. A good angled sash brush with synthetic bristles for latex paint will give you better control and a smoother finish on narrow surfaces. Many professionals use a technique called roll and tip, where they roll the paint on quickly and then lightly drag a brush over the wet paint to smooth out stipple and bubbles. Regardless of tool, the key with gloss paint is to apply thin, even coats, avoid overworking the paint, maintain a wet edge, and sand lightly between coats for the smoothest possible finish.