Abstract: A re-usable, shed-resistant roller cover for use with paint and other heavy liquids is provided. This roller cover includes a non-woven, woven, or knit surface material adapted to be used with paint rollers, wherein the surface material is substantially free of texture, and wherein the surface material further includes a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of fibers further comprise natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combination thereof; and wherein the plurality of fibers have been interconnected with one another by mechanical means, chemical means, thermal means, solvent means, sonic means, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system for preparing a surface for painting, staining, or other treatment is provided. This system includes a surface preparation material and an optional dispenser for dispensing the surface preparation material. The surface preparation material includes a single-layer or multi-layer substrate material or fabric; a sanding portion formed on the substrate, wherein the sanding portion further includes at least one abrasive substance deposited thereon or embedded therein; and a wiping portion formed on the substrate separate from the sanding portion, wherein the wiping portion further includes cleaning means for removing debris created by the sanding portion from the surface to be painted, stained, or otherwise treated. The cleaning means may be one or more dry textured regions or areas formed on the substrate or it may be one or more sticky or tacky regions or areas formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A re-usable, shed-resistant roller cover for use with paint and other heavy liquids is provided. This roller cover includes a non-woven, woven, or knit surface material adapted to be used with paint rollers, wherein the surface material is substantially free of texture, and wherein the surface material further includes a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of fibers further comprise natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combination thereof; and wherein the plurality of fibers have been interconnected with one another by mechanical means, chemical means, thermal means, solvent means, sonic means, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making paint roller covers by spirally wrapping a strip of hot thermoplastic film onto an exterior surface of a thermoplastic tubular form and spirally wrapping fabric strip having a thermoplastic backing onto the spiral wound strip of thermoplastic film while the thermoplastic film is still sufficiently hot to cause the thermoplastic film to flow into interstices in the fabric backing and permanently bond the fabric strip to the exterior surface of the tubular form. The tubular form may either comprise a plurality of preformed tubes or be formed by spirally wrapping a continuous length of core strip material around a mandrel while maintaining the adjacent edges of the core strip material in closely spaced, nonoverlapping relation to form a spiral seam between the core strip edges.