Abstract: A paint applicator has a paint-impervious backing such as a cylindrical core to which is adhered a resilient reticulated reservoir such as an open-cell polyurethane foam. Covering the reservoir is a flexible reticulated metering layer that is not bonded to the reservoir except at crossing points of the reticulations. The applicator better releases paint and is more easily cleaned as compared to prior paint applicators having pile fabric coverings. In addition to paint rolls, other types of paint applicators such as paint pads and paint mittens can employ the same composite of a reticulated reservoir and reticulated metering layer.

Abstract: A paint applicator has a paint-impervious backing such as a cylindrical core to which is adhered a resilient reticulated reservoir such as an open-cell polyurethane foam. Covering the reservoir is a felxible reticulated metering layer that is not bonded to the reservoir except at crossing points of the reticulations. The applicator better releases paint and is more easily cleaned as compared to prior paint applicators having pile fabric coverings. In addition to paint rolls, other types of paint applicators such as paint pads and paint mittens can employ the same composite of a reticulated reservoir and reticulated metering layer.