Abstract: A paint roller protective device for a paint roller including a roller portion having a diameter, a handle and a shaft having an inner end connected to the handle and an outer end, the roller portion rotatably mounted on the shaft. The paint roller protective device includes (a) an elongated shell including an end wall, side walls extending from the end wall, an open end for receiving said roller portion, and an inner diameter selected to provide a clearance between the roller portion and the walls of the shell when the roller portion is inserted in the shell; (b) a cap for covering at least a portion of the open end of the shell, the cap including holder means for engaging and holding a portion of said handle when the roller portion is inserted in the shell and the cap is placed over said open end, such that the roller portion remains substantially free of the walls of the shell; and (c) attachment means for detachably attaching the cap to the shell.