Step 1) Go to a real paint store.
Step 2) Don't use foam.



Paint: Advance.

Thin with 2floz/gallon water.

Apply with prodooz ftp 3/16" nap covers & nylon/polyester brush.
Brush out any detailed areas then quickly roll on paint then backroll the surface all in one direction.

 

You might be able to use your current roller providing you lightly 'tip off' the rolled on paint with a brush. Basically you are using the roller to apply the paint and then while still wet use the brush to dress it up. Obviously you'll need to sand down the roller texture first.

 

You say a quality cabinet paint, do you mean like one of those kits or a cabinet enamel?
The other responses are right, you should use a quality brush, but I'd also question your paint. A good cabinet paint meant for brushing on should self level to some degree. Yours may be meant for a sprayer...

 

To add to my previous response, we used the valspar cabinet enamel with a brush and got great results. You can see the wood grain through the finish instead of brush strokes (my wife wanted it that way).
There are some pics here:
https://famousartisan.com/kitchen-island-remodel/

 

I too, would like to know what paint you're using... Whil I think any paint from the box stores is low quality, I have used the valspar cabinet paint and its not bad. Its Lowes version of Advance.

As far as rollers, the prodooz is good, or the flock lined foam rollers are good too, but the straight foam sucks. heres an example of a flock lined. There are several makers, so dont be concerned about the color https://www.amazon.com/Shur-Line-4890C-Roller-2-Pack-4-Inch/dp/B000I1VBPE/ref=asc_df_B000I1VBPE/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583520382211306&psc=1

 

You have to use paint that has LEVELERS in it. The levelers allow the paint to flow in such a way that it eliminates most of that kind of texture you are experiencing. It won't eliminate all of it, but will leave you with a much nicer finish. I mean, you can only get them so smooth with a brush and roller. If you're seeking a factory type finish, well, spraying is the only way that's going to happen.

 

Thanks for the replies and advice! I sanded and applied a coat using only a high quality brush and the results were night and day better. I'm just surprised because every DIY youtube video and articles on the web claims the foam rollers are great. And maybe they are sometimes.. but not this time for me

I'm using KILZ oil based primer and Valspar cabinet paint. Thought it would be good enough but I'll have to try some of the other recommended paints and visit a paint shop before I tackle the other cabinets in the house. Started with the laundry room so if they're less than par they won't get seen as much.

 

Thanks for the replies and advice! I sanded and applied a coat using only a high quality brush and the results were night and day better. I'm just surprised because every DIY youtube video and articles on the web claims the foam rollers are great.

Most of the YouTube videos I've seen are crap. Never tried Valspar Cabinet paint. The Valspar paint I've used for other applications have worked fine. Cabinet work is kind of a specialty though, and as mentioned you need a good leveling paint. If the paint levels really well, then it almost doesn't matter how you apply it. So I suspect the Valspar paint isn't great for this.

 

I"ve never had any success with foam rollers. To me they don't hold enough paint so you are CONSTANTLY re-loading them and they tend to skid across the surface leaving ugly skid marks in your paint. I had a helper one time who claimed the foam rollers were the best thing ever. He used one in a bank we were painting. It left a horrible finish and I had to re-do what he painted.

 

Thin your paint with distilled water a bit. WHile I dont like valspar, I dont think the paint is your problem, its the application.