Painting your home can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and equipment, it can be a breeze. Whether you're a professional painter or a DIY enthusiast, having the right tools for the job is essential. From paint trays and rollers to brushes and edgers, there are many tools that can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. In this article, we'll discuss the essential painting tools you need for your home projects.
You should always start with a clean surface when painting, as dirt and debris can prevent paint from adhering properly or cause it to bubble. A paint tray is an absolute must if you're using a paint roller. The best option is to buy a sturdy metal paint tray and then use disposable plastic inserts for different paint colors. Dip the roller thoroughly into the paint and then roll it back and forth on the ribbed and sloped surface of the tray to distribute and remove excess paint before rolling it on the walls.
If you have a lot of area to cover, nothing beats a paint roller. Natural rollers, such as wool, are best for oil-based paints, while synthetic rollers such as nylon are ideal for latex-based paints. The shorter the life of the roller, the smoother the finish will be. While rollers are great for covering large wall spaces, brushes are better suited for smaller areas and borders.
Natural bristle brushes are used to apply oil-based paints, while polyester brushes are best for latex paints. An angled brush is great for painting straight lines along crop areas, while flat-headed brushes are best for filling larger, more even spaces. If there are only small areas you don't want to paint, such as window moldings, you can use a metal or plastic paint edger instead of adhesive tape. Hold the edger against the area you don't want to paint and apply the paint along the outer edge.
Make sure to clean the edger with a cloth before moving it to avoid accidentally dragging the paint where you don't want it. Protective cloths are essential when painting to preserve floors and furniture from spills. Canvas cloths are more expensive but will last longer and absorb paint when it spills. Plastic cloths are lightweight and reusable but will build up paint if spilled on them.
A multi-tool is an invaluable tool for all painters doing crafts. This small but powerful tool has a flat edge for scraping and applying putty to holes; an opening for removing nails; a pointed edge for cleaning cracks, removing putty and opening paint cans; a hammer handle to close them; and a curved surface to remove paint from rollers before cleaning them. A roller handle is also essential if you're going to be painting a lot at home. We recommend investing in one that locks in place rather than one with a twisted handle.
A Sherlock mast that can be extended from 2 to 4 feet is also invaluable for keeping paint off surfaces where you don't want it. If you have vaulted ceilings or outside corner boards to roll up, consider buying one that extends from 4 to 8 feet. A hand masker is also worth investing in if aesthetics are important to you. This tool will last forever as long as you don't step on it! You'll also need a cutting tool to cut the tip of new tubes of putty and a sharpener to break the seal inside the nozzle of each tube. We've compiled a list of ten essential home painting tools that every painter should have:
- Paint tray
- Paint roller
- Brushes
- Paint edger
- Protective cloths
- Multi-tool
- Roller handle
- Sherlock mast
- Hand masker
- Cutting tool/sharpener
A brush/roller cleaning tool, which is compact and easy to use on standard brushes and roller covers, is also useful for keeping your tools clean. Finally, an air compressor, which has one or two air bubbles that could cause splashes, is essential if you plan on machine painting your walls. We've compared all of these painting tools so you can find the best deal out there! With these essential tools in your arsenal, you'll be ready to tackle any home painting project with ease...
