Every experienced painter knows the importance of having the right painting tools. To help you in your next painting project, we made a checklist that you could bring when shopping for tools you will need.

 When buying paints, keep in mind that some paints are made for a specific type of surface like concrete, wood, or metal. It’s important as well to identify where you’ll use the paint. Are you going to apply it inside or outside your home?  Is the surface plain or textured?  Also, take note if it is a new painting job or a repainting job? If it’s for repainting, try to find out the old paint used so it would be compatible with the new paint. All of these things must be considered in finding the right paint for you.

Try this choose your paint tool to get paint recommendation that suits your needs.

Check out this paint calculator that estimates how much paint you’ll need.

You need a paint brush for hard-to-reach areas and edges. But before getting one, you need to know the type of paint you’re going to use and the size of the surface to be painted. Solvent-based paints require a natural paint brush, while water-based and oil-based paints need an ordinary paint brush.

Here’s a guide you can check before buying a paint brush:

1 inch – for tight spots or corners

1-1½ – 2 inches – for furniture or doorposts, cornices and handrails

2-1½ – 3 inches – cabinets, baseboards, cupboards, shelves, beams, tables, stair steps, window sills, stairs, gutters and hinges

3-1½ – 4 inches – floors, ceilings, walls

Rollers are for smooth, well-prepared, and wide surfaces. If you’re painting walls or ceilings, you can also get a roller extension pole. Like paint brushes, you need to know the type of paint you’re using before getting rollers.  If you’re an amateur painter, we recommend that you use rollers with water-based or oil-based paints. Only experienced painters use rollers with solvent-based paints because to the untrained hand air bubbles or foaming marks might appear on the paint film. 

Honorable mention: Paint spray gun (Air spray or Airless spray) is used in spray painting to cover larger surfaces. Spray painting is a painting technique that requires a certain level of expertise, so it’s best to leave it to the hands of experienced painters.

 When you’re using a paint roller, it’s a must to buy a paint tray. It holds the paint and makes sure the paint distribution on your rollers are even and less likely to drip.

Pro-tip: Cover your paint tray with plastic so it’s easier to clean up and reuse it.

Paint scrapers are important when you’re prepping the surface. You need it when you’re removing loose and peeling paint.

Like paint scrapers, you need a putty knife in the surface preparation stage to cover hairline or minor surface imperfections.  It is designed with a thin and flexible blade that is perfect for putty or filler application.

You’ll need sandpaper to achieve that smooth and even finish. Use rough sandpaper (grade 120-280) to even out surfaces in surface prep stage. Use fine sandpaper (grade 320-1000/1200) in between coats to polish lap or brush marks.

 Clean rags come in handy when you’re prepping the surface. They clean and dry surfaces before painting.  You can also use these when there are paint splatters or spills.

It doesn’t matter how careful you are, there’s always a possibility for paint to drip on floors or other furniture you don’t want paint on.  Use drop cloths to protect floors and furniture from paint splatters or sanding dust. If drop cloths are not available, you can also use old newspapers, tarpaulins, or plastic covers.

Ever wonder how painters manage to get perfect lines around corners? Their secret is a painter’s tape or masking tape. You’ll need it to stop paint from bleeding on trims and edges.

Aside from extension poles, you’ll need a ladder when painting walls, ceilings, and other difficult-to-reach areas.

Wear a cap, gloves, and safety glasses to protect yourself from paint splatters. You can also put on a face mask especially when scraping or sanding old paint that might contain lead.

Get expert-approved painting tips, color inspirations, fun quizzes, and more. Subscribe to Let it B now!

Author

Yasmin Aguila is a copywriter at Boysen Paints Philippines. Interested in making paints fun and relatable, she produces quizzes and painting ideas for this blog. She claims that she is obsessed with yellow, but she always dresses in black from head to toe.

Write A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.