7 essential paint tools

So, you have decided to do some painting around the home, but you don’t have any tools. Here is a list of some essential paint tools that you will need to purchase from the shops to get going.

7 essential paint tools

1. Tape

You’ll need painter’s or masking tape to help you paint between the lines. If you want a professional result then tape is your best friend, as it will ensure you don’t paint over the places that you aren’t supposed to. It will also keep you on the straight and narrow – no wavy paint lines when tape is on hand. You can also use tape for some creative techniques like painting stripes. There are at least 7 different ways to use tape when painting, so it is certainly one of those paint tools you can’t do without.

2. Paint tray

Painting straight from a paint tin is not the best idea, nor is it possible if you want to use a paint roller for a quicker, smoother application. Pouring your paint into a paint tray will save you a lot of time and it will make the painting project a less messy affair. The bigger the paint tray, the more paint you can pour into it, which is great for jobs that will require a lot of paint. Just remember to not pour too much paint out, otherwise it will dry out. And make sure the paint tray and the roller match in size.

3. Ladder

You won’t reach very far without a ladder. Depending on the space that you are painting, choose a ladder that will provide you with the height that you need to cover the full surface area. Getting a ladder with a little shelf to carry the paint tray will also be very handy when you are painting from a ladder. Ladders can, however, be unsafe, so make sure you follow these 20 rules of ladder safety.

4. Paintbrushes

Paintbrushes are essential paint tools, even if the majority of the job will be done using a roller. Small brushes can be used for places that require detailed accuracy and they are necessary for doing touch ups. They are also very handy for those areas that rollers cannot get into. For smaller jobs, you might even find that you only use paintbrushes. There are many sizes and types of paintbrushes, so consider the job at hand before purchasing. Synthetic bristle paintbrushes are best for DIY jobs, as they limit the amount of brush marks and dried strokes in the paint and the bristles don’t fall out as easily as natural brushes. For a better finish, it is best to choose a paintbrush with longer bristles.

5. Drop cloth

If you want to keep things clean then making use of a drop cloth will help. Cover floors, furniture and other items with a drop cloth to protect them from also getting a coat of paint. There will inevitably be paint drops, so whether you use a drop cloth or something more temporary (like a newspaper or brown kraft paper), make sure you keep things covered.

6. Paint rollers

Paint rollers are your go-to for painting large surfaces areas. You’ll also need to add roller refills for your essential paint tools kit, and this will cost a lot less than getting new rollers every time. There are different types and sizes of rollers, so make sure you get some advice on the rollers that will meet your requirements best.

7. Paint

Of all the essential paint tools, paint is the most important. Without it, you won’t be painting anything. Considering what it is you want to paint, choose the right kind of paint and the best colour. There are different kinds of paint for exterior walls and interior walls, and some colours that help make dark spaces brighter and others that make small rooms feel bigger.

Once you have your 7 essential paint tools, do a bit of reading on how to clean and prepare walls for painting and how to paint new walls.