DIY painting may be a rewarding and enjoyable undertaking. Not having the proper tools, however, can quickly turn it into an overwhelming task. Whether you are an experienced handyman or just starting out with your first painting job, having the essential tools for painting is crucial for achieving a finish that can rival that of professional painters.
With the abundance of items you can get nowadays, it is easy to overspend on stuff you don’t need. In this article provided by painters and decorators, we will cover the 5 essential painting tools that you need in order to complete your DIY project.
Must-Have Painting Tools
While there is a significant number of items that may be of use with your task, the majority are not really needed, and most of the time, you are just throwing money away. Others, however, are an essential part of the process, and without them, you may be fighting an impossible uphill battle.
The five tools that all painters and decorators agree you must have are:
Wall Cleaner
Before you even begin thinking about painting a surface, you need to ensure that it is in the best possible condition for the task. Dirt, grime, or grease may prevent the paint from adhering or in some cases cause it to bubble, so need to do something about that.
Wall cleaners come in various forms including sprays, concentrates and ready-to-use formulas. All of them have one purpose – to ensure that the surface is clean from any contaminants. That’s why investing in a high-quality solution to prepare the area you wish to paint can save you time and frustration in the long run. Over a clean wall, your paint job will turn out smooth and even.
Brushes and Rollers
We know we are mentioning the obvious, but high-quality brushes and rollers are essential tools for painting to achieve results similar to those of professional painters.
When it comes to brushes, there are two main types that you can choose from – natural and synthetic. Natural bristle is made from animal hair, while synthetic one – from either nylon or polyester. The latter tends to be more durable and easier to clean. The former, on the other hand, is prone to shedding, so you need to be careful.
When selecting a brush, consider its size and shape. For example, a smaller one may be better for painting detailed areas like trim, while the larger ones are used for painting bigger areas.
Painting an entire wall is a challenging task if you are using only brushes. Hence why rollers are an essential tool for completing the task faster without sacrificing any of the quality. When it comes to rollers, they come with various nap lengths. A shorter nap is better for smooth surfaces, while the longer one is used for rougher areas. Similar to brushes, the cover of the rollers can be both natural and synthetic, with the latter lasting longer.
Painter’s Tape
Painter’s tape, also commonly known as masking tape, is used to achieve clean lines when painting. Its design allows it to be easily removed from the surface without leaving behind any adhesive residue.
There are different types of tape available, including low, medium, and high-tack options. When selecting the type you use, consider the type of paint and surface you will be using it on.
Ladder
Whether you will be painting an outdoor or indoor area, you need a ladder the ensure the success of your project. Used by professional painters and handymen alike, an aluminium or fibreglass ladder will get the job done.
This will probably be the priciest piece in your starter kit, but it is well worth the money. When choosing a ladder, opt for one with plenty of places to secure all your essential tools. Always consider the height and weight capacity required. Too short or weak ladder can be unsafe and lead to accidents or injuries.
Bucket
The bucket is a multi-purpose handyman tool that you absolutely must have in your arsenal. Regardless of whether you are going to use it for mixing and carrying around paint, to clean your brushes and rollers, or just fill it with the essentials and hang it on your ladder, it will make your life so much easier.
It is important to remember that, despite being a jack of all trades, a bucket can not maintain itself. Ensure that after every use you properly clean it and remove any residue. Some buckets come with a handle and a grid or ramp on the bottom to remove excess paint from your brushes and rollers, so opt for that one if you plan on using it to mix and carry paint.
Painting Tools You Can Skip
As mentioned previously, there are a number of handyman tools out there, that are advertised as helpful, but you don’t really need for your DIY painting job.
One of those items is a paint sprayer. While they can be a quick and efficient way to cover very large areas, the preparation that the require and the mess that is left behind is rarely worth it.
Another often advertised item is the paintbrush cleaner. Of course, it is important to keep your brushes clean after every use, but you do not require a special product for that. Soap and water work just as well as anything else.
Paint Pads
When it comes to paint pads, it really depends on the paint job that you need done. While in most cases they can be easily replaced by rollers, you may want to keep some around in case you need to paint behind a toilet tank or radiator.
Paint Tray Liners
Paint tray liners are other handyman tools that simply do not fit either of the two categories. A disposable plastic tray or a reusable metal one can get the job done as efficiently as the liners. It is without a doubt, however, that using the tray liners will provide you with an easy and convenient way to minimise cleanup and waste.
Conclusion
If you are looking to start your DIY painting project, you need to ensure that you have your wall cleaner, brushes and rollers, painter’s tape, a ladder and a bucket ready. For anything else, it comes down to the specifics and the jobs and personal preferences.
When it comes to the essentials, investing in high-quality painting tools will allow you to complete your work better, faster and with fewer risks involved.