Paint guards make painting trim that protrudes from walls easier, preventing unwanted smears. Look for versions with multiple uses – such as scraper, nail-puller opener and hammer handle functions – while painting.
An entry level step ladder will allow you to reach high places such as ceiling crown molding and door frames with ease. Add an angled brush for edging purposes, along with a foam brush designed specifically for small touch ups.
Paintbrushes
Paintbrushes are essential tools for painting, allowing you to apply liquid paint in both fine and broad strokes. Their bristles may be made of natural or synthetic fibers; some types have long bristles while others short bristles, with each offering distinct attributes depending on the style of painting you are doing.
A rigger brush (commonly referred to as a liner or script liner brush) has long, tapering bristles with sharp points, making it ideal for creating lines or curves, as well as signing your name at the bottom of a painting or doing stippling techniques.
Wall patchers can fill nail holes and cracks before applying drywall, while caulk guns are essential tools for applying joint compound to larger patching jobs. A sponge is also helpful in cleaning surfaces before painting; while sanders remove old coats of paint to prepare surfaces for future coats.
Rollers
Rollers are perfect for painting surfaces with smooth or semi-smooth textures, providing a higher-quality finish than brush painting alone. Not only are rollers efficient and quick in terms of application time, they can also save paint costs as they provide more precise application resulting in less wasted overspray.
Different roller covers are constructed from various materials to suit various painting surfaces. Their composition, known as their nap, makes a big difference; shorter nap lengths work best with glossy paints while longer nap lengths suit eggshell or flat latex paints more efficiently.
Some Painters Melbourne prefer power rollers that feature an integrated paint container that pumps the color directly to the roller head, bypassing any need for an extra tray. These rollers are great for larger projects as well as those who have limited mobility or difficulty using traditional brushes.
Tray Liner
Tray liners are an easy and efficient way to simplify any painting job. Made of plastic, these handy devices prevent paint from mixing together, speeding up cleanup time and lessening messiness. Durable and solvent-resistant, they can even be thrown away after each use!
Oil-based paints should always be handled using a liner to protect brushes from solvents used for cleanup; latex paints require water so this step is unnecessary. If unable to find such a liner, aluminum foil may serve as an adequate substitute. Unfortunately, however, its ability to tear easily makes this less than ideal solution as chemicals from the paint could still get through to you and expose you to its chemicals.
Flat-Headed Screwdriver
Flat head screwdrivers are essential tools for any painter. Also referred to as turnscrews, these devices allow users to quickly loosen or tighten slotted screw fasteners that do not require power tools without using tools themselves. Unfortunately, however, they’re vulnerable to breaking under pressure as their shaft and tip become thinner over time and wear.
To prevent this problem, invest in a quality screwdriver made of steel with an ergonomic hard handle and interchangeable bits to accommodate different screw types – this way when one becomes worn-down it can easily be swapped out for another!
Paint Can Opener
Paint can openers are invaluable tools for both professionals and DIYers, offering quick and safe opening of paint cans without splattering. Not only is using one much safer than using flat-head screwdrivers; but this metal tool can even save you time in doing your painting tasks!
This multifunctional tool serves multiple functions. It acts as a putty knife, chisel, roller scraper and nail puller; plus can open pint, quart and gallon cans of paint, stain and varnish!
It features an integrated spout for effortless pouring, making this essential when painting walls and ceilings. Closing it can either be accomplished using an automatic closer, which provides faster results but requires higher upfront costs; alternatively a mallet may be used instead for closure.