Only a bad workman blames his tools, as the saying goes, but sometimes the tools really are to blame. While they won’t turn a terrible painter into a brilliant one, having the right tools on hand will improve the quality and accessibility of the job at hand. So, if you’re planning on repainting your home or business, read on to find out some of the painting tools you’ll need to make this project a breeze.
Paint comb
A paint comb sounds odd (after all, why would need to comb your paintbrush?), but in reality, it’s something that can truly pay off in the long run. Your paintbrushes are going to get clogged up with paint, forcing you to go out and buy new ones after just a few uses. A paint comb, however, helps you to open up the bristles for cleaning, extending the life of your brushes.
Drop cloths
Drop cloths are essential if you want to protect your flooring and furniture from paint. You can opt for the cheaper, plastic drop cloths that you throw away after each job, but keep in mind that these are poorer quality. They have a chance of ripping, and sometimes the paint can bleed through if you have a big enough spill. Instead, go for a good quality canvas drop cloth that can be used for years on end.
Masking film
Masking film is great for those areas of your home that are difficult to cover with a drop cloth—namely your windows, doors, and cabinets. It sticks to the surface through static electricity, making it easy to apply and easy to remove. Plus, it won’t damage the surface any, ensuring that any previous paint jobs remain blemish-free.
Painter’s Tape
If you want clean cut lines, then painter’s tape is a must. This kind of tape is stick-less, so it’ll be easy to remove. Just be sure you remove it just as your paint job has dried. If you leave it on for longer, it can harden and make it difficult to remove, possibly taking your paint job with it.
Paint trays
While it can be annoying to refill your paint tray several times, they still make it easier to paint, especially when working with paint rollers. You’ll want to get a metal paint tray with hooked legs so that it can attach to your ladder. And, if you want an easier clean up, you can place a plastic tray inside your metal one, preventing you from having to clean out the metal tray each time you paint.
Paint roller with refills
When working on a large room, a paint roller can cut your painting time down in half. If you invest in a good roller, it’ll last you a long time, so all you’ll need to do is buy the refills.
Angled brushes
You’ll want an angled brush for the areas that your roller can’t reach, such as the corners or along the trim. You can try and use an ordinary paint brush, but an angled brush will make it easier for you to get a clean, crisp edge.
Step ladder and extension ladder
No matter how tall you are, you’ll need to paint areas that are just too high for you to reach on your own two legs. A step ladder is great for painting the top of your walls or windows without having to drag out the extension ladder. However, you will have to use your extension ladder for hard to reach places such as your stairs, so it’s best to have both on hand just in case.
With these tools in hand, your painting job should be much easier to manage. However, if you feel that this painting job is just too big for you alone to handle, then consider hiring a professional contractor to do it for you. Here at Richard Stewart Painting, we offer our services to everyone in the Los Angeles area. Give us a call today to see how we can help!
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