Several households take on DIY projects to cut the unnecessary costs of contractors. It’s not unusual to see ordinary people standing confused in front of the shelf, trying to figure out which are the right tools to buy.
Are you one of these that have a paint job and you’re wondering what types of painting tools you need? There are so many wall painting tools on the market, and it could be an overwhelming task to assemble your gear, but that’s why our experts assembled this article. Let’s help you create a checklist of what you’ll need and what’s best to avoid.
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There are some tools you can’t do a paint job without, and others you may not need at all or only need in special circumstances. It’s worth doing some research to see what’s best to invest in for your specific job.
However, the biggest mistake homeowners make is they buy cheap tools and then they end up with a poor job that needs to be redone at a higher cost. Also remember, no expensive tool can do miracle work with poor-quality paint.
In most cases, you’ll need good quality products in the following categories.
Paint Roller and Brush
Let’s share about a specific brand to showcase important features and differences to look at when shopping for brushes.
The Nippon paintbrush has two variables:
- The 138 Paintbrush is the most cost-effective and is suitable for water-based paints. It’s made from a combination of synthetic materials and is available in 3 different widths.
- The 118 Paintbrush is suitable to use on all surfaces and for all paints. It has natural split ends that increase the ability to hold paint. It is strong, yet springy, and available in four different widths. This is your general all-rounder.
When using a paint roller, you need to consider your paint area to decide which width, and which handle length you’ll need.
Tip: Usually, for a standard room, you’ll only need two paintbrushes and a medium size paint roller brush.
Paint Tray
The guideline for purchasing a paint tray is simple: buy the size to match your roller brush. They’re generally available in 4 and 7 inch sizes. However, do make sure to buy a roller tray that is solvent resistant.
Paint tray life hack: Line your roller tray with kitchen cling wrap to prevent paint stains that will shorten your tray’s lifespan:
- Create a few loops with short pieces of masking tape and stick them to the bucket section of your tray.
- Lay the cling wrap and stick it to the tape.
- Stick more loops to the other part of the tray and cover the rest with cling wrap and tape the edges.
- Tip the tray over and secure the overlays.
Once your paint job is done and the remaining paint has dried, remove the cling wrap and your tray is good to go for the next paint job!
Metal Scraper
A scraper has one role, and that is to scrape a section clean before applying paint. Scrapers are available in different sizes, and the size you need will depend on the area you need to get done. The bigger the scraper, the quicker the job gets done. But be sure to purchase a size that you’re comfortable holding and working with.
Extension Pole
The extension pole is adjustable aluminium rods, basically an extension of your arm, and make painting higher walls and ceilings easier. They usually come in 2m and 4m lengths. They are lightweight, yet sturdy and durable. A special grip prevents the rollers from slipping or twisting.
Wall Plaster Cream
Wall plaster cream is another item that can be useful for DIY paint jobs. Wall plaster cream, like SELLEYS Wall Putty Filler, can be used to fill in cracks and holes in the wall before painting. It can also be used to smooth out rough surfaces and create a more even base for painting. Adding wall plaster cream to your painting tools can help you achieve a more professional-looking finish.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is an essential tool for preparing walls before painting. It helps to remove any rough spots, bumps, or peeling paint, ensuring a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Before sanding, ensure that the wall is clean and dry. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 80 grit) to remove any rough spots or bumps. Move the sandpaper in a circular motion, applying even pressure. Once the wall is smooth, switch to a finer grit sandpaper (around 120 grit) to create a smoother finish. Be sure to wipe away any dust or debris before painting. Sandpaper can also be used to smooth out any drips or rough spots after painting.
Plastic Drop Cloth
Plastic drop cloths or drop sheets are typically used to protect your floors and furniture during painting. They are generally 9 x 12ft but are available in other sizes too. Purchase the amount or size you require to properly cover your floors or furniture.
Drop sheets are usually taped to the walls or skirtings using masking tape.
Painter’s Tape
Also known as painter’s tape, it is a must-have in any painter or DIY project’s tool kit. Providing you with sharp edges, it’s ideal to protect corners and skirtings. Painter’s tapes are easy to use and remove without pieces staying behind, even on the most delicate surfaces whether indoors and outdoors.
We highly recommended using painter’s tape compare to masking tape, mainly because the stickiness of the masking tape is more than the painter’s tape, where the stickiness might stick to the surface area if the painting takes longer than usual.
Painter’s tape is usually available in 4 different sizes:
- 12mm x 60yrd
- 18mm x 60yrd
- 24mm x 60yrd
- 50mm x 20yrd
Turpentine
Turpentine can be mixed with thinners and used to thin out thick paint, clean brushes, and other painting tools you need.
Step Ladder
Step ladders are ideal for smaller jobs that don’t require you to reach ceilings. They are sturdy and practical items to have around the house and use for many DIY jobs.
Tips: You could borrow the ladder at the HDB estate centers in Singapore. Once you are done using, simply return.
Non-Required Painting Tools You Can Try
There are many more products on the market you can try. They’re not essential, so don’t break your budget to get them, but they can add some luxury to a not-so-enjoyable paint job.
Sandpaper Holder
Like a sanding block, a sandpaper holder gives you better results on a sanding job than using your hands and a piece of sandpaper you’ve folded. They are easy to use and carry and the ergonomic handle gives you a good grip.
DIY Multi-Use, Long Handle Tools
If you see yourself as a frequent DIY painter, you may be interested in the multi-use tool sets that consist of rollers, brushes, and more. These are worth having if you’ll be painting often and want access to multiple features. Long handles make for easier work on higher sections.
Multi-Angle Paint Brush Extender - Paint Edger Tool
For those hard-to-reach pillars or exterior skirtings, you can try the edger tool. Functioning as an extended paint brush, it offers multi-angles, making those hard-to-reach places easier to work on and still deliver good workmanship.
Pre-taped Plastic Sheet Dust Cover
Like a drop sheet, a plastic sheet protects your floors and furniture. However, the pre-taped benefit makes them much easier to use!
Summing It Up
Now that you have some insight into what you’d need for your upcoming DIY paint job, it’s easier to plan, right? You also know which products are nice-to-haves, but that you could go without. So, when working on a tight budget you’ll know which items to prioritise.
Remember to have fun with your project, take care of your paint roller and brushes to prolong their lifespan, and don’t forget our life hack tip to reuse your paint tray effectively! Looking after your tools means you’ll replace them less often in the future.
Have more tips for other DIYers out there? Or share your feedback on our tips. Looking forward to your views in our comments section.