Painting Tools

There's nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint on a house or in a house to give it a clean, new feeling. Painting is definitely one of the least expensive face-lifts for a home. However, without the proper tools to get the job done right, it can be a course in frustration. There are several ways to minimize the aggravations of painting and to end up happy with your completed effort.

Start Out Right

The best place to start is with the type of paint you will be using. Choosing either exterior or interior paint colors takes time and patience. Remember that cheap paint gives cheap results. You will want to select a paint that is good quality, durable, and will cover well. Middle to high-grade paints have more pigment and resins and less water in them. They are also easier to clean and touch up if necessary.

Differences Between Types Of Paints

There are different needs and requirements for interior versus exterior paint jobs. Water-based latex paints can be used both inside and out and they provide for easier clean up and less odor. Oil-based paints do have a good track record when it comes to durability but they don't clean up too easily and they have a strong odor. Today, acrylic paints are being used more than oil because they are water-based, making them less toxic, and easier to clean. Beware the phrase "never paint again" because it just is not true. What will make a difference in the longevity of your paint job is the type and quality of paint used.

The Best Brush For The Job

Brushes and rollers must match the type of paint you are using as well as the type of surface you are painting. Latex paints require synthetic brushes and oil-based paints are easily applied with them as well. Natural bristle brushes are not suitable for latex painting and when choosing a brush make sure your brush is half as long as it is wide. Smoother coverage is easier to ensure if the bristles of the brush are longer toward the center of the brush and split on the ends. The bristles should also be very flexible. If your brushes are not designed well, coverage can be spotty and uneven and you will end up using a lot more paint than necessary. Using smaller brushes, which are designed for cutting in and detail work, will leave a larger paint job with ridges in the paint. If the brush is too large, corners are not cut in well and detail work ends up a mess.

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin' Paint On The Walls

When it comes to rollers, a shorter nap is good for rough textured walls and a longer nap helps paint to spread well on smooth surfaces. Check your rollers for seams and make sure that when you squeeze it, it pops back again. There are even specialty rollers available to paint pipes. These come with ridges to help make sure the coverage is even and smooth. Woodwork sponges do a great job on woodwork, keeping the paint where it is supposed to be. A sponge that is the right size and does not have loose fibers is the best choice.

Put all of your tools together in the middle of the space you will be painting (if it is a room) so you have easy access to everything. Besides paint, brushes, and rollers, you'll want to have tape for masking the room, plastic drop sheets, painter's overalls, a hammer and screwdrivers, a paint can opener and lots of rags.  All of these things will help to make your paint job go smoothly and come out looking more professional.

Have fun!