Select High-Quality Tools & Paint Products to Make the Job Go Smoothly

Pros don't often go for those gimmicky tools demonstrated on the home shopping network or at the state fair. They rarely go for low-quality discount paint products either, but they do use quality, timesaving tools. These tools don't wear out-you'll use them for years of cosmetic improvements on your house. You can find everything at a home center or a paint store.

TOOLS

Drywall sander with 100-grit paper for sanding walls-$7.
Synthetic-bristle 2-in. brush for trim and a 3-in. brush for cutting in walls next to trim and ceilings-$6 to $10.
Medium and fine sanding sponges (Photo 3) for sanding trim before and after priming-$3 each.
7- and 9-in. roller frames-$3 each.
Extension handles for rollers (Photo 6) to reduce ladder use, speed up the job and reduce hand and wrist fatigue-$5.
7-in. mohair roller cover (1/4-in. nap) for doors-$3.
9-in. sheepskin roller cover (1/2-in. nap) for walls-$10.
9-in. sheepskin roller cover (3/4-in. nap) for textured ceilings-$12. Clean all covers for reuse.
Canvas dropcloths-$15 for a 9 x 12-ft.
2-in. flexible putty knife for filling wall flaws and pressing masking tape into joints-$3.
3-in. painter's tape (Photo 11) for protecting carpet and trim-$5. (Painter's tape removes easily without tearing or pulling off paint.)
Wallpaper smoothing tool (Photo 1) to push tape down below baseboards -$2.
Roller screen and a 5-gal. bucket (Photo 12) for painting large areas-$5.
Roller tray for small rolling jobs-$5.

TIP:

Natural napped roller covers are easier to clean, give a smoother, lint-free finish and last three times longer than synthetic ones.

PAINT PRODUCTS

Pigmented shellac spray sealers (B-I-N is one brand) dry fast and won't allow stains to bleed through fresh paint.
Alcohol-based primers for priming woodwork also dry quickly and are almost odor-free. Oil-based primer is an alternative, but it's slow to dry and cleanup with paint thinner is more of a hassle.
Ceiling white is an extra-flat (low sheen) latex paint. While you can use any flat latex on ceilings, this one's best for white ceilings. You can also have it tinted slightly to highlight wall colors.
Latex wall paint comes in different sheens (the gloss of the finish). The easiest to apply and touch up is flat (no sheen). The downside is that it isn't as scrubbable as the progressively higher-gloss eggshell, satin, semigloss and gloss paints. The higher the gloss, the more conspicuous wall imperfections will be. Unless you have absolutely perfect walls or need to clean them frequently (such as in the kitchen), stay away from the higher-gloss paints. Use eggshell or flat.
Latex trim paint dries to a nonporous, brush stroke-free surface that can stand up to vacuum cleaner encounters. It's tougher and easier to clean than typical wall paints.
Deglosser/cleaners (liquid sandpaper) help prepare dirty, oily or varnished surfaces for better paint adhesion.
Latex paint conditioners help paint flow and dry more smoothly, especially trim and woodwork paints.
Household ammonia or denatured alcohol is needed to clean up alcohol-based paint. Clean up latex paint-laden tools with soap and water.
Non-shrinking, quick-drying wall spackling compound for filling in wall imperfections-$3.
Latex/silicone caulk for filling woodwork joinery and gaps. (Make sure it says "paintable" on the label.)

TIP:

Add a paint conditioner for a smoother finish when brush and roller marks won't level out.


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Paint Like A Pro • Day One - Preparation • Day One - Priming & Painting Day One - Priming & Painting continued • Day Two - Finishing Up Selecting High Quality Tools & Paint Products