What other paint accessories do I need?
There are several items you may need that to help do the job better, faster, easier and/or neater. These include products for cleaning and preparing the surface, applying the paint to the surface, and cleaning up afterwards.
For masking surfaces not being painted:
- Drop cloths/polyethylene film
- Masking tape
- Paint shields/edging tools
- Newspaper
- Masking paper
- Goggles/safety glasses
- Dust masks
- Respirator
- Rubber gloves
- Cotton gloves
- Painter's hats
- Paint brushes
- Roller covers
- Roller trays
- Roller frames
- Bucket grids (for using a roller with a paint pail)
- Empty 5 gallon pails (for using with a paint roller and bucket grid)
- Mini roller (for painting in hard-to-reach areas)
- Paint pad applicator
- Stir sticks
- Cloth rags (for dusting and/or spill cleanup)
- 5-in-1 tools (for cleaning roller covers)
- Dinner forks (for cleaning brushes)
- Mineral spirits or other compatible solvent (for alkyd or oil-based paints)
- Hand cleaner
- Rags
- Tack cloths
What items might be needed if the surface is dirty?
Sponges, buckets, scrub brushes, bleach and water solution, Sissons Fungicide Solution.
If there are glossy surfaces that are going to be painted, what items might be needed?
- Medium or fine grit sandpaper (for scuffing up the glossy areas)
- Sanding block
- Chemical deglosser (an alternative to sanding)
- Universal Undercoat for glossy surfaces (another alternative to sanding)
If there are holes, nicks, dents, gaps or cracks that need to be filled or patched, what items might be needed?
- Putty knives
- Medium or fine grit sandpaper
- Primer for spot priming any bare surfaces
- Sanding blocks
- Wood putty (for patching smaller holes in wood that's going to be clear finished)
- Water putty - Sissons Super Filler - (for patching larger holes and dents in wood surfaces)
If there is any chipped, flaking or peeling paint that's going to be painted over, what items might be needed?
- Paint scraper
- Putty knife
- Coarse or medium grit sandpaper (for leveling out uneven surfaces)
- Medium or fine grit sandpaper (for final sanding before priming)
- Primer - Universal Undercoat - for spot priming any bare surfaces
- Wire brushes
If paint is being applied in any high or hard-to-reach areas, what items might be needed?
- Stepladders
- Extension poles (for an 'added reach' when using a roller or brush)
- Extension ladders
- Tubular scaffolding
What are the advantages of paint brushes?
- Brushes are better for applying paint in smaller, hard to reach places.
- With a brush, paint spattering is less of a problem.
- Brushes are easier to clean.
What are the advantages of paint rollers?
- Paint can be applied faster with a roller than a brush, especially over large surfaces.
- In general, less experienced painters can apply paint more easily with a roller than a brush.
- Paint rollers are much less expensive than other types of high-output paint applicators (like spray equipment).
Why use a quality brush?
Paint brushes are a must for almost every painting project. They're good for applying paint in smaller or hard to reach places, with greater control and less spattering. There are a variety of brush types available, for every type of painting project. With the following information, you'll be able to select the best brush for your needs.
If you're looking for high quality results, you should always use a high quality brush. A quality brush will help you get a better quality paint job, in less time and with less effort. Quality brushes have the following advantages over 'bargain' brushes:
- Pick up and hold a lot of paint.
- Release paint efficiently to the surface, in a smooth, even coat - not thick in one spot or thin in another.
- Likely to leave brush marks or loose bristles on the painted surface.
- Make it easier to apply the paint in a straight, clean line where necessary (this is known as 'cutting in').
- More durable and long lasting.
How do you choose a quality brush?
- Flagged (split) bristle tips: will hold more paint (for a faster paint job), and release it more evenly (for a smoother, more uniform finish).
- Tapered bristles that are narrower at the tip, and wider at the base: help the brush release paint slowly and evenly. They also help give the brush an overall taper which is better for cutting in.
- Resilient, springy bristles that snap back into place when pressure is released: will hold its shape better.
- Longer bristles in the center, shorter bristles on the edges (a 'push-chiseled' brush): gives the painter greater control over where the paint is applied, especially at edges or in corners.
- Bristles that are 50% longer than the brush is wide: pick up and release paint better, and make it easier to cut in at corners and on trim work.
- Bristles that are firmly attached to the handle with a plug and high quality epoxy adhesive, so no more than 1 or 2 come out when you tug on them: will stay on the brush and not end up stuck in the paint film.
- A comfortable, well-balanced hardwood handle: makes the brush more comfortable and easier to work with. A wood handle is more comfortable than a plastic handle, and a hardwood handle is less porous and more moisture-resistant than a softwood handle.
Why use a quality roller?
Rollers are another very popular type of paint applicator. Paint can be applied much faster with a roller than a brush, especially over large surfaces. Paint rollers are also more user-friendly than brushes for less experienced painters - with a roller, it's easier to apply paint more evenly, without leaving brush marks.
Quality roller covers have many of the same advantages as quality brushes:
- Pick up and hold a lot of paint.
- Release paint efficiently to the surface, in a smooth, even coat - not thick in one spot or thin in another.
- Less likely to leave fibers on the painted surface.
- More durable and long lasting.