The Tools and Materials for Painting

Rollers, Trays and Painter’s Extension Rods

• Assembling all the tools you will need for painting ensures a smooth start to your project. According to thisoldhouse.com experts, choosing the right tools is half the job. Rollers hold less or more paint, according to size. A standard 9 inch roller offers good coverage for medium-sized areas. Add a smaller foam roller to paint areas like door panels and wide flat trim neatly. A larger roller of between 14 and 18 inches will speed up painting on the largest areas such as walls and ceilings. For a speedy clean-up at the end of the day, or quick changes of paint color, disposable liners for paint trays offer an effective solution. To save yourself climbing ladders for high ceilings and walls, use an extension pole of between 4 and 6 feet to add extra length to your roller handle. In the decorating trade, these are known as painter's rods or poles.

Brushes

• A variety of good quality brushes in sizes ranging from 1 to 4 inches in width fill in the border areas where a roller cannot be used. Good quality rollers allow you, with some practice, to paint up to within 1/2 inch from the top of walls at the point they join the ceilings. If a noticeable horizontal brushed band across those last fractions of an inch appears, reduce your brush size and use less paint, or correct with a small, clean sponge to duplicate the finish of a roller. Professional painters cover this space in a technique called “cutting in,” using a brush between 2 1/4 and 3 inches wide to carefully paint right up to the joint. To choose a good brush, carefully examine the bristles. A slim, tapered tip with uniform synthetic bristles works with latex paints, natural fiber bristles should be reserved for oil based paints.

Masking Tape

• Expert house painters use a form of (blue) masking tape with non-marking putty adhesive backing to secure it to a variety of surfaces, some of which are not straight, or level (e.g. in older houses). The secret to working with masking tape is to paint up to the tape, but not over it, using it as a guide and painting with a light hand pressure for the last 1/4 inch. The reasoning behind this advice lies with a tendency for paint to “bleed,” underneath masking tape, making fuzzy lines. Extra care is needed when removing masking tape. Latex paints have a rubbery consistency and form a skin which becomes attached to the tape, leaving a jagged edge when tape is removed.