Lesson 3: Basic Tools
Learn the tools you'll need for painting and wallpapering. Each process will also be discussed with fundamentals and tips for successful applications.
Other types of material applications such as stripping/refinishing furniture and wood molding, and laying tile will be briefly discussed and student will be directed to more detailed resources.
Painting Tools
Most painting experts agree that using the best quality you can afford for paint and tools will not only make your job easier, but result in a better and longer lasting finished project. Using the correct tools and appropriate paint for different surfaces are equally important.
You'll need a narrow (1 to 2 inch) brush for painting trim and windows. A 2 ½ inch brush with an angled edge will enable you to "cut in" around windows, doors and ceiling edges. Although you can use a wide, straight-edged brush for the larger wall and ceiling spaces, it is quicker and less tiring to use a roller.
Brushes are made of either natural or synthetic bristles. Natural-bristle brushes should be used only when applying alkyd or oil-based paints.
Quality brushes share the following characteristics:
- They have split or "flagged" ends and are flexible at their tips, which helps produce a finer finish;
- They are tapered such that the bristles in the center are slightly longer than those at the edge, which helps lay the paint down smoothly and evenly;
- They typically are at least half-again as long as they are wide (for example, the bristles on a 2"-wide brush should be at least 3" in length).
Rollers are two-part tools. The frame, or handle, usually has a plastic handle and metal framework to hold the cover. Choose a handle that fits comfortably in your grip, and isn't too heavy. 9" frames are the most commonly used for interiors but they come in smaller sizes for trim work and narrow spaces, and larger sizes for special applications like floors and ceilings. A handle that will accept a screwed-in extension is useful if you will also be painting the ceiling or floor.
Covers are also available in natural or synthetic material. Again, use synthetic material for latex paint, and natural material for oil-based paint. The texture of your surface will determine how thick and fluffy the cover should be. The smoother and defect-free the surface, the thinner and smoother the cover's nap should be. Textured walls like stucco need a roller that will hold more paint, to fill the recesses adequately.
Buy extras when getting the roller covers. Even though covers can be cleaned between uses, their cores are made of cardboard. After one or two "washes", the cover will deteriorate. Having extras readily available will save time.
Have a sturdy ladder or step stool that will enable you to reach the highest corners and ceiling edge without straining. Don't stand on chairs or boxes! An inexpensive painter's cap and plastic goggles, as well as disposable gloves, will save you a lot of skin-scrubbing at the end of the day! A 5-in-1 painter's tool or 25-cent paintcan opener is very handy. Stirring sticks made of thin wood are usually given away by your paint dealer.
A roller tray (with disposable liners, or aluminum foil if you want to save the expense), an empty coffee can or plastic cottage cheese container for holding small amounts of paint, and painter's tape for edging your trim areas will round out your basic tools. Inexpensive extras include plastic snap-on pouring spouts or lids to prevent much of the mess on the paint can.
Don't forget drop cloths! Cloth is preferred to plastic as it absorbs the drips and splashes. You won't carry paint on the bottoms of your shoes to other areas. However, plastic is inexpensive and disposable - it's your choice.
You may also need spackling compound and a putty knife, and sandpaper to repair minor defects on the wall surface before painting.
Be sure to read the labels and follow directions regarding proper ventilation, temperature of the environment (don't paint when it's too cold or too hot, for example), and time needed for drying or curing.
