Painting Time: Tools

Hey Guys,

Now that prep is out of the way let’s focusing on the tools.  I cannot stress enough of: DO NOT PAY FOR CHEAP PAINT BRUSHES, ROLLERS AND OTHER PAINTING TOOLS.  This will keep you from having to buy double the amount of brushes or rollers.  

  • Brushes: I recommend getting an angled and normal brush.  3 Inch brush is a good area to start. These are great for cutting in the tight spaces and corners.  
  • Rollers: if you are not covering a large amount of space an 18 inch roller is fantastic to use as it can cut down the amount of time in half.  Be sure to pick up the standard 9 inch roller as well.
  • Paint Trays: Everyone has bought the cheap throw away paint trays, but I cannot stand them.  They are flimsy, easy to break, and I feel like a waste of money.  Please get a good tray with a tray cover.  This cover makes clean up a breeze.  When done throw it away and you still get to keep the paint tray.  Note: 18 inch rollers require a much larger paint tray and insert.
  • Drop Cloths:  I personally love thick and durable drop cloths.  Often time’s people will use sheets, or towels.  Those are great for the do-it-yourselfers, but for contractors it is a must to have a thick drop cloth to prevent any chance of the paint splatter from bleeding through
  • Painter’s Rags: This is where anyone is allowed to go cheap.  Since these are designed to be thrown away after cleaning up mistakes, go cheap.
  • Painter’s Plastic: Often times these are used to cover furniture.  .31 Mil painters plastic is a great type for covering furniture.
  • Keep it simple: If you’re looking at specialty tools, think simple.  Nothing needs to be complicated.  Make sure you are going to save time when going with a specialty product.

Till next time guys!

JP Carlton

J.P. Carlton

J.P. Carlton is the founder of Carlton Building Services, a Hampton Roads-based construction company.