Painting Tools - What do I need?

Depending on the type of paint job you will be doing, your tools and supplies will differ with each project. We suggest the following tools before starting any painting project.

What preparation tools will I need?

Some suggested prep tools are:

Drop-sheets
Masking tape and masking paper
Sandpaper, scraper and wire brush
Spackling compound and putty knife
TSP (or biodegradable alternative) and a bucket

Do I need a brush or a roller?

Choose your application tool(s) depending on the surface to be painted:

Brush for irregular surfaces, trim, and cutting-in (wall corners and the junction of wall and ceiling)
Roller for large surfaces
Sprayers for many uses (seek advice from your General Paint deale

What type of brush do I need?

Synthetic (polyester/nylon) brush:

Mainly for latex
Usable for alkyd but not recommended (bristle holds more paint and gives a smoother finish)

Bristle brush:

For alkyd (oil) paint
Not for latex paint (bristles would absorb moisture and swell)

What are the angular sash brushes for?

Sash brushes are used:

For cutting-in
For window frames
For door trim

What are the advantages of higher quality brushes?

Higher quality brushes deliver more paint to the surface by means of:

Longer, more numerous filaments
Better blending of long/short and thick/thin filaments
Better "tipping" (trimming of filament ends)
More durable anchoring of filaments
A more comfortable handle

What size brush do I need?

You will probably need more than one brush, depending on the size of the area you are painting:

For trim areas, 25-30 mm
For small areas, 38-60 mm
For larger areas, 75-100 mm

What kind of roller sleeve do I need?

It depends on the surface, paint and finish:

Use a longer nap for rougher surfaces.
Foam for clear, fine finishes.
Slit foam for irregular surfaces.
Fabric for latex wall and ceiling paint and for flat alkyd paint.
Lint-free for fine finishes and alkyd paint.

"Anything else" checklist

Do you have . . . ?

Sandpaper or hand sander
Wire brush
Scraper
TSP (or alternative), sponge and bucket
Spackling compound and putty knife
Caulking gun and caulk
Masking tape
Masking paper
Drop-sheets
Bristle brushes (for alkyd)
Synthetic brushes (for latex)
Sash brush (for trim)
Roller sleeves
Roller cage handle and extension handle
Trays and tray liners
Cut-in trim guide
Specialty application tools
Paint thinner or solvent (for alkyd) and rags
Gloves
Protective eye wear
Coveralls
Stepladder

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