The right tools can make a painting project much easier and help save you time and money. Some of these unsuspecting tools have been in the painter's bag of tricks for years — others are fresh on the scene and can help you DIY like a pro.
In order to apply paint in high locations you need to get up off the ground. A step ladder will help, but you have to constantly move it. Borrow a tool from the professional's kit and get a sturdy folding bench. You can cover a greater area, easily walking back and forth across the surface, before you have to move it, and usually made out of light aluminum, these benches are easy to move when you need to. There are several reliable benches available for under $30. When your project is finished, you can fold up the bench and put it away for future use.
You won't typically find a pro using one of these, but a quality paint edging tool enables you to cut along trim and edging without the frustration of having to tape the areas first. Load the paint edging pad with the paint you are using then allow the rollers on the tool to guide you as you smoothly apply the paint in a crisp line.
Another tool pros use to avoid going up and down a ladder is the extension pole. Obviously, by attaching an adjustable pole to your roller, you can make reaching difficult areas like the ceiling much easier. But you can also use it on the walls. It allows you to roll a continuous pattern from floor to ceiling, making your work go faster and the finished job more seamless. Simply screw your paint roller handle onto the threads of the pole and you’ll be able to cover more space in less time.
A simple pour attachment tool can be easily connected to the rim of any paint can. These inexpensive products make pouring a breeze and prevent the chance of making a mess when you refill your paint tray. They range from simple, snap-on spouts to sealable covers akin to syrup pitchers that mix, pour and preserve your paint.
For a small painting job, use a surface guard to prevent paint from ending up where you don’t want it. Most professional painters can cut a really good line without one, but when they're moving fast, even a pro will go to this tool. Press the edge of the guard against the connecting wall, ceiling or floor and then apply the paint next to the exposed side of the tool. With this time saving tool your protected surface will be safe and your painted area will look smooth and crisp, without taking the time to apply and remove masking tape. Works with spray paint too.
Good old aluminum foil may seem like an odd addition to this list but it is an effective and versitile material. Use it to protect door hinges and window latches so you can leave them in place while you paint. Wrap up your brushes in it when you’re not quite finished with a job, but you are completely finished working for the day. Wrap the foil around your brush and the bristles will remain soft and pliable. If you’re going to put off continuing your painting project for several days, place the wrapped brushes in the refrigerator and they’ll last longer.
Folding Bench
In order to apply paint in high locations you need to get up off the ground. A step ladder will help, but you have to constantly move it. Borrow a tool from the professional's kit and get a sturdy folding bench. You can cover a greater area, easily walking back and forth across the surface, before you have to move it, and usually made out of light aluminum, these benches are easy to move when you need to. There are several reliable benches available for under $30. When your project is finished, you can fold up the bench and put it away for future use.
Paint Edger
You won't typically find a pro using one of these, but a quality paint edging tool enables you to cut along trim and edging without the frustration of having to tape the areas first. Load the paint edging pad with the paint you are using then allow the rollers on the tool to guide you as you smoothly apply the paint in a crisp line.
Extension Pole
Another tool pros use to avoid going up and down a ladder is the extension pole. Obviously, by attaching an adjustable pole to your roller, you can make reaching difficult areas like the ceiling much easier. But you can also use it on the walls. It allows you to roll a continuous pattern from floor to ceiling, making your work go faster and the finished job more seamless. Simply screw your paint roller handle onto the threads of the pole and you’ll be able to cover more space in less time.
Pouring Attachment
A simple pour attachment tool can be easily connected to the rim of any paint can. These inexpensive products make pouring a breeze and prevent the chance of making a mess when you refill your paint tray. They range from simple, snap-on spouts to sealable covers akin to syrup pitchers that mix, pour and preserve your paint.
Surface Guard
For a small painting job, use a surface guard to prevent paint from ending up where you don’t want it. Most professional painters can cut a really good line without one, but when they're moving fast, even a pro will go to this tool. Press the edge of the guard against the connecting wall, ceiling or floor and then apply the paint next to the exposed side of the tool. With this time saving tool your protected surface will be safe and your painted area will look smooth and crisp, without taking the time to apply and remove masking tape. Works with spray paint too.
Aluminum Foil
Good old aluminum foil may seem like an odd addition to this list but it is an effective and versitile material. Use it to protect door hinges and window latches so you can leave them in place while you paint. Wrap up your brushes in it when you’re not quite finished with a job, but you are completely finished working for the day. Wrap the foil around your brush and the bristles will remain soft and pliable. If you’re going to put off continuing your painting project for several days, place the wrapped brushes in the refrigerator and they’ll last longer.
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