Painting Tools Buying Guide

There are two types of paint brushes:

• Natural-bristle paint brushes are made with animal hair. It’s best to use natural-bristle brushes with oil-based or alkyd paint. If possible, opt for a natural-bristle brush made of hog hair.
• Synthetic paint brushes are made with nylon, polyester or a combination thereof. You can use them with oil or latex paint. 

For latex paint, only use synthetic brushes. For oil-based or alkyd paints, use either a synthetic or natural-bristle brush. No matter what type of paint or brush you’re using, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

You can accomplish most paint jobs with a large 4-inch brush for coverage and a small 2-inch brush for trim work and cutting in and around corners.

A smooth finish depends on the bristles, so be sure you’re getting a quality brush:

• Look at the tips of the bristles. A good natural-bristle brush is flagged, having split ends on the tips. The good synthetic ones also have fuzzy-looking flagged tips.
• See if the bristles are trimmed to a tapered, chisel-shaped end rather than a flat end.
• Tap the ferrule — the aluminum or stainless steel band — and make sure that no bristles fall out. The ferrule should be tightly wrapped and secured around the brush handle. Low-quality brushes will lose their bristles. A rusty ferrule can also discolor paint if dipped into the can.

Handle styles vary from wide sizes that fit the palm of your hand to small pencil-sized ones that are ideal for precision work. Disposable brushes are an inexpensive alternative that you can discard after you finish a job, eliminating cleanup.

Brush Tips:

• The better quality of brush or roller you buy, the better results you’ll get.
• Dampen a synthetic brush before you use it so the paint will be less likely to dry on the brush.
• To create a smooth application and prevent waste, don’t overload a brush with paint.
• Paint with the brush at a 45-degree angle to maximize the bristles’ surface area.
• For a better finish, begin your paint strokes from the area just painted and move toward the unpainted area. Painters call this “wet to dry.”
• Dip the bristles a third of the way into the paint; any deeper will waste paint. Tap the side of the brush on the inside of the can to remove excess paint.
• If you need to stop for an hour or so, position the brush in the paint to cover the bristle tips. For longer interruptions, wrap the brush in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. If you’re using oil-based paint, you’ll need to put the wrapped brush in the freezer. If you’re using latex paint, you can store the wrapped brush in the refrigerator.
• Before cleaning the brush, remove remaining paint by stroking the brush back and forth on newspaper. Before storing, remove paint with the proper thinner.

Roller covers are available in two types:

• Natural roller covers, made with mohair or lambswool, are ideal for oil-based paint.
• Synthetic roller covers, made with nylon, polyester or a combination thereof, are best for water-based paint.

For latex paint, use synthetic materials only. For oil-based or alkyd paints, use either synthetic or natural materials. As with brushes, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations before purchasing paint rollers.

Nap, or pile, is the length of the roller’s painting surface. Lengths will vary from 1/16 inch to 1-1/2 inches. If you’re painting a smooth surface, choose a short-napped roller. For a rough surface, such as masonry, use a longer nap. Rollers with textured surfaces are also available for special finishes.

Rollers come in widths from 4 to 18 inches. The metal frame for the roller cover comes in two types: birdcage and metal. The birdcage frame works better if you’re using fast-drying paints, as it’s easier to clean than the solid metal type. Most handles are made for attaching an extension.

Trim rollers come in varying shapes and sizes. Cone-shaped types work well for inside corners. Doughnut-style rollers are good for mouldings and other detailed work.

Consider a mini paint roller when painting woodwork, small areas or in tight spaces.

You can use textured paint rollers for aesthetic appeal. They provide a textured look to a wall and are a good choice to cover up imperfections on dry walls.

Whether you’re a professional or someone who enjoys do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, getting an impressive faux finish has never been easier. Consider a faux finish roller for an added dimension to your paint job.

When Purchasing a Roller: 

• Look for beveled edges on the roller. These create a smooth finish.
• Check to make sure the roller has no visible seams.
• Give the roller a squeeze to check that it rebounds to its original shape.

Roller Tips

• Moisten the roller with water or thinner before using it to prevent paint from drying on it.
• Load the roller with paint from the slanted edge of the tray to prevent overloading.
• Paint in the shape of the letter W. Start by moving the roller away from you. Without lifting the roller from the wall, fill in the open space.
• Don’t try to paint too quickly.
• To clean a roller cover, roll it back and forth on newspaper. Remove paint with the proper thinner. If you’re rinsing out solvent-based paint, wear rubber gloves. Let the roller dry before storing it.
• Disposable rollers are available. If you don’t plan on repainting soon, you may want to use these to avoid cleanup — especially if you’re using oil-based paint.

You need the right paint roller frames for your roller covers. A roller frame includes a cage, a rod or a pair of arms that support the roller, as well as a handle. Large commercial roller frames may work exclusively with extension poles. Match the roller frame width to the width of the roller you’ll be using. The best paint roller frame will offer a secure grip on the cover, a smooth rolling motion and a comfortable handle.

• 14-inch, 18-inch and larger roller frames work with covers that paint a lot of area quickly. Professionals often use these on large painting jobs.
• 9-inch-wide roller frames are the most common and work for professional and do-it-yourself jobs like painting walls and ceilings.
• 6-inch roller frames and covers are effective for painting the baseboards that run along the bottom of your walls.
• Roller frames that are 4 inches and smaller are good for trim and detail work.

When shopping for roller frames, there are some features you can look for that will make painting easier.

• Paint roller frames that fit extension poles let you reach ceilings and high spots on walls.
• Quick-connect paint roller frames make it easy to attach and detach a compatible extension pole.
• Paint roller frames with ergonomic handles can make painting more comfortable, particularly if you’re working on a big painting project.

Pad and sponge painters are made in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pads can be useful in tight spots; however, they hold less paint than conventional brushes and rollers. When using a paint pad, make all strokes in one direction. Never paint back over an area you just painted. It’s also a good idea to use a tray when painting with pads.

Power Painters

• Power painters are available in corded and cordless electric models.
• Airless units are popular among DIYers. In an airless model, the paint is pumped to the applicator.
• DIYers also use high volume, low pressure (HVLP) models. HVLP ensures that there’s less overspray while you apply the paint.
• Professionals use compressed air systems and stationary paint sprayers, both designed for large or high-volume jobs.
• Applicators are available in various sizes and types of brushes, rollers and spray nozzles.
• Power rollers offer fingertip control of the paint supply. Once you get the hang of it, you can use a power sprayer to paint a room quickly.

Sprayer Tips

• Power spray painters require a steady hand and some practice. Try your paint application on a piece of cardboard until you’re comfortable using the power sprayer. Always hold the applicator parallel to the surface.
• Invest in drop cloths and tape to minimize rework and reduce cleanup.
• Sprayers are available in various sizes and power ratings for specific needs, including models that are compatible with stains.

Here are a few accessories you’ll be glad you picked up:

• Drop cloths and plastic sheeting save countless hours of cleanup and protect things in your house, such as furniture and carpet, from getting paint on them.
  
• A tray is a must for a roller and also good when using a painting pad.
• Painters tape should be part of your painting toolbox. Always use painters tape instead of masking tape. Painters tape allows you to keep areas covered for up to three days. If you let masking tape stick around that long, you’ll end up pulling off part of the finish.
• The proper step stool or ladder is essential for safety and easy painting.
• An edger or painters shield is a simple straightedge with a handle that enables you to make clean cut-ins where walls meet ceilings.
• Use an extension handle for the roller when you need to extend your reach. Make sure the roller will accept a screw-in extender and that the extender is stiff enough to give you enough leverage to apply the paint.

You need to know which type of paint you have before you start your project. Watch our DIY Basics video: Do I Have Oil or Latex Paint?