Essential Paint Tools and Accessories for DIY Jobs
The right tools can make your painting project more efficient and contribute to a neater finished product. Explore these paint tools and accessories to improve your painting experience.
1. Inner-Fed Paint Rollers
Inner-fed paint rollers allow for no-tray painting. Simply feed paint into the roller tube and enjoy painting without the back-and-forth of dipping into a paint tray, preventing drips and spills. There are also inner-fed paint rollers that can be attached to paint sprayers.
2. Paint Sprayers
For a smooth, professional finish in no time, consider using a paint sprayer. There are several different types to choose from. To ensure you're getting the right type for your project, check out our Paint Sprayer Buying Guide. Then follow these simple paint spray steps to complete your job.
3. HANDy Paint Pail
The HANDy Paint Pail makes painting a breeze. An adjustable strap makes it comfortable to hold, a magnetic brush holder keeps your brush close and a built-in paint scraper helps minimize messes. For easy and quick cleanup, pair with disposable HANDy Paint Pail Liners.
4. Trim Paint Brushes
A trim paint brush is ideal for trimming around windows, moulding and door frames. They provide clean edges and a smooth finish. Get one with a long handle for additional control.
5. Painters Tape
Painters tape is a must for creating precise lines and neat edges. Choose from a range of varieties, including those made for interior and exterior jobs, as well as different surfaces.
6. Paint Touch-Up Tools
Have touch-up paint at the ready with this convenient kit. Simply fill the syringe to draw up the paint. Dispense it into a small bottle and label it. Then you're able to easily touch up scratches, nail holes and chips.
7. Drop Cloths
Save time and energy by covering your furniture in drop cloths. Instead of moving furniture out of each room you want to paint, push it to the middle of the room and make sure it's completely covered to protect it from paint. Drop cloths are must-have paint accessories to protect floors from paint as well. Canvas is long-lasting, while plastic is a less expensive, less durable option.
8. Stepladder
Reach the ceiling and the top of walls with the right stepladder. A multi-position ladder, which can serve as a stepladder, 90-degree ladder, extension ladder and staircase ladder is a good choice for those needing a variety of ladders without the space to store more than one kind. Standard and multi-position ladders are essential pieces of paint equipment. They come in handy for a range of projects and repairs around the house.
9. Extension Pole
To paint ceilings and walls without a ladder, use an extension pole for a paint roller to reach farther. Extension poles come in a range of lengths and include telescoping varieties, allowing you to adjust the pole length.
10. Paint Multi-Tool
The ultimate paint equipment, a paint multi-tool has everything you need to scrape, clean a paint roller, clean cracks and open cans of paint. They come in a variety of materials and offer a range of features for use around the house.
11. Paint Guide
Also known as an edge guard, a paint guide can help you neatly paint moulding, trim and window panes without the use of painters tape. It's the perfect tool to protect the edges of carpet as well, since painters tape is not effective in protecting it.
12. Heat Gun
Heat guns are good paint tools for those undertaking large projects. Use one to strip paint, remove flooring, soften caulk or putty, thaw pipes or bend plastic.
13. Paint Scraper
A must for any painting project, a paint scraper removes unwanted layers of paint. Look for extendable, ergonomic and moulding-specific varieties to find the best paint scraper for your needs.
14. Paint Edger Tool
Trying to paint that fine line between the wall and the ceiling or the moulding can be tricky, but this paint edger tool makes the job so much easier. This will help you save time and improve accuracy.
15. Paint Brush Cover
Avoid ruining your brush between coats or when you have to step away by using a paint brush cover. This cover seals your brush, allowing you to skip washing it between breaks in your work. You can also keep things easy with a paint roller cover.
Let's Get Started
The right tools can make your painting project more efficient and contribute to a neater finished product. From touch-up kits and paint edgers to ladders and paint sprayers, Lowe’s has thousands of paint supplies to ensure you the perfect paint job. Shop online or visit your local Lowe’s store.
Learn more about selecting the best paint tools for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do paint sprayers compare to traditional rollers and brushes for interior walls?
For small rooms, it’s simpler and more cost effective to use a roller and paint brushes. For large rooms or surfaces, you’ll be able to get a smooth, uniform finish in a lot less time with a paint sprayer. However, if you’re using a paint sprayer, it’ll require more prep time to cover the flooring and furniture. Paint sprayers also use more paint and do take some practice to get the technique just right.
What are the best tools for painting ceilings or high walls without a ladder?
If you don’t have a ladder, use an extension pole that attaches to your paint roller. Lowe’s sells extension poles that range from 3 feet to more than 20 feet. When you’re using an extension pole, select a roller that comes with a no-drip feature or a built-in guard to reduce paint splatter.
Lastly, if you’re using an extension pole for ceilings or high walls, it’s important to put drop cloths down to protect your flooring and furniture.
Which tools help achieve crisp lines and edges without painter’s tape?
There are a few tools that you can use to obtain clean lines and edges. Cut in along ceilings, windows and trim by using a high-quality angled trim brush. Another trick is to use a paint edger tool that has a pad, roller and a shield. It allows you to paint right up to the edge for a clean finish. Finally, try a paint guard. This is a shield that you can hold up as you use a roller or brush.
What kind of roller cover should I use for different paint types or finishes?
It’s important to use the right roller for your job to ensure that you have fewer roller marks and a smooth finish
Short Nap (1/4 to 3/8 inch): Use this on smooth surfaces, such as new drywall, metal, doors and cabinets.
Medium Nap (3/8 to ½ inch): Use this for most interior walls and ceilings.
Longer Nap (3/4 inch or more): Use a longer nap on rough surfaces, such as brick, stucco or textured walls.
If you’re using water-based or latex paint, we recommend using a nylon or polyester roller cover. For oil-based paint, go with natural fibers like mohair or lamb’s wool.
Are there innovative storage solutions for keeping paint tools fresh between coats?
Lowe’s carries paint brush and roller covers that can be used between coats. Here are some other simple steps you can take to keep your paint tools fresh.
Step 1: Squeeze out as much paint from the roller or brush as possible and wrap the head in plastic. Seal the end with tape and keep it in a dry place.
Step 2: If It’s going to be a couple of days between coats, place the plastic-wrapped roller in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using it again.
Step 3: If it’s going to be longer than a couple of days, thoroughly clean your brush or roller and let them completely dry before storing them.