Use the proper tools and accessories for a professional looking paint job with less effort (and frustration!).

Spackle: Putty used to fill holes or other small surface defects. Choose a spackle manufactured for the type of material you will be painting (wood, drywall, plaster, etc).
Spackle Knife: Used to spread spackle to patch small holes.
Sandpaper: Used to sand dried spackle flush with surface or to smooth surfaces before applying paint.
Tarps and/or Drop Cloth: Used to protect areas from paint.
Painter's Tape: Useful for protecting surfaces that you do not want painted.
 

There are many paint applicators available today. In general, water-based products should use synthetic applicators while oil-based products can use either synthetic or natural ones. The natural materials are too absorbent for latex (water-based) products.

The chart below outlines each applicator, as well as the varieties and best use for each.
 

APPLICATOR	TYPE OF PRODUCT	VARIETIES	TASK or BEST USE	CONSIDERATIONS
	Natural Bristles: Oil-based Synthetic Bristles: Water or Oil-based	1" width 2" width 3" width 4" width	Window sashes, tight corners, detail work Trim, mouldings, corners, woodwork Flat Surfaces: doors, stairs, fences, cabinets Large Surfaces: walls, floors, ceilings	• Angled edges makes it easier for detailed work and to cut into tight corners • Often, you’ll need a variety of different sizes for a job well done
	Lamb’s Wool: oil Synthetic: water Foam: high-gloss latex	(nap length) 3/16"- 1/4" 3/8"- 1/2" 3/4"- 1" 11/4"- 11/2"	Smooth: metal, doors and trim, cabinets Semi-smooth: indoor walls & ceilings Semi-rough: stucco Rough: bricks, cinder block, chain link fence	• Standard rollers range from 7"-12" wide, while specialty rollers can be found from 2"-18" wide • Choose a threaded handle to allow an extension rod for applying to floors, ceilings or hard to reach areas.
	Same as rollers	Various	Large scale, single color jobs	• Paint is continuously pumped into the roller for quick and easy supply of paint • Disassembly is time consuming
	Either	Cup Air Airless HVLP	DIY-er, small jobs or multiple colors Small-medium scale jobs, high-quality finish Large scale projects or variety of surfaces Small to medium sized projects	• Unless you paint frequently or are attempting to tackle a large-scale project, a paint sprayer may not be the most economical choice for the average DIY-er.
	Either	Small Large	Edging around windows, doors & other trim Edging on baseboards and ceilings	• Like rollers, but pads eliminate splatter • Don’t hold as much paint as rollers
	Water- & Oil-based Paints, Stain, Varnish	Various Sizes	Especially useful for varnish and stains; can be used for precise edging and detail work	• Holds a lot of paint, yet allows easy control over how much is applied
	Stain or Oils	Various Sizes	Small projects such as furniture or trim	• Choose a clean, lint-free rag for a smooth even application. • Choice of professional wood craftsmen
	Either	Various Effects	Faux finishes or illusion of textured surfaces	• Kits are available to achieve the same texture over large surfaces, edges & trim • Allows different finishes such as antique leather, wrinkled silk, jeans and many more.

Quality

High quality brushes largely dictate the outcome of the painting project. Look for these attributes when purchasing a quality brush:

• A non-corrosive ferrule (metal band) attached by rivets or screws
• Spacers separating bristles to allow more paint to be held
• Densely packed bristles
• Solid (rather than hollow) bristles won’t bend easily
• Tapered or chiseled bristles to create smooth finishes

Material

Brushes are available with either natural bristles or synthetic bristles.
Natural: Softer than synthetic bristles, but only recommended for oil-based paints because the water in the water-based paints will be absorbed, causing the bristles to go limp.

• Black China: use with oil-based paint, stain or varnish; roughest finish of all natural bristles
• Ox Hair Blend: use with oil-based paint or varnish; smoothest finish of all natural bristles, but also the most expensive
• White China: use with oil-based paint, stain, varnish, lacquer, shellac or polyurethane

Synthetic: Constructed of nylon, polyester or a blend of both and can be used with either water-based or oil-based products.

• Nylon: use with water-based paint; most can also be used with oil-based paints, but they are not recommended for lacquer or shellac
• Polyester: use with water-based and oil-based paint or stain, varnish, shellac or lacquer; brush strokes may be seen
• Nylon/Polyester Blend: use with water-based or oil-based paint; available in different bristle rigidity, keep in mind that softer bristles create a smoother finish

Shape and size

Edge:

• Straight Edge: Use primarily for covering surfaces
• Angled Edge: Use for cutting into corners and achieving a precise edge around mouldings, trim and other detailed work

Bristle Length:

• Longer bristles hold more paint, but may prevent you from easily accessing tight areas.
• Shorter bristles hold less paint, requiring you to refill your brush more often; however, they aid in accessibility of tight corners and applications.

Size:

• Most general painting projects can be accomplished well with a 4" brush for coverage and a 2" brush for trim work and cutting in.

Other

• A variety of specialty brushes—both size and shape—are available on the market. If you have a unique application, be sure to research all of your options.
• Consider the comfort of the handle if you are tackling a large project. Wooden handles are often more comfortable than plastic.

• Assist in painting large areas quickly.
• Available in a range of sizes and shapes, including hard-to-reach areas, unusual surfaces and rounded areas.
• Naps (the roller cover material) aids in achieving different effects.
  • Shorter naps are used for smoother surfaces.
  • Longer naps have the ability to get into crevices and are used for rough surfaces. They also hold more paint than shorter nap covers.

• Bucket Grids: Aid in stirring paints while also removing extra paint from rollers.
• Disposable Liners: Allow for easy clean up from roller trays.
• Paint Conditioner: Added to paint to reduce brush and roller marks. May increase the drying time.
• Spout Lids: clips onto the paint can to aid in pouring paint into a roller tray, preventing messy drips down the side of the can.
• Respirator Mask: Used to reduce the particles and vapors often present during painting projects.

To clean-up

• Paint Thinner: Used to remove oil-based paints from brushes and other accessories.
• Brush Comb: Helps remove paint from the brushes while cleaning, and then straightens bristles after cleaning.
• Roller Cover Washer: A cover that hooks up to a faucet, helping to flush the paint out of the roller in minutes.

Brushes: After you've invested in a high quality brush, ensure you properly clean and maintain it so that it will be ready to go for your next painting project.

• Clean brushes immediately following use to prevent paint from drying on them. A brush comb may help.

Water-based paint: rinse in warm, soapy water until the water runs clean.

Oil-based paint: use a solvent to get the paint off of the brush.
 **Do not leave brushes soaking in the cleaner. The bristles might bend.

• Remove excess cleaner by spinning the brush.
• Use a brush comb to smooth and straighten the bristles.
• Preferably hang the brush to dry. If hanging is not an option, lay flat to dry.
• Once dry, return the brush to its original packaging. The packages are usually well designed to help the brush retain its shape.

Rollers:

• Water-based paint: The best method is through the use of a roller cover washer. If one is not available, first attempt to remove all excess paint on the roller by scraping it off. Next, use a hose to wash the roller.
• Oil-based paint: Pour several inches of paint thinner into the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket. Allow the roller to soak in the thinner for 10-15 minutes. You may need to use your hands (covered with rubber gloves!) to help squeeze the paint off of the roller. When only thinner is left on the roller, you may rinse off the excess thinner with water.

Stand the roller on end for drying.

Once dry, store the roller in a plastic bag.