The essential DIY tools for paint projects

The complete DIY enthusiast guide: Essential painting tools and supplies you need

For the budding DIY paint enthusiast, there is nothing more exciting than having all the right paint tools to get started on a project. From brushes and rollers to tape and drop cloths, having the right paint tools can make a world of difference in achieving the desired result. And while you may be happy to go down to Bunnings to buy supplies in the middle of getting the job done you’d never see a professional taking this approach. Whether you’re tackling a home improvement project or giving your furniture a new look, let’s help you pick the right paint tools to get the job done. So, let’s dive in and get to work!

How to choose the right paint brush and roller

To achieve professional-like results, you need the right paint brush and roller. Good quality tools will ensure consistent performance and won’t lose their bristles or lint and make your efforts go to waste. Invest in good quality brushes and rollers, as they will be suitable for most painting projects if looked after correctly.

If you are a brush fan and plan on painting a small area you will need a small paint brush. In contrast, larger spaces require a larger brush to get the work done faster. If you plan on using a roller you will still need a small brush with a fine tip for detailed areas, such as trims and corners.

Here is a guide to buy the paint brush you need for the job at hand:

• For small jobs and touch-ups, use a 12-25mm paint brush
• For furniture, small panels, window frames, mouldings and shutters, use a 38mm paint brush
• For doors, screens, tabletops, railings and cabinets, use a 50mm paint brush
• For outdoor furniture, cupboards, gutters and doors, use a 63mm paint brush
• For fence posts and rails, floorboards, stairs, skirtings and fascia, use a 75mm paint brush
• For large areas such as walls, floors, ceilings, roofs and fences, use a 100mm paint brush

Paint rollers come in various sizes and textures too. For larger surfaces, a paint roller with a thicker nap is appropriate, while for finer details, a roller with a thinner nap is preferred. Roller nap is the thickness of the paint roller cover.

When selecting a paint roller, make sure to select one that is the right size for the job. A roller that is too small will not cover the area evenly, while one that is too large can be difficult to manoeuvre. Paint rollers usually come in 3 sizes:

• 4-10 mm paint rollers are suitable for glossy paint, they don’t hold too much paint so it will give a smooth finish
• 10-15 mm paint rollers are suitable for water-based paint and work best for walls and ceilings
• 20-32 mm paint rollers are appropriate for rough surfaces such as bricks or textured walls

Paint rollers are made of different materials, so choose one depending on the paint and surface. Let’s help you decide on the type of paint roller now:

• Woven polyester rollers are suitable for use with most paint types
• Knitted polyester rollers are more suitable for use with water-based paints, when painting on smooth surfaces
• Lambswool paint rollers are recommended for rough surfaces particularly brickwork
• Mohair paint rollers can be used with full and semi-gloss enamel paints on smooth surfaces
• Foam rollers tend to aerate the paint creating small bubbles in the paint film, so avoid using them if possible
• Microfibre paint rollers are best used when a fine smooth stippled finish is desired particularly with Water Based Enamels
• Textured paint rollers are best suited for rough surfaces or when you need a textured finish

Replace your paint brushes and rollers periodically to ensure that they stay in good condition and work well to give you the desired output.

Essential paint tape and drop sheets

To ensure that you achieve a clean, professional finish on your paint job, you need to mask off areas to prevent paint from getting on unwanted surfaces. Painters tape is essential. Painters tape comes in various widths and can be removed without leaving a residue.

For covering floors and furniture, drop sheets are essential. Choose drop sheets that are thick and heavy-duty and large enough to cover the entire area being painted.

Paint mixing

Paint is a mix of solids in liquids. When kept undisturbed for a long time, the binder and pigments separate. The pigment in the paint settles at the bottom of the tin and the binder rises to the top. If you use paint without mixing, the top portion will have more binder and less pigment, affecting the shade of the colour. The bottom half will be mostly pigment and less binder, this will affect the finish, as the paint will not dry quickly and will start to chalk off soon. So, you must always stir the paint well with a paint mixing stick before use.

Safety equipment

When it comes to painting, safety is of the utmost importance. Take the necessary precautions with the right safety equipment on hand. Invest in goggles to protect your eyes from paint splatter. Also invest in gloves to protect your hands from coming in contact with paint and a respirator to protect you from breathing in paint fumes. If you are using high quality Taubmans low VOC paints you can give the respirator a miss.

Painting accessories for professional results

In addition to the essential painting tools, there are a variety of painting accessories that can help you achieve a professional finish on your DIY project. A paint tray is essential for holding paint and keeping it from spilling. A paint roller cage is also an effective tool for ensuring that the roller stays in place and doesn’t move around while you are painting.

How to choose the right paint for your project

When choosing paint for your DIY project, it’s imperative to take into consideration the type of surface you are painting and the desired finish. For interior walls, a flat or eggshell finish is preferred, while for exterior surfaces, a gloss or semi-gloss finish is suitable. It’s also worthwhile to consider the paint opacity, VOC level and composition of paint you are using. Browse the entire range of Taubmans paints and choose the most appropriate paint for your needs.

Tips for maintaining your DIY tools

For cleaning up, a paint brush comb is essential. A paint brush comb is a tool that is designed to help you clean the bristles of your brush. This prevents the bristles from becoming clogged, which can affect the quality of your paint job. After each use, brushes and rollers should be cleaned with water and a mild detergent. This will help prevent the bristles from becoming clogged and will also help extend the life of your tools.

It’s also wise to store your brushes and rollers properly. Brushes and rollers should be stored in a dry area away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent the bristles from becoming brittle and will also help extend the life of your DIY tools. Paintdelivery offers a range of brushes and rollers designed for Taubmans paint products.

Anyone that has spent any time painting will know that it is a very repetitive task and one that takes skill and practice. Whether you are a novice painter or a seasoned professional, having the right painting tools can make all the difference.