Brushes, Rollers, Pads and Specialty Tools
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1-100 hours
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Intermediate
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- 0-200
Don't skimp here! The quality of your paint job depends as much on the applicators as it does on the paint. A first-time painter with high-quality brushes and rollers can do a better job than an experienced painter with cheap ones. And since you'll have to live with the results for years to come, the better products are worth a little extra money.
1. Brush With Greatness
Better brushes hold more paint and hold their bristles, too - that's important to help your job go quickly with good results. Brushes use either natural or synthetic bristles, or a blend. Natural bristles work only with alkyd paints; synthetic bristles work with both alkyd and latex.
2. Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'
For most walls and ceilings you'll use a paint roller. The best generally have a steel frame, a metal cage, and a threaded handle that can hold an extension pole. When selecting a cover, choose a shorter nap (3/16" or 3/8") for painting smooth indoor surfaces, and longer nap (3/4" or 1-1/4") for rougher surfaces including textured walls, masonry and stucco.
3. Pad Applicators
For edging, cutting in and painting flat trim, foam pads provide a convenient alternative to brushes. Because they're flat, they leave less surface texture in the paint and they tend not to drip or spatter. Their flexibility also makes them ideal for reaching inside tight areas (like vents of heat registers).
