How to Select the Right Painting Tools
Any home improvement project can feel intimidating before you start. But just like anything else, having the right tools by your side can make the job much easier.
Here at Ireland’s Finest Painting, we make it our mission to help prepare you for any DIY task you might be looking to tackle. So, let’s dive in to some of our expert tips when it comes to painting tools.
Brushes
There are various types of brushes available to the at-home painter, and each will work best with different varieties of paint. While most brushes can handle standard oil-based paint with no problems, there are some unique features to the two most common types, natural and synthetic. Natural brushes are generally favored for projects that involve some sort of enamel or generous topcoat, while synthetic brushes work great with latex coatings.
Once you know what type of brush you want to use, now you just need to determine what size you need. We’ll go ahead and make it simple for you – you’ll want to use larger brushes for larger surface areas and smaller brushes for smaller ones.
Now, how can you tell if the brush you’re about to buy is good quality?
There are a few tells. First of all, you’ll want to look for a brush that is longer in the middle than it is on its sides. Why? This will give you a better hand-feel, and allow for more controlled movements when you’re painting. You can also give the bristles a little tug to make sure everything is sturdy and built to last.
Rollers
Paint rollers have a few different uses, but they’re generally used on walls or ceilings where lots of ground needs to be covered using the same color. However, it’s important to remember that to get an even finish, you’ll most likely be using both brushes and rollers at some point.
Similar to brushes, latex paint works best with a synthetic roller cover, and you’ll have more flexibility with a classic oil-based paint. In terms of sizing on rollers, shorter ones work best for smooth surfaces, while rough ones need longer rollers.
Sprayers
Sprayers are for big jobs. And when we mean big jobs, we mean the entire exterior of your house big. You can get a conventional model that uses compressed air to get the paint out, or airless or wheel-around varieties that are a bit more user-friendly and less technically complex.
We’ve just touched on applicators in this week’s blog post, but of course, there are many other tools that go into a successful painting project – and if you have the right tools, you’re well on your way to success.
Think you might need more help?
Let us set you up with a free estimate from our team of professionals, and we’ll help you get started.
