A while ago, I was given a voucher for a The Paint Hub paint shop. I was like a child in a toy shop, browsing online and adding lots of random bits and pieces into the basket. It would make such a good present for someone who loves a little DIY! When it all arrived, I realised how handy lots of it would be, to someone who is just starting to delve into the world of DIY painting. It got me thinking… what are the most basic painting tools everyone should have? I’m here to break it down for you!
Drop Cloth
So first up, you’ll need to protect everything that isn’t getting a makeover! Get yourself a drop cloth that has a cotton top layer to soak up the paint and a plastic backing to stop it soaking through.
Painting Tape
I say painting tape because I do not mean masking tape!!! Do not use masking tape, as there is a strong chance it will take paint off the wall. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to think your finished the job, only to remove the masking tape and damage the fresh paint! My favourite tape brand is Deltac, it gives that lovely crisp line! I usually use the yellow one, but use the purple tape is for walls that have been recently painted, as they’ll be more delicate. You have two options when removing the tape. Either remove it immediately after painting, while the paint is still wet. Or wait until the paint is completely bone dry. Anytime in between and say bye to that crisp line!
Filler and Filler Knife
I have never painted a room that didn’t require some sort of filling/patching. There could be nail holes, cracks or maybe gaps (like between the skirting and the wall). If it’s a flat surface, you’ll also need a filler knife to apply the filler and smoothen it out. Different surfaces require different fillers so I’ll just mention the three main ones!
- Flat wall surface – pre mixed wall filler. Just make sure it’s flexible and paintable.
- Woodwork – use a wood filler. If you’re not painting over it, make sure to match the colour of the filler as close as possible to the wood.
- Corners/edges – e.g. where the skirting board/door frame meets the wall. Use a paintable, flexible caulk.
Sandpaper
After you have let the filler dry, you’ll need to sand it down. These ceramic sanding blocks are easy to use and last. The square shape makes them handy for corners too! Give the wall a quick once-over to make sure there are no small bumps, especially look out for old paint drips from the last painting job. They are so common!
Multi-tool
After you’ve shaken the crap outta that tin of paint, you’ll want to open it! I’ve bent so many knives trying to open paint so I’m here to tell you, buy a paint can opener! And you might as well spend a few euro more and get a multi-tool. It opens the paint can and has many other uses too – nail remover, scraper, roller cleaner … well worth having around.
Paintbrushes
Cut in before you roll, so grab that paintbrush next! I love, love. love my Zibra brushes! They’re the best quality and at such a good pricepoint too. The brushes are made with very fine, synthetic bristles so the finish is as smooth as it gets! My absolute fave is the Palm Pro. The handle is short and sits in your palm, which is great if you’re painting for ages and want to avoid ‘The Claw’! I also bought the square shaped brush you see in the picture for really precise cutting in when, especially when corners are involved! Oh and best of all, these paintbrushes wash so much easier than others I’ve tried.
Rollers
Not all rollers are created equally! For the best finish use a microfibre roller. I love this 9″ Two Fussy Blokes one for the walls. It’s for semi-smooth surfaces and gives a great finish. If you have to paint behind any radiators, or hard to reach areas, get a 4″ roller and make sure you have the matching 4″ roller frame. I buy the smooth surface 4″ rollers as I use them for woodwork too, where the surface is super smooth! Don’t forget to give them a quick rinse and a towel dry before you start, to get rid any any fluff.
Brush Comb
This cheap and cheerful little item is another must have, as it makes cleaning your paintbrushes a breeze. It really gets into the hard to reach bristles, which otherwise wouldn’t have been washed properly. This makes for a much longer lasting paintbrush!
Home Decor Podcast
Obviously this one isn’t an essential but the painting can drag if you’re not entertained! So throw on some music, comedy, an audiobook or a podcast to keep you going! I find good home decor podcasts hard to find so I’m telling you my top ones:
- Chris Loves Julia
- The Great Indoors
- Young House Love has a Podcast
- Design Time
My next painting job is to finish off the utility room. I started this room as a One Room Challenge back in May but had to stop as our countertop needed to be sorted. To be honest, not much has happened in there since but I’ve grabbed a few paint samples and I think I’ve narrowed down the colour. I wonder will it turn out like my original mood board in the end?! I hardly know myself!!
If there are any other painting tools you love that I haven’t mentioned, please let us know by commenting below!
