Painting Supplies, Brushes, Paints, Varnishes, Rollers

Whether you're painting a new nursery or the exterior of your home, it can be hard to forget the basic painting supplies you're going to need. Obviously, you'll require paint, but what other painting supplies are going to be required for your project? Planning carefully and making sure you buy quality materials and tools can make the difference between a frustrating, time consuming situation and one that goes smoothly and easily. (Continued after the listings below...)

Shop for Painting Supplies, Brushes, Rollers, Paints, Varnishes and More

More About Painting Supples

It can be a good idea to make a list of everything you'll need. That lets you easily comparison shop, and it cuts down on trips to the store. There are several major categories to look at - preparation supplies, application supplies, cleanup, protective materials and personal safety items. Let's take a look at each group and see what the options are and what you're probably going to need.

Preparation
You're probably going to need to clean and prepare the painting area before you get started applying paint. That means taking a look at all of it and making sure that there are no cobwebs or dirt, and that the area is smooth and clean. If there are rough spots or loose paint, you're probably going to have to sand and scrape. If you're going to work on an unfinished wall or one that's been painted a dark color in the past, a primer is recommended.

Spackle or patching material will be needed if areas aren't properly smooth, and you'll need tools to apply this material, too. Make sure you do any patching well in advance, so that the materials has plenty of drying time. Well prepared surfaces will be much easier to paint and will result in a better finished product.

Application
We all know that paint is important, but you'll also probably need brushes and rollers, and possibly a paint sprayer. Larger surfaces can benefit from purchase or rental of a sprayer, while quality brushes are required for smaller areas and trim work. Remember to think about the paint type you want to use, since each tool is best for certain types. Make sure the sprayers or other tools you buy can handle the paint you want to use.

You should also remember that inexpensive paint, brushes, and rollers aren't usually a good idea. They won't allow you to end up with a professional looking finish. It's usually better to spend a little more to avoid streaking, lost bristles, multiple coats and other problems. You may need extra roller covers and extension poles for hard to reach or difficult jobs, as well.

Protective Supplies
Masking tape, drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and other materials will protect the items and areas that shouldn't get paint on them. Remember to include gloves for your hands, and wear clothing that will keep you from getting splattered.

Cleanup
Of course, some paint will get into places it shouldn't. You're going to need thinners and solvents appropriate to your paint to clean brushes and remove paint from areas it shouldn't be in. For latex paints, this can just be water, but oils and other paint types may need mineral spirits and other solvents.

Personal Safety
If you can't get proper ventilation, a chemical respirator will be needed. Good lighting and stable ladders are also vital to safe painting, and shouldn't be forgotten.

Tags: House Painting, paint, paint brush, paint rollers, paint supplies, painting, Painting Supplies, varnish