Paint Like A Pro Painting Tools

BACK TO BASICS | by SHERRY STRIPLING

IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, AN AMATEUR PAINTER with no end to paint-worthy walls, you’ll take any help you can get. For what it’s worth ― and believe me nobody pays me to paint ―here are my favorite paint tools and tips. 

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The 8-in-1 putty knife: I have used this versatile tool for putty, but I primarily use it for scraping. It pries up trim boards, tough plaster, nails. You can use the cut-out to remove paint from paint rollers. Rumor has it you can also use it to open beer.

Blue masking tape: Yes! My woes with pulling paint off as I remove masking tape are gone. You can also use this lightly sticking tape to outline where to put a flat-screen TV.

Quality paint: Frankly, you get what you pay for. I nearly choked recently when I paid $130 for two gallons of exterior paint and a quart of primer but I know it will last. Bonus hint: Find a paint store that keeps track of colors you’ve purchased.

Buy good brushes and take care of them: I’ll pay $25 for a good brush. I clean my brushes every night using a paintbrush comb and warm water or solvent (for oil-based paint). Retain the shape by drying the brush in its cardboard jacket.

Tools I’d like to try:

No-peel or peel-stop primer or a stir-in bonder-sealer-primer adhesion system. Priming is vital. Moisture is your enemy, so take care to paint in dry conditions, allowing time to dry between coats.

Bucket grid: Used to remove excess paint from brushes and other applicators before applying.

Accubrush XT edger or MX edger: I’ve only seen the video and read reviews, but I want one. Sells for $30 (MX) to $100 (kit with both) from Painthelpers through Amazon.