If there’s one instantaneous change that always makes a big impact in a home, it’s PAINT. Color (or even the lack thereof) can totally transform a space — I mean, I painted our doors, windows, and shelves green and still love it more than any other decor idea I have ever had. Painting is also one of the easiest ways to update your space, so today I wanted to round up all of our favorite home painting tools for your reference. Maybe this will inspire you to tackle another space in your home this weekend!
10 Essential Painting Tools for DIY Home Renovations
1. Paint Sprayer
If you have a LOT of surface area to paint or simply want to have an expert quality to your end project, I highly recommend a paint sprayer. Basically, it’s the best way to easily get coverage without hours spent rolling out paint. I don’t even want to think about how long it would have taken us to paint the cabin without our trusty Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer. It saved us SO much time and energy. I shared a TON of detail about how to use a paint sprayer here on the blog already, so be sure to check that out.
There are a many components to a paint sprayer, so here’s a full list of the painting tools we keep on hand to make sure we’re prepared to use the sprayer:
- Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer
- Graco 243104 Pump Armor, 1-Quart
- Graco 287019 10-Inch Extension Pole for Airless Paint Spray Guns
2. Multi-position ladder + step stool
When it comes to painting tall walls and ceilings, you’re going to need a good ladder. This multi-position ladder is our absolute favorite and makes DIY painting a breeze.I love that we’re able to convert the ladder into a scaffolding type stance or simply use it in normal formation. A good ladder is one painting tool that’s worth it’s weight in gold.
I also recommend getting a smaller step stool for ease of use in smaller spaces, too. I love the one that’s linked because it’s lightweight and stows away into a thin space in our laundry closet.
3. Eye protection, clothing, and a respirator
Protecting your eyes, face, body, and lungs while spraying paint is very important! Even if you’re using a paint roller and brush, I still consider it essential to wear glasses to protect your eyes. Oh and definitely be sure to dedicate some clothing specifically to painting… I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started painting and ended up ruining clothes even though I thought I would be neat!
Also, I wear a shower cap to protect my hair because I’m extra.
Pro tip: to prevent paint from getting into your hair, use a shower cap! I always wear one while painting ceilings and it’s a total game changer for me.
4. Plastic sheeting
When we started our first paint project in the cabin, we bought a roll of heavy plastic sheeting to protect furniture, floors, etc. We were careful with how we cut it and, because of that, we’re able to reuse all of it for each of our various DIY painting projects.
5. Painter’s tape
I know that painters tape is an obviously necessary painting tool, but not all tape is created equally! We prefer to keep three widths on hand, 1″, 1.5″ and 2″. This allows us to mask off areas as needed with the correct width. For example, when we put paper down on the floor to protect it, I used two rows of 2″ tape to create a stronger barrier that would protect our floor from any potential seepage.
And as far as brands go, ScotchBlue Sharp Lines Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape is our absolute favorite for clean, crisp lines. Be sure to keep an eye on how old your tape is, too, because it can become less tacky with age.
6. An angled brush for cutting in
Even though we use the paint sprayer for larger projects, sometimes it’s just too much for a single room. That’s when I typically get out the traditional roller and brush. In our household, I’m the one who cuts in. Maybe it’s my steady hands from 4 years of art school??
I recommend investing in 2-3 high quality brushes from Purdy for cutting in while painting. This is definitely a painting tool where I do not recommend cheaping out. Not only does a good brush ensure a crisp, clean line, it also will help your paint go onto the wall better.
7. Handy paint pail
For the longest time, I used old yogurt containers to hold paint while I was cutting in. After dealing with so many hand cramps, I knew there had to be a better way. That’s when I discovered the Handy paint pail and I never looked back. It has a comfortable shape that fits in my hand plus a handle/strap, so I don’t actually have to hold the container. They have liners as well, but I rinse ours out in order to avoid additional plastic usage.
Oh and the best part?? There’s a magnet at the handle so your brush can attach without falling fully into the paint. This thing is seriously so well designed!
8. Press’n Seal
This is my second favorite DIY painting recommendation: keep your paint from drying out in between coats by using Press’n Seal! Pouring the paint back into the can in between coats is a waste of time and paint, so I use this instead. I’m trying to cut back on plastic usage across the board, but I’ve never found anything that works better than this, so I give myself a pass.
9. Paint mixer drill attachment
Mixing paint with those free stir sticks is cool and all… but that method takes FOREVER and doesn’t even really do that great of a job. Instead, I recommend picking up one of these paint mixers. Fit it onto your drill and mix paint in a matter of minutes!
Then rinse it off in between uses. This is especially handy if you’re using paint that has separated from sitting for a while.
10. Brush comb
Since you’re investing in quality brushes, you need to take care of them. I use this brush comb to get every last bit of paint off the brush bristles. Your brushes will last longer and the paint finish will be so much better than if you leave paint globbed on!
I recommend this specific brush comb because the other side can be used to squeeze excess paint out of rollers!
Have you used any or all of these painting tools for your DIY home renovations?? I’d love to know what’s worked for you — and if there are any other things I should be checking out! Leave a comment and let me know. I am alllllways interested in making our DIY home painting projects easier, less messy, and less stressful.
Great recommendation. This will help a lot especially the part where the paint stains the floor.
Thanks so much for the neat list of tools to get when painting. My parents are wanting to repaint a few rooms but don’t have a lot of equipment to do so. I’ll look into tools like a paint mixer and see if it’s essential for our little project.
Awesome! happy to help!