Do you have the right painting tools
for your home improvement project? If you're not sure what to stock up on, take
a look at the top products you'll need in this easy-to-follow equipment list
for an interior painting project.
Interior Paint
How should you select the just-right
paint for your interior project? There are hundreds of colors to choose from —
each of which may include slight variations in shade or hue. Along with the
color that best matches your room's décor palette, you also need to choose a
sheen.
In combination with the color, the
sheen or finish can give the paint a totally different look. The primary sheens/finishes
to choose from include:
- Matte. A matte finish is flat and
not reflective. This finish can hide imperfections and showcases the
color.
- Eggshell. The next step towards a
reflective sheen, an eggshell finish is slightly shiny but still somewhat
matte.
- Semi-gloss. As the name
implies, this finish is somewhat glossy. It has a much more reflective
surface than a matte or eggshell finish.
- Gloss. This option is the most
reflective sheen. It's durable, easy to clean, and perfect for accents or trim.
The specific color and finish
combination you select depends on your design needs, the room itself, and
imperfections you may need to hide.
Paintbrushes
What types of paintbrushes do you
need? The answer to this question depends on the type of paint you choose to
use. The most common interior paintbrushes are:
- Synthetic. These man-made brushes are
either nylon or polyester. These work well with most water-based paints.
Cheaper, lower quality synthetic brushes are stiff and can scratch the
paint surface or leave marks.
- Natural. This type of brush is best
for oil-based paint use. Most interior home paints are water-based. You
may need this option for a smaller craft or outdoor project instead of
your interior walls.
- Cut. Along with the type of bristles, you also need to
choose the right cut or shape. Angled brushes are ideal for trim work or
cutting in. A square-tipped brush works well for large flat surfaces.
If you're still not sure which
paintbrush is right for your home improvement project, ask the expert. The
professionals at your local hardware store can help you to select the perfect
paint and paintbrush pairing.
Paint Rollers
Even though you'll need a brush for
edging and trim work, you may also need a paint roller for the bulk of your interior
walls. A roller allows you to coat larger spaces in less time and creates an
even look — in comparison to some types of brushes.
To use a paint roller, you'll need:
- The roller. This soft, fuzzy tube
will hold the paint. You can use some types of rollers repeatedly,
provided you clean them completely.
- The roller frame. The frame is a metal
skeleton attached to a handle. You'll need to put the roller over the
frame before you begin your painting project.
- A tray. Place the paint in the
tray before you roll it onto your room's walls.
- An extension pole. Some spaces are tricky to
reach with a standard roller frame. This attachment extends higher to
paint hard-to-reach areas.
- Painter's tape. Even though rollers can
quickly and completely cover larger areas, they aren't precise. Painter's
tape can mask areas that you want to keep clean, such as doorframes,
baseboards, or windowsills.
Some painters prefer to use a bucket
and screen instead of a tray. This reduces the number of tray refills and may
waste less paint. Additionally, a large bucket is a steady container — unlike a
flimsy tray.
Do you need paint supplies for your
next home improvement project? Contact Koontz Hardware for more information.
