Shopping list for painting supplies

Choosing The Right Supplies For Your Painting Project

When you decide to undertake a project as big as painting your home, it’s easy to get lost in the home improvement store and leave with a cart full of tools, albeit useless items for your particular project. Here’s a sample shopping list for painting supplies that covers both exterior painting and most interior painting projects.

Preparation items

The first step to painting your home is to prepare the area. Cleaning is the first order of business and requires basic cleaning supplies. Get a pail or two, scrub brushes, bleach to treat mildew and a hose with a spray nozzle. It’s usually a good idea to treat walls with a cleaner that includes trisodium phosphate, or TSP.

Power Washer

If you are planning to paint exterior surfaces, it’s a good idea to rent or invest in a power washer. It will clean loose dirt from the areas with ease. If you choose this method, it’s good to have hand and eye protection ready to use as well.

Protection

You will need drop cloths, rags and painter’s tape ready to protect floors and bushes, whether you are inside or outside. Experts recommend cardboard boxes for inside floor covering, or canvas cloths for outside.

Paint Removers

If you find that your home has an excessive amount of peeling or blistered paint, you’ll be in need of a scraper. Sanders might be necessary for smaller imperfections that need scuffed off. An old or dedicated paint brush is a great tool to sweep dust away. While we’re talking dust, you should consider purchasing dust masks to keep the old paint out of your lungs.

Caulk

Caulk will cover quite a manner of imperfections. It will be absolutely necessary when it comes to cracks. Before purchasing, make sure you are buying caulk that says it is paintable.

Applicators

Brushes and rollers are always necessary when painting. Don’t skimp on quality. While your job might not show lower quality tools, it will be more difficult to complete. A higher quality brush will hold more paint, keep their bristles and paint more smooth strokes.

Spray equipment is available for rental. A novice painter might be tempted with the quick completion of a project, however, the tool requires extensive knowledge and cleaning to wield successfully.

Primer

Primer is encouraged to create a uniform area for paint to adhere to, especially if you have repaired areas. Match your primer to your job. For example, if you’re painting acrylic latex, you’ll want to invest in acrylic resin primer. Any retailer will be able to direct you to the proper painter for your job.

Paint

Most jobs require 100% acrylic latex paint. Inside your house, you’ll be able to go with less than 100%, but it won’t stand up to outdoor conditions. The acrylic paint will provide better adhesion to your exterior and also hold its color better than alternatives.

Sometimes the best supplies are those the professionals bring with them to get the job done. If you would like to learn more about our exterior painters or interior house painting services we would be happy to meet with you and discuss the details of your project. Schedule an estimate today!