Search our comprehensive directory of painting supplies and tools
Organized by category for easy browsing
Essential brushes for different painting tasks
2-3 inch brush for cutting in edges and trim work
4-6 inch brush for large wall areas
1/2-1 inch brush for fine detail work
Round brush for stenciling and decorative work
For oil-based paints and varnishes
For water-based paints and latex
Rollers for efficient wall and ceiling painting
9-inch frame for standard roller covers
Various nap lengths for different surfaces
Tray for loading paint onto roller
Extendable pole for high walls and ceilings
4-inch roller for small areas and touch-ups
Specialized roller for inside corners
Materials for surface preparation and protection
Canvas or plastic sheets to protect floors and furniture
Blue tape for clean edges and masking
Heavy-duty plastic for large area protection
Various grits for surface preparation
Compound for filling holes and cracks
Sealant for gaps and joints
Heavy-duty cleaner for grease and grime
Specialized cleaner for kitchen and bathroom surfaces
Protective gear for safe painting
Eye protection from paint splatters
Protection from paint fumes and dust
Protection for hands during prep work
Protective clothing to keep paint off clothes
Protection when working on floors or low areas
Essential tools for professional results
For removing old paint and loose material
For applying spackle and smoothing surfaces
Proper tool for opening paint cans
For mixing paint thoroughly
For filtering paint and removing debris
For clean pouring from paint cans
For cleaning and maintaining brushes
Equipment for reaching high areas safely
6-8 foot ladder for standard height work
For high walls and exterior work
Safety accessory for extension ladders
For large commercial or exterior projects
For working on uneven surfaces
Materials for cleaning up after painting
For cleaning oil-based paint tools
Alternative to paint thinner for cleaning
For cleaning water-based paint tools
For cleaning and wiping surfaces
Specialized cleaner for maintaining brushes
For disposing of used materials
Specialized tools for specific painting tasks
Tool for creating clean edges without tape
Specialized brush for inside and outside corners
Metal shield for protecting adjacent surfaces
Tool for cleaning roller covers
Electric mixer for large paint quantities
For large areas and professional finishes
Understanding different paint types and the right tools to use with each
Water-based paint for interior walls and ceilings
Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
300-400 sq ft per gallon
1-2 hours
Soap and water
Synthetic bristle brushes (nylon/polyester)
2-3" angled sash, 4" wall brush
Synthetic roller covers with 3/8" to 1/2" nap
9" roller frame with 3/8" nap for smooth walls, 1/2" nap for textured walls
Weather-resistant paint for exterior surfaces
Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss
250-350 sq ft per gallon
2-4 hours
Soap and water
Synthetic bristle brushes (nylon/polyester)
3-4" angled sash, 4-6" wall brush
Synthetic roller covers with 1/2" to 3/4" nap
9" roller frame with 1/2" nap for smooth siding, 3/4" nap for textured surfaces
Durable paint for high-traffic areas and trim
Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
300-400 sq ft per gallon
6-8 hours
Paint thinner or mineral spirits
Natural bristle brushes (China bristle) or high-quality synthetic
1-2" trim brush, 2-3" sash brush
Natural fiber roller covers or high-quality synthetic
4" mini roller for trim, 9" roller with 1/4" nap for smooth surfaces
Base coat for better paint adhesion and coverage
Matte
300-400 sq ft per gallon
1-2 hours
Soap and water (latex) or paint thinner (oil)
Synthetic bristle for latex primer, natural bristle for oil primer
2-3" angled sash, 4" wall brush
Synthetic roller covers with 3/8" to 1/2" nap
9" roller frame with 3/8" nap for smooth surfaces, 1/2" nap for textured walls
Key terms every painter should know
The process of painting edges and corners with a brush before rolling the main area
Example: Cutting in around windows, doors, and ceiling edges
Blending wet paint edges to avoid visible brush marks or roller lines
Example: Feathering the edge of a freshly painted area into the existing paint
The thickness of the fabric on a roller cover, measured in fractions of an inch
Example: 1/4 inch nap for smooth surfaces, 3/4 inch nap for textured walls
Sticky cloth used to remove dust and debris before painting
Example: Using tack cloth after sanding to ensure a clean surface
Rolling over freshly applied paint to ensure even coverage and texture
Example: Backrolling after spraying paint to create a uniform finish
The temperature at which paint vapors can ignite
Example: Important safety consideration when working with oil-based paints
The boundary between wet and dry paint that must be maintained for smooth blending
Example: Keeping a wet edge prevents lap marks and ensures uniform appearance
Paint that runs or sags down the wall due to over-application
Example: Sagging can occur when too much paint is applied in one area