Interior Painting: Steps to Success—Choose Quality Tools
High quality brushes generally have longer bristles and a divider inside to provide
a larger paint reservoir for more efficient application of paint, compared with
lower quality economy brushes. The ends of the bristles are flagged or split at
the tips and the brush is tapered with longer bristles at the center and shorter
bristles to the outside. This means the paint will go on smoother and more evenly.
Look for a bare wood handle rather than plastic or painted wood; you'll get a
better grip, and a rust-resistant metal ferrule that is nailed on instead of cramped
to the handle means that you'll shed fewer bristles.
Brushes are available with polyester, nylon or natural bristles. Synthetic bristles
are preferred with latex paints since natural bristles tend to absorb the water
in latex products and lose their shape. Some synthetic brushes are recommended
for oil-based products as well as for water-based coatings. Natural bristle brushes
are recommended for oil-based coatings and coatings made with alcohol, paint thinner
or lacquer thinner. Brushes should be pre-primed before use. For latex painting,
prime the brush with water. For oil-based coatings, prime the brush with paint
thinner. All excess should be removed before dipping the brush into the paint.
Angular sash brushes are excellent for precise work such as cutting in adjoining
surfaces and different sized brushes have different functions. Use 1" to
2" brushes for trim; 2" to 2 1/2" for doors, 3" for larger
areas such as floors and wall sections, and 3" to 4" brushes for broad
wall areas.
Quality brushes give you a thicker, more uniform paint film for better hiding
and durability. And a smooth application will be more resistant to dirt and mildew
that the same paint with brush marks.
Rollers
Quality rollers tend to be thicker and fluffier for greater paint capacity and
less dripping and spattering. They also apply the paint thicker and smoother.
A higher quality roller will not crack, holds its shape better, does not shed
fibers, and is reusable.
For the smoothest application of oil-based coatings use quality lamb's wool
and natural mohair rollers. Synthetic nap rollers are appropriate for latex
paints and some are suitable for oil-based products. Nap length is also an important
consideration. As a rule, short nap rollers from 1/4" to 3/8" are
best for smooth surfaces and long nap rollers from 1/2" to 1" are
used for rough masonry or cinder block walls.
Sprayers
If your job is appropriate for a paint sprayer choose a good one. Better sprayers
offer excellent uniformity of spray for smooth, drip-free application and are
generally more reliable in their performance.
The Prepared Painter's Materials List
Abrasive Pads (non-metallic)
Bleach
Broom
Brush, stiff bristle, nylon
Bucket
Caulk, clear
Caulk, colored
Caulking Gun
Drop Clothes
Dusk Mask
Extension Cord
Eye Protection, Goggles
Fan for ventilation
Gloves, chemical resistant
Gloves, leather or cloth
Ladder, step
Masking Tape,
Painter's Tape
Paint Remover
Paper Towels
Primer, bonding
Primer, PVA drywall
Primer, stain-blocking
Putty Knife
Rags
Respirator
Sand Paper, fine grit
Sand Paper, medium grit
Scraper, shaped
Scraper, straight
Shop Vac
Sponge
Trash Bags
Wood Filler
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