Choosing the Right Equipment for Painting
September 2, 2019
Are you starting a painting project? While just about anyone can paint a room, most people know that if you want a professional-looking job, you should hire pros who know how to get the job done the right way, without a lot of hassle or mess. If you have decided to try to paint your interior on your own, here’s some of the equipment you will want to consider investing in so your walls come out looking great.
Equipment to Prep the Walls: Sponge, Sandpaper, Putty
No one likes this part of any painting job, but it needs to be done. The walls and the ceiling need to be cleaned and repaired before adding primer and final paint color. After you use a sponge to wipe down the walls, fill in the holes from nails or scratches with putty. After allowing that to dry, you will want to use a wet sponge or sandpaper for a smooth finish.
Equipment to Protect the Floors and Furniture: Tarps, Plastic, Tape
Most homeowners like to dive right into painting, but don’t forget to collect your tarps, plastic sheets, and tape to help protect the floors and your furnishings. We suggest putting down plastic sheets and taping them to the floor so you do not drip or spill onto your carpets, linoleum, or hardwood floors. Taping the protective cover down is of paramount importance so you will not slip, trip, or fall.
A word on tape – some professionals use tape so that edges look sharp. Others use an angled brush and “cut in” to make those edges have a crisp look. More experienced painters usually choose using an angled brush, but either way is fine.
Equipment for Painting: Step Stool, Ladders, Brushes, Rollers, Rags, Extender Rods
Now that your room or rooms have been cleaned, wiped, and cleared of as much furniture as possible, you are ready to paint. You will need to consider the height of your room to determine if you need a ladder to reach higher cathedral ceilings, scaffolding to paint stairwells, or just a step stool to get walls that are just beyond your reach. Extender poles for rollers are also helpful to reach right up to the ceiling.
We suggest investing in high-quality brushes that can apply a smooth coat and not make unsightly brush marks. Depending upon the texture of the walls and ceiling you are dealing with, you will need a specific nap for the rollers. Ceilings that have popcorn designs will need a thicker nap while flat walls can have less nap.
Don’t forget to buy some rags that you can keep close in case you find a drip or spill on your floor or other areas. Make sure the rags have been washed so that the dye and/or lint does not come off on your surfaces.
Is this too overwhelming? Do you feel that buying all this equipment is too expensive? You may want to consider hiring a professional who will take on all the prep work and finish work that tends to cause headaches. Call Jerry Enos Painting today at 978-546-6843, or visit our website. We can give you a free estimate for whatever rooms you would like professionally painted.
Categorised in: Uncategorized