Before you start with your house painting project, you need to gather everything you need first. If you’re new to DIY painting, you’ll realise that the challenge doesn’t just end with picking the right color for your house. The options for the supplies you need is endless!
Through this article, we’ll give you a quick run through of the things you’ll need–from preparation up to the painting process itself.
Pre-painting process
You don’t just jump to painting. You need to set up and clear the area first. With this, you’ll need a couple of tools to make sure you remove all the obstructions in the room.
Metal paint scraper
Aside from patching any holes and dents, you also need to scrape off the old paint in your wall to make sure the area is clean and free from anything that can ruin the consistency of your new paint. This metal paint scraper has a flat steel blade with a metal handle. You can also find some paint scrapers with plastic or wooden handles.
Palette knife
Before starting to paint, you need to ensure there are no holes in the wall. In case there are some, you must patch it with a drywall compound using a spatula or a palette knife.
A palette knife almost looks like a paint scraper. The only difference is that a palette knife is commonly used to patch a surface’s imperfections before starting on your painting project.
Painter’s tape
A painter’s tape is used to cover surfaces so paint doesn’t drip to areas that shouldn’t be painted. You can tape off your windows, door frames and outlets if you prefer not removing them during the painting process.
Painting process
After ensuring that the surface is all clean and free from any obstruction, it’s time to prepare the materials to start painting. Below is the list of the things you need for your painting project.
Paint
Of course, this is the primary supply you’ll need. There are different types of paint you can choose from depending on your preferences.
- Flat – also known as matte paints and has the least amount of glossiness. Best used in low-traffic areas and surfaces that are not touched often.
- Eggshell – more lustrous compared to flat paints. Perfect for places with medium traffic such as hallways and living rooms.
- Satin – easy to clean paints with velvety finish suitable for high traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Semi-gloss – paints with shiny finish best used in areas that get a lot of moisture.
- High gloss – paints with the shiniest finish perfect for doors and cabinets.
Paint brushes and rollers
These will serve as your applicator when working on your painting project. You’ll need different types of brushes depending on your painting technique. For example, you can use an angled brush to paint the doors, ceilings and windows. You can also use a small craft brush for edges and hard to reach areas.
Painting trays
Painting trays are used as a container of small portions of paint. This is also useful to avoid dipping your paint brushes directly to the paint cans which can contaminate the paint with dirt.
Canvas tarp
This will serve as your floor and furniture’s protection. Some people use newspapers, but it’s not recommended if you’re working in a carpeted area.
Ladder
A ladder is very useful especially when painting tall walls and ceilings. Instead of using chairs, this is a safer tool to reach high areas.
Each of these materials is important when repainting your home. Take this painting supplies checklist and see if you’re missing something before starting on your painting project.
