Applying a fresh coat of paint to your home is one of the easiest ways to give it new life. This supply checklist will ensure you have everything you need for your DIY home painting project.
Spackle
Spackle is a patching compound to fill in cracks, holes, and other imperfections in your walls and ceiling.
Caulking & Caulking Gun
Caulk seals around doors, windows, and baseboards. A caulking gun lets you apply caulk with precision.
Razor Cutter/Scraper
A razor cutter or scraper helps remove peeling paint, wallpaper, and stubborn stains from walls.
Painting Trowel
A painting trowel smooths out the spackle and other patching materials, ensuring a flat surface.
Sandpaper & Sanding Blocks
Sanding your walls and ceiling to a smooth finish is an important preparation step. You should have the appropriate sandpaper grit for your project, as well as a few different sizes of sanding blocks.
Paint Stripper
You may need to strip away old paint and wallpaper. A quality paint stripper will make the job easier.
Safety Equipment
Make sure you have safety equipment like goggles, masks, gloves, and long sleeves when using chemical products like paint stripper.
Sponges & Rags
Sponges and rags are essential for removing dust, dirt, and other debris from your walls before you start painting.
Painter’s Tape
Apply painter’s tape along the edges of the walls, trim, and ceilings to create a clean line. Press it down firmly to ensure a tight seal. Once the paint is dry, carefully peel away the tape. You may need a razor blade or putty knife to remove excess paint.
Drop Cloths & Tarps
Drop cloths protect your furniture and flooring from paint splatters. They should be thick enough to prevent seepage.
Non-professionals often prefer plastic tarps, which are cheaper, lightweight, easy to move, and ultimately disposable. They also provide a reliable barrier against paint splatters.
Lay tarps over the floor before you start painting, and remove them when done. Use tarps big enough to cover the entire floor so you don’t have to worry about moving them around. You may also need a few pieces of tape to secure them to the floor.
Paint Stirrers & Buckets
The longer paint sits, the more pigments settle in the can. Always stir it before painting to ensure an even mix. And remember to have a few buckets on hand to keep your rollers and brushes wet between coats.
Paint Brushes
Natural-bristle brushes are great for oil-based paints, while synthetic bristles work better on latex paints. Foam brushes are inexpensive, easy to clean, and have a smoother finish with water-based paints.
Rollers & Extension Poles
Rollers are great for painting large, flat surfaces like walls and ceilings. Different types of roller covers have different nap lengths for various purposes, such as painting trim or walls. An extension pole will allow you to reach the higher parts of the wall without using a ladder.
Paint Trays & Liners
Paint trays are essential for any paint job involving a roller. Liners are disposable plastic sheets placed in the tray to prevent the paint from sticking, making it easier to clean up. A workaround is to place your paint tray inside a plastic bag and dispose of the bag when the job’s complete.
Ladder or Step Ladder
You’ll need a ladder or step ladder to access the higher portions of the walls and ceiling. Make sure it’s tall enough for your needs and sturdy enough to support your weight.
Primer
Primer creates a consistent base for your paint and helps it adhere to the surface. Some paints contain primer, but you may need to buy it separately.
High-Quality Paint
Quality paint delivers the best results. Low-quality paints have fewer pigments, so they’re less vibrant and durable.
Now that you have all the home painting supplies you need, you’re ready to start your DIY project! For any questions or help, please stop by your local Anawalt Lumber store and ask for one of our paint specialists.