New homeowners hate two things: moving and painting. Both are time consuming, energy reducing and always overwhelming on the outset. So I fully expect the quizzical expression on the readers face when I say: painting can be fun!
When embarking on the expedition of painting a person is immediately halted by the blank canvas of walls. Uncontrolled lips start to stammer and folk find their mind swirling with questions like where to start, what to do, and what to buy. In a frantic flurry, friends and family are invited, pizza is ordered and the fireworks fly. At the end of the (long) day, tempers are short and paint-jobs are sloppy.
I just want to share what you should have handy before you invite all those people over so as to make the experience a little easier.
Why me? Well, I’ve done my fair share of painting and friend-overs. One time I spent the entire day arguing with my parents because every dip of my brush was perceived as a newb mistake. Although that experience offered a lot, this one was much more satisfying.
First, I needed to convince myself to spend a little money. Not a ton of cash, mind you—if that were the case I would just hire someone. But I had to tell myself that I’m investing in a lifetime of equipment without going overboard.
- Rapid Dry Drywall Compound ($5.00 – $10.00). Bypass the painter’s putty—horrid. Steer clear of that other junk that goes on pink and dries white—it’s useless and dries like steel. This stuff is made for covering up drywall joints and making the section smooth. Whipping some of it in a plate with a couple of drops of water results in a nice creamy compound that applies easily and dries just as quickly. Easy to sand and under examination it’s as smooth as the wall.
- Sanding Block ($3.00). Something with a nice fine grain.
Hammer Head Joint Knife ($5.00). This is the tool for applying the compound. One quick scrape feathers the stuff blending it into the rest of the wall. It has a good edge, very flexible, and lets you scrape the stuff off with ease.
Masking Tape ($2.00 a roll). If you have a steady hand, you may not need it but I think it’s still good to have so you maintain straight edges. Use to mask off trims, windows, baseboards, etc. It’s a tad pricey but the ease of removal makes it worthwhile.
A Metal paint tray ($2.00). Ignore the black plastic ones. You’ll never be sure if they’re fully clean and they crack way too easily. It’s inexpensive and easy to clean.
An Extension Pole ($12.00 – $30.00). This tool will help your back so you’re not climbing up and down a ladder all day. You’ll thank me after the first easy glide of paint on your walls
A Paint Roller ($3.00 – $9.00). That’s the bit that attaches to the pole. You can work it by hand but I find that you do a lot of work accomplish a lot of nothing.
Lambskin Cover ($7.00). This slips onto the paint-roller. A few drops of moisture ensure that the paint is easily applied. You can go cheap here and buy the synthetic fibers (a three pack is maybe 5 bucks) but you might not be satisfied with the paint coverage. Plus, if you clean this properly it will last you a long time. There’s also a smaller version of this roller good for edges.
Five-In-One Tool ($5.00 – $9.00). This will help with the cleaning of your paint covers as well as small spackling, removing tape, scraping off old paint and even cleaning off droplets. Very helpful.
A Taper Brush ($12 – 15.00). Pricey but well worth it. This tool is a lifesaver.- A rag (rip up a t-shirt). Make sure it’s moist and keep it handy. Whenever the paint drips you’ll need this to clean up real quick.
- A Drop Cloth / Floor Protection (?) I just find it a nuisance. The stuff crumples underfoot and adds to the mess. You’re likely better off painting in sections while using old towels simultaneously protecting the floor while preventing slippage.
- Time By Yourself (Priceless). This is the singular thing to save your sanity. Before inviting the friends and family, spend a day prepping and painting by yourself. If you can finish a room you get a sense of accomplishment and the ability to stave off unsolicited advice. Well, maybe not all advice. I did write this article.