Ready these essential tools and supplies for a stress-free DIY painting project.
DIY projects can be exciting and daunting at the same time. You know what helps? To have everything on hand before you get to cooking. Like how a good cook gets their grocery list and mise en place ready, you’ll need a helpful painting checklist before starting any paint project.
This guide will take you through all you need, from shopping for popular paint colours to getting the right primer and even getting supplies that’ll help accomplish clean-up in less time.
The following sections will cover the tools you’ll need for every phase of your paint job. Don’t forget to bookmark or save this painting checklist PDF for easy access at the hardware store!
Painting is hard work, which is why this painting prep checklist lists the supplies you’ll need to start with a little less stress.
Your painting materials checklist should include protective gear, such as gloves, protective eyeglasses, and a dust mask. This prevents dust and foreign particles from getting in your face, and the gloves keep your hands clear from solvents.
It’s handy to keep a screwdriver on hand to loosen lighting or switch plates for a more thorough paint application.
Metal surfaces, especially those outdoors, may have lots of debris, rust, and flaking paint. A wire brush helps to scrape them off.
Fix mouldy, mildew-filled surfaces with mildew stain remover before you start painting.
Sanding the wall makes the surface nice and smooth, helping the paint stick better and giving you a polished and pro-level finish.
Patch any holes in the drywall before you let loose with a paint roller or paintbrush. The same goes for caulking around sinks, toilets, or windows.
Include this in your house painting checklist to apply the spackle or wood filler. If you’re re-caulking, you can also consider getting a caulking gun.
Keep dust and paint from getting all over your furniture and knick-knacks using drop cloths. You can even get anti-slip drop cloths for ultra protection.
You’ll need a ladder to reach the higher parts of your walls or your ceilings. If you’re uncomfortable with painting while on a ladder for any reason, you can always have a pro do the job for you instead.
These are a must for your interior painting checklist! After all the spackling and sanding are done, wash or wipe down your walls to make sure the paint adheres seamlessly to the surface.
You must measure the area to know how much paint you’ll need. A tape measure or yardstick comes in handy during this step.
Avoid stains, spills, and painting over edges with the help of painter’s tape. Make sure you secure the edges to protect areas you don’t want painted.
Proper paint application plus some useful painting tips can help you get the most out of your money and effort in this DIY project.
You’ll want a mix of paintbrushes on hand, with different sizes and shapes. Each type serves a unique purpose. For instance, 2 to 3cm brushes are for detailed work, 5 to 6 cm brushes are best for railings, furniture, and shutters, while the 7 to 8 cm ones are for larger areas like siding, decks, and fences. Meanwhile, angled brushes can help you get straight edges while painting trim.
Paint rollers make it easier to fill large surfaces with paint. Get a quality paint roller so it won’t leave lint as you paint.
Some professional painters recommend using paint pads instead of rollers because they cause less splatter while still letting you cover more area quickly. Plus, they’re easier to use for painting along edges.
Prepare an extension pole if you plan on painting hard-to-reach areas. This is helpful if you’re painting the ceiling or want to paint the upper parts of your walls a different colour.
Scrape off excess paint from your tools using a roller tray (if you’re using rollers) or a screen (if you’re using brushes or pads).
Priming helps paint adhere better to the surface, plus it hides wood grain, knots, joints, and bleed from old coats of paint. Water-based primer is more recommended since it tends to have fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Get the right kind of paint for your project. Look for the ideal paint finishes for interior and exterior painting jobs, and get enough for the space you want to paint. Painting your living room soon? Get inspired by checking out this two-colour living room guide.
Prevent spills on floors by adding a pouring spout to your painting checklist.
Yes, you should be thinking about clean-up even before beginning your next project! Here’s what to get:
Get a couple of gallon buckets for cleaning up brushes, rollers, and pads, rinsing rags, and collecting all the bits and bobs you’ve accumulated in your painting area.
You’ll need to do some wiping after your paint job, so putting out some towels and old rags would be wise.
Get rid of unsightly paint bleed easily using a paint scraper or blade.
House painting involves a lot more than just a brush and some paint. This supply checklist was designed to help you have fun, save money, and enjoy the fresh coat of paint you just applied.
And while DIY projects can be incredibly fulfilling, there’s no shame in calling in the pros to help out. Hiring a professional house painter to get the paint job done quickly and efficiently would be a smart move.
If you’re repainting the entire room, start with your ceiling, followed by the walls. Then, work on the doorway trims, window sashes, and finally the flooring.
Before painting, it’s crucial to understand the type of surface you’re painting, choose the right paint and tools, prepare the area, and paint in the right weather conditions. Don’t forget to protect floors and furniture. Proper planning and having a painting materials checklist ensure you have everything you need for a successful paint job.
Usually, they’ll start by preparing the surfaces – this can include taping up trim, removing stains, and stripping light fixtures and outlet covers. Then, they’ll apply primer, followed by paint. Consider hiring a professional house painter near you to get your paint job done quickly and efficiently.
Yes, you need to apply primer before painting. Primer helps paint stick to the surface better. It also helps cover up unevenness in surfaces like wood grain. Your paint will show up better if you have a coat of primer underneath.
The Oneflare Cost Guide Centre is your one-stop shop to help you set your budget; from smaller tasks to larger projects.