Homeowner tool kit | Part three

The most common DIY job, and one I’m sure most people have given a crack at one time or another, is painting.

Painting is a trade, and like any trade, it has its specialist tools.

‘Like what…’ you might ask. “A paint brush?!’

Sure, a paint brush, but not just one. There are many different brushes - different sizes, different shapes, different bristles. And for the tradesman painter, they all have their different uses.

For you at home doing a bit of everything, you don’t need a huge assortment, but one thing you should go for is quality.

Here are a few I use that do the job to a reasonably high standard.

50mm FLAT ANGLE BRUSH

Works with all paint types and is designed for cutting into corners and edges. Being a flat brush it doesn’t carry as much paint as a standard brush, so it’s well-suited for acrylic/enamel paints. Ideal for architraves, window jambs and frames. A good one will cost between $30 and $40.

75mm STANDARD BRUSH

Ideal for larger areas that you wouldn’t roll. Works well with acrylic paints and stains on weatherboards, fascias and barges. Costs around $30.

50mm STANDARD BRUSH

This I use for undercoating and priming. Because it carries a good amount of paint, it’s ideal for laying the first coat into the corners before rolling the walls. $30 price tag.

100mm DUSTING BRUSH

This looks like a paintbrush, but should never be used as such. It’s specifically designed to remove sanding dust from surfaces and corners, as its name suggests. A must-have tool at $25.

ROLLER FRAME & SLEEVE

Rollers are a must when doing large flat surfaces, and a good roller frame will cost around $45. Add quality roller sleeves and you will get a pretty good result. Use the 230mm wide series.

ROLLER POLE

A roller works best on walls and ceilings if you can roll in long continuous stripes. This can only be achieved by using a roller pole. An extendable pole is ideal, and will cost around $40 - $60.

When you’re buying your brushes, it’s best to get them from a specialist paint store. The staff are trained in what brushes work best for which paints, and how to apply them properly – so you’ll be that much more likely to get your paint job right first time.

Good luck, and keep an eye out for Part 4 of the toolkit!

Cheers, Cocksy

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