I have painted hundreds of walls and rooms in my 30 plus years of painting. Enjoy the compiled list of supplies I find necessary for a successful paint job. A plastic tote is the best way to keep everything in one place and makes traveling to job sites easy.
A basic (small paint job) list of items is the base list. Additional add on lists are included based on the amount of painting to be done. Left up to your discretion, the size of storage container will vary by the collection of items.
JUST ADD PAINT!
Basic Painting Supply Check List:
- Painters Tape
- Rags
- Rubber Mallet
- Paint Key
- Tape Measure
- Wire Brush
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Stir Sticks
- Paint Brushes
Painters Tape
Comes in a variety of sizes and adhesive strengths. Most tapes will list on the packaging for which surface they are best suited. I personally like a wide 1.88 ” multi surface tape because it provides a wider masked off area. The wider taped area helps prevent paint mishaps due to paint flecks or the roller hitting a neighboring wall when rolling. More coverage in one piece of tape for an electrical outlet means less tape waste.
Rags
Painting over dusty baseboards, walls, or trim is a big No-No! Have a rag on hand to wipe up any dirt and dust. Also comes in handy if there is an unintentional paint drip. If you don’t have a rag on hand, you will surely end up needing one. Isn’t that how things always work?
Rubber Mallet
I purchased this one at the dollar store! Say what? The handle is a little shorter than my other rubber mallet but that makes it the perfect size for storing in a smaller paint tote. Use the rubber mallet to tap the lid closed on the paint cans, reattach a wooden leg to a chair, or loosen something while avoiding the damage that a hammer can create. Seriously, for a dollar, why not?
Paint Key
A paint key is often thrown in the to paint purchase for free. But don’t toss them when the job is done! This is a far superior way to open the can of paint as opposed to using a flat head screwdriver. Place key under the lip of the paint lid and gently pry a little. Work your way around the paint lid using this same technique. The paint lid will easily open up without denting the lip of the paint can. Having a tight seal after the paint job is through is crucial to storing your paint properly. (Air exposure=dried out paint)
Tape Measure
Even before you purchase the paint, a tape measure is handy. Measure the wall length, height, and find the center. (Check the end of the post for a link to calculating how much paint you need for your job.) It’s always easier to have a tape measure on hand than it is to pause your project to rummage a drawer searching for one. I have a small tape measure that I carry around in my purse and I use it sooo often!
Wire Brush
Not only can wire brushes be useful during paint prep to help remove loose paint or debris, but they are a life saver during clean up. Well, perhaps I should say they are a brush saver. Use the wire brush to remove paint build up and to help get your paint brushes in the best condition so they will last for years.
Flat Head Screwdriver
There really is nothing better than a flat head screwdriver to remove the screws from the outlet covers when prepping a room. Trust me, I have tried other things. In a pinch, a flat head screwdriver can be used to remove a paint can lid, but it is not ideal.
TIP Add a Phillip’s Head Screwdriver in the kit so you are prepared to remove any light covers or other things, like door stops.
Stir Sticks
Even if you have your paint mixed at the store, additional stirring will be required. The best way to mix the paint is with a stir stick. A pack of ten stir sticks will cost around a dollar at a home improvement store. A recent trip to the dollar store inspired me to pick up a couple of rubber spatulas. These rubber spatulas are easy to wash off wet paint and can really scrape the sides of the paint can well during mixing. Being reusable for years to come is a big selling point for me, especially when they only cost a dollar.
Paint Brushes
A paint job really doesn’t go well with out a paint brush. A variety of good quality paint brushes will allow you to tackle a variety of paint jobs with confidence. I prefer angled brushes because I feel they are the most versatile, but really choose what style works best for you. A smaller 1.5″ brush is great for trim work, detail work and cutting in to tight spaces. A wider brush works well for painting larger areas and for cutting in along the ceiling and in corners. I also have an artist’s brush in my kit because it has proven useful for small touch ups and to reach in little spaces (like between a corner of the wall and the door trim).
Helpful Painting Supply Additions
- Six-in-one Paint Tool
- Wall Spackle/Hole Filler
- Chalk
- Plastic Wrap
- Paint Roller Extension*
- Latex/Vinyl Gloves
- Paper Roll
Six-in-one Paint Tool
This tool can be used to spread spackle, open a paint can, clean a roller cover, clean out corners or cracks, pull nails, scrape or chisel.
Wall Spackle/ Hole Filler
Repair cracks or fill holes prior to painting. Instructions for use will be on the label of the product. Be sure to get one suitable to fill walls. Do not use wood filler on drywall and vice versa.
Chalk
Some prefer to use pencil or pen, but I find that chalk is more forgiving. Use chalk to sketch out a design or to mark a measurement. Easily wipes off with water and that rag that is in your original paint supply box.
Plastic Wrap
Plastic roller cases are sold in paint stores to keep the roller wet while you are waiting for a coat to dry. After trying those I found that a little air still seeps in and the roller edges tend to get slightly dried out. Little bits of paint “boogers” on your wall are not desirable. Using plastic wrap has been a tried and true way for me to keep either a brush or roller from drying out. Plastic wrap can be used to cover a paint tray and it will prevent a skin from forming on the paint in the tray. My goal is to do as little clean up as possible, so plastic wrap has made for seamless bathroom breaks, meals breaks, or I-have-to-go-run-and-pick-up-the-kids breaks.
Paint Roller Extension
Wondering why I have a paint roller extension listed before I have a roller listed? It’s merely due to bulkiness of the items. I store my roller accessories and tarps in a larger container because they are bulkier. The extension pictured here is my short extension. It is great when I need just a little more height without having to pull out a step ladder. It screws in to the bottom of the roller handle.
Latex/Vinyl Gloves
Not a necessity, but can be nice to have. If you have a nice manicure and want to keep it that way, gloves will help protect your hands. Some painting techniques are messier than others, so a pair of gloves can make clean up a little easier.
Paper Roll
Use the paper to cover a window, door, mirror, or other object. I must have lent my paper dispenser out to someone and then totally forgot about it. However, if you have a paper dispenser, you can tape off baseboards and windows with it and keep any paint drips or speckle from the roller from damaging trim or flooring.
Bulkier Paint Supplies
- Tarp(s)
- Roller Tray
- Paint Grid
- Paint Roller
- Roller Covers
- Paint Tray Liner
- Ladder
- Long Paint Roller Extension Pole
Tarp(s)
Protect your floors and furniture with tarps. Thin plastic sheeting works great to cover furniture, but is a pain when it comes to floors. The plastic sheets rip easily and get stuck on the feet of ladder or step stool when re-positioning and light breezes send the plastic floating up. Cotton tarps or rubberized tarps are the best when it comes to protecting floors.
Roller Tray
Many trays have hooks to attach to ladders to eliminate the constant up and down to refill the roller. An ideal way to pour out paint and load the roller cover for painting a wall.
Paint Grid
Roll the loaded roller cover over the grid to remove excess paint, ensure even coverage on the roller cover, and to minimize drips. The paint grid can also be hung inside a five gallon paint bucket. Dip the roller directly into the paint bucket and roll onto the grid to remove excess paint. The bucket technique works best for large projects requiring large quantities of paint.
Paint Roller
It’s impossible to roll paint on a surface with out the roller! Choose a roller with a handle that feels good in your hand. No one wants hand cramps half way trough painting a room, that’s for sure. I’ve had that happen and it really is awful.
Roller Covers
Roller covers come in a variety of naps. The greater the texture of the surface you are painting, the higher the nap. Every roller cover package states what surface it works best on and with which kind of paint. I prefer to buy mine in bulk because it reduces the cost and I paint enough that I will go through them quickly. My dad had some really nice lambs wool roller covers and one of my tasks as a child was to spend what seemed like forever, cleaning them out. Probably why I prefer using the disposable ones now. I do so much recycling of other items I feel like this waste gets canceled out. Maybe not, but I tell myself the amount of water it takes to get the nice ones clean is wasteful too. I’m not sure which is the lesser of the two evils.
Paint Tray Liner
By all means, not a necessity but it can be nice if you are in a rush for clean up. I often just pour my paint directly into the tray and then wash it out later. A tray liner is nice if you have a few colors that you are using simultaneously, like when I did an Ombre wall. I was able to easily switch out the colors in the paint tray.
Ladder or Step Stool
Step stools are great to reach those just out of reach areas. They are light weight and easy to maneuver. Ladders are great for changing out lights, cutting in along the ceiling, or for painting tall walls. A few years ago I bought a Little Giant ladder and it has been awesome. I love that it is adjustable and versatile. Last week, I extended it to reach up about 16 feet, but it also folded up into a five foot something ladder for storage. It also has wheels to make transportation easier.
Long Paint Roller Extension Pole
If the room is all cut in, I can avoid getting out a ladder by using the long extension pole. A time saver and way less up and down than when using a ladder. The extension pole screws onto the end of the roller. It is very easy to use and I store it with my brooms in the garage.
Well friends, this should give you plenty to think about when putting together your paint supply kits. There are definitely painting necessities and painting niceties on the list. Some of the items are just personal preference, but based on my experience with painting, I have found them to be valuable. Get your supplies together and get painting to help make your house a home. 💙
