House Painting Accessories

Mild detergent & sponge or cloth

Use a mild detergent like Shaves Enviroclean or another degreaser to properly clean surfaces to get rid of any dust, dirt, grease or any other contaminants which can prevent the paint from sticking. This is especially critical in rooms like the kitchen, playroom and bathrooms. Check out this guide for more detailed information on cleaning walls and removing toddler art.

When dealing with mould or mildew, use a mixture of water and bleach (3:1 ratio) to treat the affected area. Scrub the affected areas and rinse thoroughly. Wait for the surface to dry thoroughly before applying primer and then paint.

Crack Filler

Cracks are not only unsightly but can lead to moisture penetration and can damage walls if left untreated. First clean dust and dirt out of cracks, then use a crack filler before painting. This will ensure the paint goes on beautifully and has a lasting finish.

Once crack filler has been applied allow it to dry properly – follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times. This can vary depending on the type of filler and the size of the crack.

Sandpaper

Use sandpaper for smoothing out any imperfections on the surface you’re about to paint. If you sealed cracks, wait for the filler to completely dry, then sand the surface with fine to medium grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth, even finish. We recommend a sandpaper block because it’s easy to hold and handle. Remember to wipe away all the dust from sanding before you paint.

Scraper

The humble paint scraper looks like a simple tool but here’s why it will be one of the best additions to your toolbox:

• It can be used to easily scrape off flaking/peeling paint off walls (including tight spots).
• It can be used to apply crack filler thanks to its ergonomic design.
• It can be used to open paint can lids (leave the butter knives in the kitchen draw).
• It can even be used to remove old nails. Yes, the scraper means business.

Masking Tape Versus Painters Tape

Masking tape and painters tape are both used to create a barrier between the wall being painted and another surface that borders the wall, so it’s a must-have for protecting the surface you don’t intend to paint. Don’t try painting without masking tape or painters tape, it’ll be a hot mess and you’ll make more work for yourself.

Apply masking tape or painters tape along edges and trim in areas like:

• Window frames;
• Skirtings and cornices;
• Kitchen counters and cabinets;
• another wall (in a different colour);
• fixtures like light switches and plug points;
• and anything else that could be accidentally painted over and needs protection.  

Both masking tape and painters tape do the job and help you to paint crisp, straight lines, however both have pros and cons. Masking tape has a stronger adhesive so you need to remove it from surfaces within a couple of hours or it can peel paint off and leave a residue, while painters tape can be left on for much longer and comes off much easier, but is more pricey. Read more about masking tape versus painters tape here.

Paint brushes

Not all paint brushes are created equal. When buying a paint brush, look for a good quality brush like Hamilton’s (available on Simply Colour) that will not just “do” the job, but will perfect the job. Paint brushes are essential for detail work and cutting in edges. “Cutting in” means to paint in tight corners and difficult areas that a roller cannot reach because of its size and shape. Here are the different types of brushes that you may need:

• Angled Brushes: Ideal for cutting in and painting
• Flat Brushes: Great for large, flat surfaces.
• Detail Brushes: Perfect for small, intricate areas.

Rollers

For walls and large expansive areas you’ll need to use a roller. Rollers are indispensable for covering large areas quickly and evenly, in addition to your roller, get your music playlist ready or visit this one already curated. Here are the types of rollers:  

• Standard Rollers: Suitable for most walls and ceilings. Consider getting an extension pole (available at Simply Colour) that attaches to your roller so you can paint areas that you can’t reach with or without a ladder.
• Mini Rollers: Perfect for tight spaces and touch-ups. They come in foam for a smooth, matte finish.
• Textured Rollers: Designed for special finishes and textured surfaces.

Paint trays  

Now this might seem like an obvious tool to mention if you’ve painted before, but it’s important to highlight for first time or rookie painters, who may think it’s easier to just paint straight from the paint bucket (a cardinal sin). Here are 5 reasons to use a paint tray:

1. You can pour just the right amount that you need for a section of the wall you’re painting, which means you can close the paint tin and protect the paint from drying.
2. Paint trays are designed for rollers to literally roll in and absorb the paint in a controllable manner.
3. Use a paint tray instead of dipping your paint brush in and out of the paint can where you risk contaminating the entire bucket of paint. 
4. A paint tray is ergonomically designed to sit on a ladder ledge or to be held for easy access.
5. Plastic paint trays are durable and can be cleaned after painting and reused for future projects.

Drop sheets

A drop sheet is vital for protecting the floor and skirtings from paint splatter and dust, so add it to your list. A drop sheet covers a large area in a room so you can move from one wall to the next and not have to move it, making your job much easier.

Choose between a plastic drop sheet or a canvas drop cloth. A canvas drop cloth is the better choice as it absorbs paint better than plastic does, plus paint dries faster on the fabric, so you won’t run the risk of stepping in wet paint and then walking it all over your space. Both the canvas drop cloth and the plastic drop sheet are reusable, however the canvas drop cloth will definitely last longer as the plastic may tear. The benefit of plastic is in its price.

Stir sticks

Another painting tool that’s often ignored but makes a painting job drama-free, is a stir stick or dowl stick. This accessory is inexpensive and mixes paint thoroughly so you can be sure your paint’s colour and consistency is 100% perfect when you start painting.

You might ask, why not just grab a stick or twig from the garden? While this may seem like a practical (and free) idea, using a stick can contaminate the paint with dirt or bark, so don’t do it, get a stir stick or dowl stick instead.

Touch up brushes and sponges

You’ve done 99.9% of the painting, now there are final touch ups that will perfect any imperfections. A touch up brush is ideal for small, precise areas that need minor corrections. They help to fix little faults such as missed spots, drips, or uneven edges.

Sponges can be used for creating texture or for matching and blending an existing texture in a room, creating a seamless look and feel. 

Cleaning equipmentIt’s crucial to clean brushes and rollers when you’re done with them. In fact it should be one of the commandments of painting. Here’s why it’s so important to properly clean painting tools immediately after use: