THE PREPARED PAINTER'S MATERIALS LIST When you use quality tools, your job takes less time, it looks better, and lasts longer. So if you pay a little more up-front, you’ll save time and money in the long-run! Just click-on the tools below for tips on how to make the best choice. BRUSHES What to look for: Longer bristles with a "divider" inside to provide a reservoir for the paint. The ends of the bristles should be flagged or split, and the brush should be tapered, with longer bristles in the centre and shorter bristles on the sides for a more even application. A bare wood handle, rather than plastic or painted wood, will give you a better grip. Look for a rust-resistant metal ferrule that is nailed on instead of crimped to the handle. Polyester, nylon or natural? Synthetic bristles are better than natural bristles for applying acrylic paints. Some synthetic brushes are also fine for oil-based but as a general rule, natural bristles are best for oil-based coatings and coatings made with alcohol, paint thinner or lacquer thinner. Before you paint: Brushes should be primed before use. If you’re using acrylic paint, prime the brush with water. For oil-based coatings, prime the brush with a paint thinner. Remove all excess before painting. For special areas: Use an angular sash brush for precise work such as cutting in adjoining surfaces. For trim, use 25 to 50mm brushes. For doors, use a 50 to 35mm brush. For larger areas like floors and wall sections, use a 75mm brush. And for big, broad areas, use a 75 to 100mm brush. ROLLERS First, determine the size (length) of roller sleeve that suits your job. Longer roller frames and sleeves are available for rolling broad wall areas, and shorter rollers are ideal for rolling smaller, fiddly areas like cupboards etc. Then select the type of roller sleeve that suits the type of paint you’ll be using. General purpose, synthetic roller sleeves are suitable for most, water based paints, but if you are painting with solvent-based paints, you’ll need an appropriate sleeve. Finally, the nap length of the sleeve to use is determined by the gloss or sheen level of the paint you are using. High gloss finishes require short nap rollers, low sheen and semi gloss paints require medium nap roller sleeves, and flat paints can be applied using long nap rollers. Ask your paint store professional for advice. As a general rule, longer naps will hold more paint and may spatter less than shorter nap lengths.  And a final tip, before using a new roller sleeve, you will need to ‘prime?it. This is to prevent loose fluff from the new sleeve coming off into the paint and then onto your wall, when the roller is used for the first time. To prepare a new roller sleeve, first wash it in water, rubbing it by hand to remove any loose fluff. Spin or shake it dry. Then before using it on the actual wall, roll some paint with the new roller onto an unimportant or scrap surface. If fibres come off into the paint, wash out the roller again before using on your job.. SPRAYERS Spend the extra money for a quality sprayer and you’ll get a better, more uniform application. Ask for advice from the professional staff at your specialist paint store.   THE PREPARED PAINTER'S MATERIALS LIST Abrasive Pads (non-metallic) Bleach Broom Brush, stiff bristle, nylon Bucket Caulking (Sealant) Gun Drop Cloths Dusk Mask Extension Cord Eye Protection, Goggles Fan for ventilation Gloves, chemical resistant Gloves, leather or cloth Ladder, step Masking Tape, Painter's Tape Paint Remover Paper Towels Plasterboard Sealer, acrylic Primer, stain-blocking Putty Knife Rags Respirator Rubbish Bags Sand Paper, fine grit Sand Paper, medium grit Scraper, shaped Scraper, straight Sealant, clear Sealant, coloured Shop Vac Sponge Wood Filler <<TOP<<