This paint edger is a simple (and cheap tool) tool that does a great job with clean edges and corners.
Five Tips to Make Painting Your Walls Easier
Dipping a roller in some paint and slapping it on a wall seems like such a simple task—and to an extent, it is. But there are a few tips and tools that do make the job quicker, easier, and result in far less paint in your hair.
I’d painted dozens of rooms before I finally read an article on the proper way to roll on paint, and I’ll be honest, I rolled my eyes at the idea of it. I typically bought cheap brushes, cheap paint, and didn’t much care for painting rooms, but it didn’t seem too difficult.
As it turns out, just because it seemed like a simple task, there were plenty of things that made the job easier that I wish I would have known several houses ago. Here are a few of them.
Learn to Roll Paint Properly
There’s an actual technique to this, and I found that when I had a system down like this, I got more consistent coverage (which meant fewer coats and touch-ups,) I also realized I hadn’t been loading my roller with enough paint in the past, which meant I was pushing the roller hard into the wall to get enough paint on it. Not only does that get tiring, it can leave streaks where paint gets pushed out of the ends of the roller. Once I had a system down, like the one described in this video, things got a lot easier, and the wall looked much better in the end.
This doesn’t mean you need to buy five gallons of paint. Instead of pouring from a gallon into a tray, you can dump the whole gallon into a five-gallon bucket with a paint screen. It’s far easier and less messy to load paint this way. I still use a tray if I’m doing a small space—like a hallway or bathroom—but if I know I’m going to use a gallon or more of paint, a bucket is the way to go.
Add an Extension Rod to Your Roller
My favorite extension rod is actually the 24-ish inches that snapped off a wooden broom handle at some point—proof that just a little bit of extra reach is helpful. Of course, if you want something fancier you can get actual extension rods at any hardware or big-box store.
Good paint brushes feel ridiculously expensive so for a long time I wouldn’t spend the money. Then, I bought one of these rubber gripped edging brushes, and the difference was amazing. I thought it was just hype, but these are super comfortable to use (I tried a short-handled wooden version too and it wasn’t nearly as comfortable in my hand) and they give you a great line. I’m not always responsible with my painting equipment, but I always make sure to clean and wrap the bristles on these to keep them in good shape.
Note: These brushes work so well that I stopped taping off rooms years ago, and just rely on the brush and a steady hand for cutting in all of the walls and trim. It actually works beautifully and saves me a ton of time, mess, and materials taping everything off.
How to Paint a Wall Like a Pro
Getting ready to paint your walls? Hint: A properly primed surface makes all the difference.
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Updated on April 25, 2023
Painting the walls in your home is one of those DIY projects that most homeowners can tackle, and it’ll cost far less than hiring pros to do it. Plus, there are so many great paint brand options to choose from, giving your walls a refresh is easy. But you’ll want to study up a bit before you take on this project. Using proper painting techniques—and the right painting tools—will give you a professional finish.
You’ll see that our steps start with getting the wall ready. It may be tempting to skip ahead to the painting part, but prepping the wall appropriately is essential for getting professional-looking results. So gather your supplies. it’s time to make your wall look brand new!
Best Paint Tools for Do-it-Yourselfers
1. Painter’s tape
Of course, Painter’s tape is a MUST have. But, my painting gals found the best Painter’s tape ever. It’s called FrogTape. It’s not blue…it’s green. It works way better than the traditional blue Painter’s tape. This gives you sharper lines and no bleeding. It’s also super easy to remove.
2. High Capacity Roller
If you can minimize the trips to the roller tray, that means the less opportunity for paint drips. It also means you can get the job done faster. This high capacity paint roller keeps more paint in the nap and reduces the number of times you need to return to the paint tray.
3. Simple metal tray with legs
This no frills metal paint tray is simple, practical (and inexpensive). The added benefit is that it comes with legs, and these come in handy when painting high on a ladder.
4. Stack racks for doors
Do you have a lot of doors to paint? Whether you’re painting cabinets or standard doors and have limited space, these StakRacks will come in really handy. They allow you to paint one side and then flip them over without touching the doors.
5. Chinex brush
This brush costs a bit more, but it’s totally worth it. It will help you paint faster and more accurately. If you’re going to paint yourself, don’t skimp here. Incidentally, this is Amazon’s Choice as well.
6. Easy Clean Angled Chinex Brush (for trim)
Our painters love this angled brush for trim and nearly perfect lines. And, one of the best features of Chinex bristles is that they are easy to clean. Many of the newer water based formulas dry quickly and can coagulate on brushes making clean up challenging. Chinex bristles solve this issue. The paint rinses right off of them so they look practically new.
7. Easy pour paint spout
This simple little hack makes pouring paint into the tray so much easier. It also prevents paint drips on the can which creates a mess on the can and floor.
8. Drop cloths
Yes, you’ll need them for sure. Some people have some on hand, but often not enough if you are doing many rooms. Here are some good and inexpensive ones.
9. Better roller pole
My painters wouldn’t think of using a roller without a pole, especially for the ceilings. It so much easier and speeds up the job. This tool is really cool and you have to experience it to see the full benefit. Press the button, and pull it back. The pole expands in both directions like magic.
10. Little giant ladder
This will come in handy if you have any high walls/ceilings or stairwells. This ladder is flexible. It can contort into all types of configurations and that makes it ideal for stairways.
11. Handy paint pail
Having a small pail to hold paint for the trim (while balancing on a ladder) makes sense. This handheld paint pail even has a magnet inside that will prevent the paint brush from dropping into the paint. It’s light and the stretchy rubber makes it easy to hold in one hand (even if you have smaller hands like I do).
12. Most comfortable brush for small spaces
Do you need to paint some small spaces or corners? This brush is petite and comfortable to hold so you can get to the tight spots where a long handle of a conventional brush can get in the way.
13. Paint brush cover
This is very handy accessory. If you get interrupted while you’re in the middle of painting with a phone call or something, just set the brush in the paint cover and seal it. It’s kind of like having Tupperware for your paint brushes. It will certainly keep it fresh and wet overnight and probably up to a week.
14. Paint touch up pen
OMG this may be the greatest invention ever. This will come in really handy for later – whether it’s scrapes or smudges.
15. Shurline paint edger
This paint edger is a simple (and cheap tool) tool that does a great job with clean edges and corners.
16. Taping knife for carpets
When you’re painting the trim over a carpet, taping off the carpet often doesn’t work. Instead, you can use a taping knife. Simply push it under the base board, paint and wipe off the blade once in a while.
17. Pro Masking Tool
You can mask off the baseboards faster with this tool. It’s so much faster and more convenient to use this method. This will help with your baseboards, windows, doors and paint cabinets.
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- The RIGHT way to paint your kitchen cabinets
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- This little hack will make it easy to pick the perfect paint color
