A picture of a roller brush and a paint tray depicting the tools of a house painter

For any professional, tools are of utmost importance. Without the right tools and equipment, it is pretty hard to accomplish any task in the right method. There is no difference even in the field of painting. Painting is a profession that is in demand and it gives you a good income. Anyway, painters need a particular set of tools for their work. And if they do not have all of them right, there can even be big errors in what they do. In this article, we are going to focus on the tools that a house painter would need. And we hope to give you a proper outline of the tools as well as why a house painter has to use them. 

What do House Painters do?

Before we focus on the tools, we thought that it would be worth getting to know the scope of work of a house painter. So, let us take a look.

The first impression of a person would be that a painter paints houses. But there is a lot more a painter would do other than painting. Painting is indeed the last step of his or her course of work.

First, the painter would have to start his or her work by covering up the surrounding items and furniture to protect them from paint. Next, the painter would have to place ladders or scaffoldings as per the requirement. Afterward, it is the duty of the painter to fill holes or cracks and using plaster or putty. Then, it is the smoothening process. And next, the painter would have to calculate the amount of paint and other materials that he or she may need. Next, the painter can apply primers or sealers in order to make the paint stick to the surface. Finally, it is to paint. So, as you read, applying paint is the concluding action of a series of actions when it comes to the job of a painter. 

However, without the right tools, a house painter cannot do most of the above tasks right. So now, let us get into our discussion and take a look at the tools of a house painter.

An overview of the Tools of a House Painter

Well, now it is time to look into the tools of a house painter. But first, let us list them out. So, it would be easy to understand. 

  1. Paintbrush set
  2. Roller brush
  3. Paint tray
  4. Scraper
  5. Tape
  6. Painter’s bib
  7. Drop cloth
  8. Work lamp

So, there is a pretty lot of tools that a house painter needs to have. Let us take a look at each of them in detail. That would be better.

1. Paintbrush set

Needless to say, a painter would not be complete without a paintbrush. There are other alternatives such as roller brushes. But paintbrushes are the consecutive type of type that a painter would need. 

Basically, there would be several types and sizes of paintbrushes. Mainly, you can use thicker paintbrushes to fill in. And you can use the thinner paintbrushes for details. 

Just to broaden your understanding, let us also tell you about the parts of a paintbrush. There are mainly three parts of a paintbrush. They are the bristles, the ferrule, and the handle. It is the bristles that apply the paint to any surface. The ferrule is the part that attaches the bristles to the paintbrush. And the handle is the part you hold the paintbrush with. 

An important feature that you must consider with regard to paintbrushes is that there must be a good grip. With a good grip, you have the ability to paint comfortably and effectively. And it is important that they are lightweight and easy to handle. 

As we told you, depending on the surface that you have to paint, you have to decide on the size of the paintbrush. Nevertheless, a paintbrush with thick filaments can hold more paint. And that might be a time saver most of the time. But it is necessary to have a set of paintbrushes. You might need different sizes. Of course, you would not get things right if you choose to go ahead with just one paintbrush. This is obviously the first thing a painter would need to have for house painting.

Bates Paint Brushes – 4 Pack, Treated Wood Handle, Paint Brush, Paint Brushes Set, Professional Brush Set, Trim Paint Brush, Paintbrush, Small Paint Brush, Stain Brush

In terms of paintbrushes, this is a pretty good paintbrush set that we can recommend to you. This design is capable to endure a long time and is easy to clean. The exceptional capacity to do tasks swiftly and at a high standard is a noticeable characteristic of this set. These brushes have lightweight wood handles and are easy to grasp. This comfort surely lasts during lengthy, arduous work hours. Apart from this, this paintbrush set is highly affordable and worth the money you spend on it.

Amazon Basics Universal Decorating Brush Set, 4-Piece

Here is another suggestion from us to the list of the tools of a house painter with regard to paintbrushes. These paintbrushes retain a large volume of paint and apply it evenly with fewer streaks. Furthermore, these are efficient, effective, and would give precise results. In this set, you get two flat brushes (1.2″ and 2″), a radiator brush (1.4″), a wall brush (1.2 by 3.9″), and an Amazon Basics 1-year limited warranty. Many customers of this product have reviewed this product and claimed that this is of premium quality.

2. Roller brush

In fact, the roller brush is an alternative for paintbrushes. But there are occasions where using a roller brush instead of a paintbrush is much more efficient and effective. When there is a large flat surface that you have to paint, it is better to use a roller brush. So, using a roller brush would help you save time on such occasions. And this would not show any paint marks that would sometimes appear when you are painting with paintbrushes.

However, when you have to paint edges and such small areas, roller brushes would not be suitable. At such times, you would have to make use of a small brush for those types of work. So, this is not a universal tool that you can use every time for painting.

Yet, a painter must have a roller brush. That is a necessity. But having the paintbrushes is also important. 

When it comes to the parts of a roller brush, there are basically two parts of a roller brush. They are the roller frame and the roller cover. The roller cover is the part that transfers the paint to the surface after absorbing it. And the roller frame holds the roller cover. 

After you use the roller brush, you can clean the roller cover and reuse it. If not, you can also and replace it with a new roller cover. If you feel that the condition of the roller cover is perfectly alright for you to use further, you can clean it and use it. But if you feel that it is not okay, indeed you can replace it. 

Bates – Paint Roller, Roller Frame with 2 Covers, Roller Naps (9″), Roller Frame, Paint Roller Set, Roller Covers, Paint Roller Frame, 9 inch Paint Roller Cover, Roller Brush, Painting Roller Handle

This is one of the best roller brushes a house painter can buy. In this set, you get 1 paint roller frame (9”) and 2 roller covers (9”) The rubber handle of this roller brush is durable, lightweight, and sturdy. And you can easily clean this ad reuse. By all means, this is a very good product which you can trust. And this product has good reviews and ratings on Amazon. That is why we recommend this product to you. 

PILOT FISH 11Pcs Paint Roller Brush, 4” Professional Wall Painting Roller Brush, Paint Roller Tools with Roller Covers Kit for House Repair and Professional Painting Walls

The polyester material used to make the woolen roller brush is robust and uniformly coated. It can absorb a lot of paint, which makes painting easier and increases productivity. There is no bending or distortion in the rough chrome roller frame. The handle is light and simple to hold, with a delicate curve design on the grip. The roller brush is long-lasting and pleasant to hold, allowing you to enjoy your painting tasks. Customers of this product have placed high ratings for factors such as sturdiness, value for money, convenience to use, and convenience to clean.

3. Paint tray

And here is another one of the tools of a house painter. However, if you are using paintbrushes, you would not need a paint tray. But you would specifically need a paint tray if you are using a roller brush. As we told you, it is important to use a roller brush when you want to paint a big surface. So, you would have to use a paint tray in such circumstances. Therefore, a house painter would probably need a paint tray for his or her work.

Usually, a paint tray is made of plastic. And there is a deep paint pocket in a paint tray in which you can have more paint. Yet, it is important to pour the right amount of paint that you would need in order to finish your job fast. And it is also important for the paint tray to have strong legs. If one leg breaks, it would lose its balance and you would not be able to make use of it effectively. And if it has a textured ridge, then you would be able to shake off the excess paint pretty easily. 

So, that is it about paint trays. And we have to ask you to buys a long-lasting product because you would have to use it for a long time period. This is not a type of tool that you would have to dispose of after you use it once. 

Precision Defined Supreme 9-Inch Paint Roller Tray Set (2-Pack), Built for 9-In Roller Brushes

Of course, a house painter should have paint trays as one of the tools of a house painter, as you would already know by now. And here is a suggestion from us. This set includes two paint trays. The deep paint pocket of these paint trays will make hours and hours of rolling and painting simple and efficient. All that you have to do to start with is pour the appropriate amount of paint to do the paint tray. As this has got good recommendations from its customers, you can go ahead and buy it. 

Linzer RM 4110 Plastic (10 Pack) Paint Tray Liner. (10-Pack), White

This is a set of paint tray liners. This set consists of ten liners. What exactly is the use of a paint tray liner? A paint tray liner eliminates the need to clean the paint tray after each use. If you use a paint tray, you can simply throw away the paint liner you used and then go for a new one. For storage and many uses, it comes in a zip lock bag. So, it is convenient for you to use it. Also, this set has got impressive ratings on Amazon. So, you can surely go ahead and buy this.

4. Scraper

And next in our list of the tools of a house painter is the scraper. A house painter would need a scraper for certain. A scraper is basically for two reasons. You can use a scraper mainly to scrape the excess putty that you have applied. Also, you can make use of a scraper to scrape off the old paint that is already on a particular surface and is likely to get detached. 

Usually, these tools are made of stainless steel. If they are not, you would probably not be able to use a scraper for a long time period. And it is important that the scraper has a tight and firm grip as well. Of course, durability is an important fact. Having a scraper to use for a very small period of time is indeed useless. You must be able to use it for a long period of time. So, make sure that you purchase a durable product that is of good quality and can last long. 

Bates- Paint Scraper, Taping knife, Pack of 2 Putty Knife Scraper, Scraper, 5 in 1 tool, Spackle Knife, Caulk Removal Tool, Painters Tool, Paint Can Opener, Paint Remover for Wood, Wallpaper Scraper

This actually is a multi-tool. And you can easily do the task of paint scraping using this tool as well. In this set, you would be getting two tools for yourself. Obviously, repairs and refinishing operations are quick and straightforward with this tool. These blades are flexible and are durable. “Getting two of these for the price of an ordinary scraper is just great.”, says one of the happy customers of this product on Amazon. 

Bates- Paint Scraper, 10 in 1 Painters Tool, Paint Scrapers for Wood, Painters Tool, Painters Knife, Paint Scraper for Painting, Putty Knife, Metal Scraper, Spackle Tool, Putty Scraper, Knife Scraper

Here is another suggestion from us. And this is another multi-tool by Bates. But you can get to do the paint scraping task pretty efficiently using this doubtlessly. Its grip is also sturdy and comfortable. And this is pretty durable as well. So, it would a wise call to purchase this product for a house painter. Trust us, this product is really worth the money you pay for it. 

5. Tape

Okay. Let us move forth. It is time to take a look at the tape that a house painter would have to use. Although we just called this tape, you may also refer to this by the terms masking tape or painter’s tape. 

Basically, this is a pressure-sensitive tape. And it is made of easy-to-tear paper. The purpose of masking tape as one of the tools of a house painter is generally to mask off the areas that you would not need to paint. So, it is basically to cover the areas that you do not possibly need to paint. The good thing about using a painter’s tape is that you can easily remove it with zero damage done to the surface that you applied it on. And it would not leave any residue on that particular surface either. 

Masking tapes are available in various widths and lengths. A house painter would probably have to use masking tapes big time. Hance, having painter’s tapes in large quantities would not be a waste. So, if painting is your profession, do not be reluctant to buy masking tapes in big quantities. They would always be useful for you. 

And there is another important fact. It is that we rate masking tapes considering the days that we can leave it that it may leave no residue when we remove it. There are masking tapes that we can leave even for 60 days today. Nevertheless, the 7-day and 14-day masking tapes are the most common out of all. 

ScotchBlue UltraSharp Lines Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape, 1.41 inches x 45 yards, 2098, 1 Roll

Alright. No doubt you know by now that a painter needs to have a tape. And here is a suggestion from us. This is perfect for use on smooth or gently textured walls, trim, baseboards, tile, and glass, among other surfaces. Tear-free removal is possible with this innovative poly-tape. Further, no harm or sticky residue would be left behind after a 28-day clean removal. Also, this is UV and sunlight-resistant. Hence, this would be an ideal choice for you by all means.

Amazon Basics Masking Tape – 0.7 Inch x 180 Feet – 3 Rolls

And here is another suggestion from us. This set comes with three 0.7’’x180 feet masking tapes. These have used crepe sheets with a pressure-sensitive rubber adhesive for a tight hold. These are easy to tear; simple to remove; would not harm surfaces or leave behind a sticky residue. Apart from these, this product has received positive comments and reviews from its customers. So, we can surely recommend this product to you. 

6. Painter’s bib

It is the painter’s bib that we are going to consider next. Simply, the painter’s bib is what a painter would wear when he or she is painting. However, you might have the question of why you would need to have a separate suit for painting. There is obviously a reason. When painting, you would get paint on what you wear as well. And if you wear something that you would usually wear, you would not be able to get that paint marks off easily as well. And in a normal costume, you would not have pockets to hold the apparatus that you would need to have when you are painting. Therefore, a painter’s bib is a necessity.

Perhaps, you would usually get a hammer loop, a dual tool pocket, and several other pockets as well. So, you would have enough and more storage in a painter bib for certain. You would not possibly get this much storage if you are using an ordinary costume for painting. And yes, it is important that the painter’s bib that you use must be firm-fitting. Yet, it must also be roomy. 

However, your paint can be split in the painter’s bib that you use as well. But that is perfectly fine. You would not have to worry because it is the costume that you work for painting tasks. 

Dickies Men’s Painters Bib Overall

Of course, it is necessary for a house painter to wear a bib while working. And here is a good product that we can recommend to you. These consist of 100% cotton and have a wide, roomy fit with triple-stitched seams for extra strength. And these have useful pockets, hammer loop, dual tool pocket, and many more pockets for convenient storage. With adjustable shoulder slides and hooks, two-button closures at the sides, classic twin watch fob holes, and wide straight legs that can fit over boots, these overalls are perfect for house painters.

Grundens Men’s Neptune Commercial Fishing Bib Pants | Waterproof, Adjustable

And here is another suggestion from us. This polyurethane-coated polyester bib gives you the lower-body protection you would need. These are water-resistant, stain-resistant, and flexible. And these allow you to move freely when you are wearing these. Further, many customers of this product have positively reviewed this product. So, this surely would be a good choice for a house painter. 

7. Drop cloth

Although the drop cloth might not literally seem like one of the tools that a house painter has to use, it is still essential. Perhaps, you may think that you can use a ragged cloth or something like that as a drop cloth. But of course, you can purchase a drop cloth from the market. Besides, you would not be able to find a cloth that can cover up a floor in your house sometimes. So, it is indeed worth taking a look at it. 

Usually, a drop cloth of a poly-cotton material. And this type of material can provide excellent protection for all the furniture and the floor that you can protect the place even though a renovation takes place. 

And it is really important that the drop cloths that you purchase are durable and washable. If they are, of course, you can go for it and use it when you are on a painting task. 

CCS CHICAGO CANVAS & SUPPLY All Purpose Canvas Cotton Drop Cloth, 4 by 12 Feet (Available in 10 More Sizes)

This is a perfect choice for a house painter to use as a drop cloth. Of course, we told you the importance if drop cloths previously. So, you would be having a perfect idea about that by now. So, here is a suggestion from us. This washable and reusable drop cloth is just ideal for a house painter as this absorbs paint spills, and traps dust and debris as well. “Good quality, fair price.” This simple review on Amazon tells it all. 

6×9 Canvas Drop Cloths Painters Drop Cloth for Furniture & Floor Protection – All Purpose Thick Cloth Duck Canvas with Sturdy Double Stitched Edges (6×9)

Here is another suggestion from us. This is completely odorless, so you may use it right away without having to wash it or put on a gas mask. This drop cloth’s edges and seams are double stitched and hemmed on two sides. It helps prevent fraying, ripping, and tearing. The double stitch reinforcement ensures long-term use and durability as well. The cotton fabric is reusable, reducing waste, which is more likely when using plastic sheets, which are not only degradable but also prohibitively expensive to replace after each usage. Due to all the above facts, this would be a fine drop cloth for a house painter.

8. Work lamp

You might not need to have work lamps all the time. When there is enough light around, having a work lamp is not necessary. Yet, there are certain occasions where you would need to have work lamps to work with. When there is no enough lighting, you would need to have a work lamp. Then, you would be able to see the conditions properly and engage in your work effectively thereafter.

Olafus Work Light 50W, 5000LM 2 Brightness Modes Work Flood Light, IP65 Waterproof Job Site Lighting with Stand for Construction Site, Jetty, Workshop, Garage 6000K Daylight White

In fact, you would be well aware of the importance of work lights as one of the tools. In terms of this work light, this is a good one which would be good for a house painter to use when the house painter needs some sort of illumination. You may set the light on the ground with the stand or hang it up with the handle. Either way, you can make use of it according to your requirements. The light can be easily positioned at any angle thanks to the adjustable angle knob. Also, this can cast a shadow-free, anti-glare 120-degree beam angle. So, this would be a good choice take for a house painter. 

VonHaus Two-Head 10000 Lumen LED Work Light with Detachable Metal Lamp Housing, Metal Telescopic Tripod Stand, Rotating Waterproof Lamps and 8.2Ft Power Cord

And here is another suggestion from us. This consists of long-lasting LED bulbs. These are housed in a watertight sealed die-cast Aluminium casing with impact-resistant glass lenses. This allows you to use this work light safely indoors or outside even in inclement weather. This product has got impressive reviews and comments on Amazon. Thus, we are not hesitant to recommend this product to you. 

Conclusion

So, we told you about the essential tools that a house painter would have to use in his or her professional career. If you have the interest to know about the tools of other professionals, you can indeed read about the tools of an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, solar installer, ironworker, and glazier. Finally, we wish that you would have a successful career in painting!