The Professional Painter’s Toolkit: An Ultimate Guide

If you’re thinking about painting your home it’s important to know what tools and equipment professional painters use. This will help you get the best results possible and avoid any potential problems.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most common tools and equipment that professional painters use.

Tools

Let’s start by listing all the tools a professional painter uses, then we’ll move on to PPE and finally equipment.

Paintbrushes

Paintbrushes are a painter’s best friend, and there is a myriad of different types to choose from depending on the job at hand.

For example, natural bristle brushes are good for oil-based paints while synthetic bristles are better for water-based paints.

They come in different sizes and shapes too, so it’s important to select the right brush for the job.

Smaller brushes are good for detailed work while larger ones can cover more surface area in a shorter amount of time.

It’s always better to choose a high-quality brush as they’ll last longer and provide a better finish.

Low-quality and cheap paintbrushes can be used for oil-based primers which you throw away after use and will be covered by a topcoat anyway.

Paint rollers

Paint rollers are another essential tool for professional painters.

They’re perfect for painting large, flat surfaces and can help you get the job done much faster than using a paintbrush alone.

Again, there are different types of paint rollers to choose from depending on the paint you’re using.

A paint roller is made up of two parts; the roller frame and the cover/sleeve.

Roller frames

Roller frames come in different widths and can be attached to an extension pole for easy reach.

The width of the roller frame you choose will depend on the size of the surface you’re painting.

For example, a narrow roller frame is better for tight spaces and small areas while a wide roller frame is better for large, flat surfaces.

They can be as small as 2 inches to 18 inches wide.

Roller covers

The cover or sleeve is the part of the roller that actually comes into contact with the paint.

They have different nap lengths which determine the type of finish they’ll provide and should be chosen based on the surface you’re painting.

For example, a short-nap roller cover is better for smooth surfaces while a long-nap roller cover is better for textured surfaces.

They come in different materials too, such as natural fibers (like lambswool) or synthetic fibers (like polyester).

Extension poles

A professional painter can’t go without an extension pole as they’re perfect for painting ceilings, walls and hard-to-reach places.

Extension poles come in different lengths to suit your needs.

Sanders

For painters, sanders are an essential tool. They allow you to quickly and easily sand down mudded surfaces and remove paint from surfaces or matte it down, leaving a smooth, even finish that paint will adhere to much better.

There are different types of sanders available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Pole sander

You attach the pole sander to an extension pole to reach high ceilings or walls.

The main advantage of a pole sander is that you don’t have to use a ladder, scaffold, or use any other type of equipment to reach the top of the wall or ceiling.

The main disadvantage is that it doesn’t collect the dust, and it’s manual and labor-intensive.

It’s a good choice for smaller sanding projects though.

Orbital sander

The most common type is the orbital sander which is perfect for general use.

An orbital sander is a handheld power tool that uses sandpaper discs to smooth wood, metal, plastic, and other surfaces.

The sanding discs rotate in a circular or orbital pattern, creating a smooth, uniform finish. Orbital sanders are available in both electric and battery-powered models, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

In general, electric orbital sanders are more powerful and can offer more control than their battery-powered counterparts. However, battery-powered models are more versatile and can be used in places where there is no electric outlet.

A random orbital sander is similar to an orbital sander but with one key difference; the sanding discs rotate in a random pattern rather than a circular or orbital pattern.

This helps to avoid swirl marks and provides a much smoother finish.

Whether you choose an electric or battery-powered model, an orbital sander can save you time and effort when it comes to finishing projects around the house.

Detail sander

A detail sander is a power tool that is used to sand small areas. It is similar to a regular sander, but it has a triangular-shaped head that allows you to reach tight corners and edges.

Detail sanders are often used to sand down paint or varnish from small areas, such as furniture, stairs or detailed trim work.

They can also be used to sand down rough surfaces prior to painting or staining. Detail sanders are available in both corded and cordless models.

Drywall sander

Drywall sanders are great for sanding drywall and other large, flat surfaces after they have been mudded.

Drywall sanders are connected to a vacuum cleaner to collect the dust generated while sanding which is very helpful since the dust can be extremely messy.

Belt sander

A belt sander is a handheld power tool that is used for sanding, shaping, and finishing wood and other materials. It consists of an abrasive belt that is wrapped around two drums.

Belt sanders are available in a variety of sizes, from small handheld units to large floor-standing models.

Ultimately, the type of sander you choose will depend on the specific needs of your project. However, regardless of which type you choose, a sander can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to painting.

Cut in tools

These tools can be helpful when painting walls and you want a clean line where the wall meets the ceiling or another wall.

They come in different brands and models, but they all serve the same purpose; to help you paint a clean line without getting paint on the other surfaces.

Putty/joint knives

A putty knife is a handy tool that can be used for spreading putty and removing peeling paint from surfaces.

Their bigger cousins, joint knives, and tape knives are used for mudding larger areas or the joints of new drywall.

Knives and blades

Snap-off utility knives are useful when hanging wallpaper, when the blade gets dull, you can simply snap off the used portion to reveal a new, sharp blade.

Scrapers

Scrapers are used to remove peeling paint from wood and other surfaces.

Texture Scraper

A texture scraper is a handheld tool that is used to remove textured surfaces, such as popcorn ceilings.

Wire brush

When painting rusty details they need to be scraped with a wire brush to remove any loose paint or rust before priming.

Can also be used for getting dried paint from paintbrushes when cleaning them.

Screwdriver

Sometimes you need to remove screws from walls or hardware, such as door knobs, before painting.

A screwdriver or a cordless screwdriver can come in handy for this purpose.

Make sure to have different bits on hand to fit the different screws you may encounter.

Pencil

You’ll need a pencil for marking when hanging wallpaper.

You may also need a pencil to mark out areas that need touch-ups when painting walls for example.

Paint sprayers

The tool that gives the best and smoothest finish is a paint sprayer.

Paint sprayers can be used for a variety of different projects, such as painting walls, ceilings, cabinets, fences, house exteriors and even furniture.

Airless paint sprayer

Airless paint sprayers are a type of high-pressure paint sprayer that operate without using compressed air. Instead, they use a pump to draw the paint up from the container and force it through the nozzle at high pressure.

Airless paint sprayers are typically used for larger jobs, such as painting the exterior of a house or walls and ceilings.

But smaller handheld airless paint sprayers are also available and can be used for a variety of different projects, such as painting cabinets or furniture.

HVLP Paint sprayer

This type of sprayer uses high-volume, low-pressure air to atomize paint, which results in less overspray and a more consistent finish.

An HVLP paint sprayer is a good choice for painting projects that require a high degree of precision, such as painting cabinets or trim work.

The advantage of paint sprayers is that they can provide a much smoother and more even coat of paint than traditional paint brushes or rollers and it’s fast!

Hand masker

A hand masker is a tool that helps to mask or cover an area while painting or performing other construction tasks.

It consists of a handheld device that dispenses masking film or paper, and an attached blade that cuts the film or paper to size. A roll of tape is also attached to the hand masker, which is used to secure the edges of the film or paper.

Hand maskers are often used to cover doorways, windows, and other surfaces that aren’t going to be painted.

Masking film and paper come in a variety of widths and lengths, allowing the user to choose the best size for the job at hand.

Caulk gun

A caulking gun is a tool that is used to apply sealants, adhesives, and other viscous materials.

It consists of a barrel that holds the material, a trigger that controls the flow of material, and a nozzle that applies the material to the surface.

Caulking guns are commonly used in construction and home improvement projects to seal gaps and cracks. They can also be used for applying adhesive to surfaces prior to installing tile or other materials.

Caulking guns are available in manual, electric cordless and air-powered models.

Air-powered and electric caulking guns are generally faster and easier to use than manual caulking guns, but they require a battery or an air compressor to operate.

If you would like to know which caulk gun would be best for your needs then read this post.

Level

A level is a tool that is used to determine whether a surface is level. It consists of a long, straight beam with a bubble in the middle. When the bubble is in the center of the level, the surface is level.

If the bubble is off to one side, the surface is not level. Levels are used in construction to ensure that surfaces are level before building on them.

They are also used in many other applications, such as leveling a table or shelf. Levels are simple tools, but they are essential for many tasks.

As a professional painter I usually use a level when hanging wallpaper or painting stripes on a wall to make sure they are level.

6-in-1 Painter’s tool

With this nifty tool you get a paint scraper, paint roller cleaner, paint can opener, putty knife and hammer all in one!

The six-in-one painter’s tool is an essential tool for any professional painter. It’s also great for do-it-yourselfers and home improvers. This versatile tool can be used for a variety of tasks, such as removing paint from windows, opening paint cans, cleaning paint rollers and hammering in nails, or remove them.

The six-in-one painter’s tool is a must-have for anyone who likes to be prepared for any painting project.

Sponge

A sponge is needed for various tasks such as cleaning excess adhesive while hanging wallpaper or cleaning surfaces before painting.

They can also be used for effect while painting such as creating a stippling effect although a natural sponge is better for this.

Plastic smoother

A plastic smoother is used when hanging wallpaper to smooth out any bubbles or creases.

Seam roller

When hanging wallpaper with overlap seams a seam roller is used to press the edges of the paper together.

Folding ruler

A folding ruler is an essential tool for anyone who needs to make precise measurements. It can be used to measure length, width, and depth, and can be easily carried in a pocket or case.

When not in use, the ruler folds up into a compact size, making it easy to store away. Whether you’re a carpenter, a painter, or simply a DIY enthusiast, a folding ruler is a must-have tool for accurate measurements.

Straight edge

A straight edge can be used when cutting wallpaper or when you need to draw a line that is perfectly straight. It can also be used to check if a surface is level.

Plumb line

A plumb line is a weight, typically attached to a length of string or cord, that is used to determine whether something is vertically aligned which is needed when hanging wallpaper.

Chalk line

A chalk line is a tool used for marking straight lines on a variety of surfaces. The line is created by pulling the chalk line tight and snapping it against the surface.

Chalk lines are commonly used by carpenters and masons to mark cutting lines on lumber or bricks. They can also be used by painters to create a guide for stripes or lines.

Laser level

A laser level is a tool that projects a beam of light horizontally and/or vertically. It is used to establish a reference line or plane for alignment or leveling.

Laser levels are used in construction, surveying, and other applications where precision is essential.

For a painter, it’s useful when hanging wallpaper and borders or when painting stripes on a wall.

Scissors

When hanging wallpaper you will need a good pair of scissors to cut the paper when a corner is reached or to cut around obstacles.

Wallpaper cutting tool

There are different wallpaper cutting tools on the market and they are an essential tool for a professional painter when hanging wallpaper.

Wallpaper tray

Useful when hanging paste-the-wall wallpaper so it doesn’t touch the ground and gets dirty. A simple cardboard box will do but the metal model in the picture below is practical since the roll tends to roll up on the wall when you’re on the last strip.

Paint tray

As a professional painter i never use a paint tray, but they can be useful for those who are new to painting to minimize the mess.

Pail and grid

A pail with a grid can also be used by those who aren’t that used to painting.

Stir sticks

Whenever you need to mix paint, you will need stir sticks.

Paint pails and liners

Paint pails are used to hold paint and the liners are used to line the paint pails so that they can be reused and makes it practical when you need to change between colors often.

Heat Gun

A heat gun is used when paint needs to be removed from surfaces such as windows.

The heat gun softens the paint so that it can be scraped off.

Personal Protective Equipment

When it comes to clothes, a painter is usually well-protected and in white from head to toe.

Gloves

Not all painters use gloves when working but they are useful when painting with oil-based paint or when you need to avoid getting paint on your hands.

Safety glasses

Safety glasses are used to protect the eyes from paint when spray painting and from dust and debris when using power tools or scraping.

Respirators

Respirators and dust masks are a must-have as a painter since it gets dusty when sanding, and when painting with oil-based paint indoors it’s good to avoid breathing in the fumes.

Fall arrest

When working on heights such as in a boom lift, a fall arrest is needed to avoid serious injury if you were to fall.

Knee Pads

Knee pads are used to protect the knees when working on your knees such as when painting baseboard.

Ear plugs

It can get loud on construction sites or when using power tools so ear plugs are needed to protect your hearing.

Hardhat

When working on construction sites or in areas where there is a risk of falling debris, a hardhat is needed to protect the head.

Coverall/Overall

When spray painting a lot, it’s good to have a pair of coveralls to avoid getting paint on your clothes.

Some painters prefer to use overalls and some prefer to use pants.

Painter’s pants

A painter’s pants are loose-fitting cotton pants that have multiple pockets. Some models also have pockets for knee pads which I personally use.

Painter’s Shorts

When working outside in the heat, painter’s shorts are a good option to stay cool and still have pockets for storage.

T-Shirts

Usually white and made of cotton with a loose fit.

Shoes

There are different models when it comes to shoes for work, some have protection such as a steel toe cap.

Equipment

Professional painters use a variety of equipment in their work. From ladders and scaffolding to work light and pressure washers, the right equipment can make a big difference in the quality of your work and how efficiently you complete a project.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding provides a safe and stable platform for working at heights.

They can be both stationary and mobile and can be adjusted to fit the needs of your project.

Ladders

Ladders are used to access hard-to-reach areas and come in a variety of sizes and types.

Step ladder

Step ladders are a must-have for a painter’s toolkit as they are perfect for reaching high areas.

Extension ladder

When painting the exterior of a house, an extension ladder is often used.

Boom lift

A boom lift is used to raise and lower workers, materials, and tools. It consists of a platform, or “basket”, that is attached to a long arm, or “boom”.

The boom is mounted on a base, which can either be wheeled or track-mounted. Boom lifts are used for a variety of tasks, including painting, repairs, and inspections.

Boom lifts come in a variety of sizes and designs, and can be either gas-powered or electric. They are an essential piece of equipment for painting projects where scaffolding and ladders won’t suffice.

Wallpaper table

A wallpaper table is practical to have when hanging wallpaper, either to paste the wallpaper or for cutting the wallpaper.

Drop cloth

A drop cloth is a piece of heavy-duty fabric that is used to protect floors and surfaces from paint, dirt, debris, and other materials.

Drop cloths are a popular choice for many painting projects because they are durable, reusable and absorbent.

Work lights

Proper lighting is critical when it comes to painting. Nowadays LED work lights are popular as they are bright, consume less power and don’t get as hot as traditional halogen work lights.

Fans

Heated fans will speed up the drying time of paint and help to circulate air in the room.

There are electric fans and kerosene/propane-powered fans if the construction site doesn’t have access to electricity.

Dehumidifier

It can get really humid when working indoors. A dehumidifier will help to remove excess moisture from the air and improve drying time.

Vacuum

It can get messy when working so a vacuum is always handy to have around to clean up any dust, dirt or debris.

Air Scrubber

When sanding a lot or when there is a risk of airborne particles, an air scrubber is a good thing to have running in the room to help filter the air.

It’s usually used on bigger construction sites and can be rented.

Power washer

A power washer can be used to clean everything from decks to a house exterior. It uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt, grime, and other buildups.

Power washers are available in both electric and gas models. Electric power washers are ideal for small jobs around the home, while gas models are better suited for larger tasks and are heated which can speed up the cleaning process and help to remove stubborn stains and buildups.

Extension cords

Whenever you are using power tools and work lights, you’ll probably need an extension cord.

Conclusion for professional painting tools

This list of professional painting tools and equipment is what a painter usually uses and needs to get the job done.

If you’re a DIYer, then you might already have some of these items in your home. Otherwise, I hope this article was helpful and inspirational for you.