Essentials for your paint kit

Quality paint tools don’t cost much more but they’ll make the job easier and they’ll last longer.

Drop cloths

Thicker plastic ones are less likely to rip and are good for draping over furniture. Canvas can be reused but costs more. Brown paper, newspapers, and plain old cardboard are fine for protecting floors but should be taped down to keep them from moving. A cotton rag is handy for wiping up splatters.

Painter’s tape

Available at home centers and hardware stores, low-tack painter’s tape prevents paint bleed-through and protects edges and corners with contrasting colors. Unlike masking tape, painter’s tape won’t tear away the finish when it’s removed.

Two-inch sash brush

The angled bristle cut of a sash brush is perfect for painting seams and corners where a roller can’t reach. Buy one with synthetic bristles with “flagged” or split ends and a wood handle.

Nine-inch roller frame and cover

Steel frames with lots of tines will be stiffer and sturdier. Sealed ends will keep the paint on the roller. Synthetic, short-napped rollers work best on most walls, ceilings, and trim; longer-nap rollers are best for textured walls. You might also want to have a second, smaller roller frame and matching cover for trim. Avoid cheap rollers with obvious seams. Give new rollers a rubdown to remove loose lint before you use them.

Paint tray and liners

A heavy metal pan is less likely to spill or tip over than a flimsy one. Thicker plastic tray liners stay in place better.