Paint house tool

And so is choosing the right caulk gun. There are three main types: manual, battery-powered and pneumatic. Manual caulking guns require you to push a plunger and pull a trigger. They may be cheap, but they can be messy, releasing caulk in an oozing, uneven stream that doesn't end as quickly as you'd like it to.

Your best bet is to find a manual gun that has a smooth rod, which offers more control than its ratcheted counterpart, and comes with a built-in cutter to smoothly open the tip of the caulking tube. For your purposes, a low-end battery-powered model should suffice. A gun that holds 10 ounces grams of caulk, for example, will be relatively inexpensive and less tiring to use than the manual version. Pneumatic caulking guns are the most expensive. As the name suggests, this tool connects to an air compressor and is easier to control and activate that the other models.

However, unless you're a professional contractor you probably don't need one [source: House Painting Info]. Whichever type of caulk gun you choose, it takes a little practice to squeeze a consistent amount of caulk. Ideally, you'll want a thin bead of caulk around windows, doors and chimneys before surfaces are covered with primer or paint. You've probably seen some version of the comedy routine in which a full can of paint falls from a ladder onto a hapless homeowner.

This is not a scenario you want to repeat in real life! So, instead of lugging around a full paint can and courting disaster , try a more moderate approach. Pour a small amount of paint into a clean, empty can or bucket and carry it to your painting spot. This will be easier to handle when you need to climb a ladder, will keep you from wasting paint and, if something does go terribly wrong, the spill won't be as ruinous.

When you're done using the can for the day, cover it with plastic wrap and replace the lid. This will keep it fresh overnight [source: The Family Handyman ]. A roller screen is essentially a metal grate that fits vertically into your paint bucket and is a handy way to get rid of excess paint on your roller. After you dip the roller into paint, run it across the surface of the screen until the paint evenly covers the roller [source: The Family Handyman ]. Another useful device is a roller tray , especially if you're working on a stepladder.

This sloped and ribbed tray is used to load paint onto a roller. It has a shallow well at one end for holding paint — you should have about a half-inch 1. The tray can be placed on the stepladder to prevent your climbing down every time you need more paint [source: McMillan ]. After so much work to gather supplies and prep walls, actually applying paint to your home's exterior will be an exciting metamorphosis.

But first you need the right paintbrush. There are two main types: natural bristle and synthetic bristle. Natural bristle brushes often are made of animal hair, including black or white hog hair, and have a soft texture for fine finishes. Natural bristles can hold a lot of oil-based paint without absorbing it. While a natural bristle brush is good for applying a coat of primer or an oil-based paint, it isn't the best choice if your paint is latex water-based because it will absorb up to 40 percent of its own weight in water, making the brush too soft to paint properly [source: Wooster Brush].

For latex paint, you'll want to use a synthetic brush, made of nylon and polyester. These bristles don't wear out easily or absorb water from the paint. Look for a 4-inch centimeter straight-bristled brush and a 1. The former will be used to cover large areas, while the latter will work well in small spaces, such as corners and near the trim [source: The Family Handyman ].

In addition to the right paint brush, you need the right paint roller. Rollers allow you to work faster than with brushes alone. For large areas of shingles, stucco or brick, opt for a 9-inch centimeter roller with a half-inch nap.

For narrow spaces, or for applying to large areas of siding, a 7-inch centimeter roller will be a better fit [source: The Family Handyman ]. Dampen the roller before dipping it into the paint. This will cause it to absorb less, limiting wastage. If you're working with latex paint, wet the roller with water.

For oil-based paint, skim the roller through paint thinner and use a 5-in-1 tool to remove the excess [source: McMillan ]. To keep rollers from drying out between coats, cover them in plastic wrap or place them in a plastic bag. If you're storing them overnight, put them in the refrigerator. Not only will you save time by not cleaning them, but when it's time to use them, they'll be ready to go.

The same technique works well for paintbrushes, too [source: Fontana ]. Optionally, add a personal message. Tahitian sky. High-Gloss Enamel. QTY 8 Oz. Only available in store at Home Depot. The 9 in. Polyester Adhesive Roller Cover has a hard texture, making it ideal for applying all types of adhesives to smooth surfaces. It can be used for stippling and applying sand paints. Product price is estimated. Pricing could change based on your local Home Depot pricing. Add to Order. Sold Exclusively at The Home Depot.

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Update Order. No Thanks. Do not show me this message again. Valspar's Virtual Painter wins, too, because it is so well-represented. With over 2, locations, Lowe's and Valspar can be found somewhere near to you. On top of that, Valspar paint tends to be competitively priced. Virtual Painter can be a frustrating tool to work with, though, because it is necessary to pull up a separate screen for the color swatches.

Once you find a color, you then click the "Take To Painter" button and go back to your room. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance.

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