Painting Tools & Materials

Discover a guide to the tools & materials involved with your painting.

A paint roller is seen resting on a metal grid inside a white bucket, filled with blue paint.

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How To Roll-Paint a Wall Like a Pro

Learn the secrets to a smooth, professional paint job with our comprehensive guide to rolling paint onto walls.
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The 7 Best Paintbrushes (2024 Review)

Paintbrushes come in many shapes and sizes to best fit the project you’re working on. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best paintbrushes available on Amazon to help you find the best option for your painting project. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
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The 5 Best Glow-in-the-Dark Paints (2024 Review)

Glow-in-the-dark paint brings your art project to life when the lights are off. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best glow-in-the-dark paints on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you.
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How To Use Less Caulk When Filling in Gaps

Painting expert Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor a common mistake DIYers make when caulking and offers a helpful tip for avoiding it.
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The 5 Best Paint Strippers (2024 Review)

Removing paint can be a hassle when you’re trying to do it by hand with a sander. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best paint strippers available on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
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The 4 Best Chalk Paints (2023 Review)

Chalk paint gives your furniture a matte look, which fits perfectly with a rustic interior design. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the four best chalk paints on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
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The 5 Best Paint Sprayers (2024 Review)

At-home paint sprayers help you achieve a high-quality paint job at a fraction of the price of a professional job. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best paint sprayers on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
In a workshop, a person grips a ToughBuilt folding pull saw with a 12-inch blade, which is one of the best smart tools for DIY projects.

10 Smart Tools for Your Next DIY Project

A new crop of warm-weather problem-solvers for your home.
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5 Best Deck Paints (2024 Guide)

In this review and buying guide, our team recommends the best deck paints to fit a range of outdoor spaces, preferences, and climates.
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The Ultimate Tool for Paint: 17-in-1 Painter’s Tool

In this latest version of the 17-in-1 painter’s tool, the knife blade tackles more tasks than ever—and the handle gets put to use, too.
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How to Choose a Good Paint Roller

In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique explains the different types of paint rollers and then demonstrates good rolling techniques.
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How to Use a Paint Sprayer

Ask This Old House painter, Mauro Henrique, gives a tutorial on how to set up and work with a paint sprayer for best results.
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How To Choose and Use Painter’s Tape

In this guide, This Old House painter Mauro Henrique explains the uses and techniques for different types of painter’s tape
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How To Clean a Paint Spill

A paint spill may seem catastrophic, but if you take action while it’s still wet, you can remove it from nearly any surface. Here's how.
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How To Clean and Maintain Your Paintbrushes Like a Pro

If you're taking on a DIY project that involves painting or staining, you'll likely need to use paintbrushes. Here's how to clean them.
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Pro Paint Tips: Get the Most Out of Rolling

Three paint roller tips from Mauro Henrique
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Tips for Cleaning and Storing All of Your Paint Tools

Three experts reveal their tips and tricks for how to properly clean and maintain your painting tools to make them last.
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How to Choose and Use Spray Paint

Want to take on a spray painting project but don't know where to start? Click here to find out how to choose and use spray paint.
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How to Choose and Use a Paint Roller

Paint rolling tools and tips with painting contractor Mark O'Lalor
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Decoding the New Low-VOC Paints

Use these tips on single-coat, no-odor, fast-drying paints to get the most out of every gallon
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Paint Sprayers

They can lay down everything from latex to lacquer—but no one sprayer can do it all
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Everything You Need to Know to Strip Painted Furniture

Have a piece of furniture that you love, but it's chipped or out of style? Learn how to strip its paint and give it new life.
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How To Choose the Right Interior Paint

Color isn't your only choice when choosing an interior paint. Learn more about the different formulas and finishes available in this guide.
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Norm's Notebook: Paintbrush Care

Master carpenter Norm Abram's techniques for paintbrushes
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Paintbrushes

Plucked from a hog or synthesized in a lab, the right bristles are the key to a perfect paint job
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Secrets of Smooth Brushwork

The unforgiving art of painting woodwork
Paint rollers and pads. Tools to paint quickly.

How To Paint Quickly and Efficiently

Learn how to choose and use the right tools and techniques for painting quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality.
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Stay-Fresh Paint Roller

Save yourself some rinsing work, and keep your roller ready to go, with this simple trick.
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Painting Edges with a Drywall Taping Knife

Get a tidy edge by using a tool you probably already own
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The Right Brush

For the perfect paint job, invest in the best.
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Paint-Tray Protector

Simplify painting with tray protectors. Compare store-bought options and DIY solutions to keep your paint trays clean and reusable.
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How to Paint a Room Professionally

Expert painter Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor the tips and tricks to painting like a pro.