There comes a time when you need to update your painting and decorating kit as nothing lasts forever. Some items like cotton dust sheets can last for years, while others, such as masking tape, are one-and-done and need replacing regularly.
When I replace my old kit, or any of my DIY tools for that matter, I typically have two options: stay brand-loyal or upgrade to something different. I generally stay brand loyal, but I'm not afraid to try something else if those in the know recommend it.
Here you'll find the latest additions to my painting and decorating kit, why I chose them, and why they've become my new firm favourites for painting a room, and any other surface for that matter.
1. Buy well and your dust sheets will last for years
Dust sheets are essential kit. I use a combination of dust sheets when painting, typically cheaper plastic dust sheets like these ARVO 6 Pack Extra Large Plastic Dust Sheets from Amazon to cover furniture/objects and then cotton ones as well.
I prefer the feel of cotton dust sheets when lying on the floor painting skirting boards or similar, and a good set of cotton dust sheets should last you for years. They also don't stick to me or my boots, and they absorb paint splashes better, so the paint dries faster. However, my dust sheets had seen better days; they're covered in paint and have a few holes, so they don't protect the floor or carpet properly.
There are a lot of options. First, I always look for a protective backing; this helps stop paint from seeping through. I recently invested in these Laminated Cotton Dust Sheets from Amazon. They are lightweight, have a protective backing, come in various sizes, and as an added bonus, they are eco-friendly.
They aren't the most expensive or the cheapest, but so far they've been a smart buy. No paint seepage, no sticking and easy to lay out.
2. Paintbrushes are worth investing in
One tip when buying paintbrushes is never go cheap. They generally shed bristles quickly, apply paint poorly, and don't last as long. But you also don't need to buy high-end paintbrushes like the Purdy Monarch Elite Paint Brush Set from Amazon. Admittedly, they are top-quality paintbrushes, but you will have to pay for the pleasure of using them.
I typically go for mid-range options as they are ideal for DIYers who want quality without the big spend. I've been using wooden Stanley paintbrushes, but they are hard to find now, so I have switched to Harris Trade brushes instead. You can buy a pack of two on Amazon for less than £10.
Again, they have bare wooden handles, which I really like because they feel more tactile. Plus, the fine-tip bristles ensure smooth application and coverage and there has been no bristle loss yet.
Another reason for choosing them is that the wooden handle means I can sand it with a fine-grit sandpaper grade to clean it, making them look as good as new.
3. Use branded paint rollers for a better finish
Like paintbrushes, avoid cheap paint rollers; it's false economy. I've used cheap ones before, and they simply aren't as good as better-known brands. They aren't as smooth to use, and tiny bits of nap keep showing up in the paint.
I always look for a well-known brand such as Purdy, Wooster, Hamilton or Harris. I've just invested in Harris paint rollers, and I'm currently using a Harris Seriously Good Walls & Ceilings Paint Roller Set (available on Amazon). It includes a 9-inch roller frame and four sleeves, making it good value for money.
This range is Harris's top tier for DIYers and does a good job. I recently finished a 24m2 space and was very happy with the finish and the rollers. Another set I would recommend is this ProDec Advance 6-piece Ice Fusion 9-inch and 4-inch set, also on Amazon, which gives an almost smooth finish.
Roller sets typically come with a roller tray, but to be honest, I rarely use one. They splash too much; it's easy to step in, and it needs refilling too often. A 10- or 15-litre paint scuttle is a much better choice than a tray. This ProDec 10 Litre paint scuttle (available from Amazon) is my current one and will last me a long time yet.
4. Don't skimp when buying a brush and roller cleaner
Anything that speeds up cleaning painting and decorating kit is a bonus in my book, and a brush and roller cleaner is a must for any DIYer. I owned a cheap, unbranded version, but I threw it away because it wasn’t that great, and never replaced it. Not a smart move as it led to a longer and messier clean up, which is why I've invested in a new one.
This time, I stepped up the quality and got a Purdy Brush & Roller Cleaner (available on Amazon). A trusted brand, and highly rated on Amazon, it didn't disappoint. It works well on paintbrushes, 4- and 9-inch rollers, opens tins of paint, and it's competitively priced compared with similar styles and models.
5. Good masking tape is a must-have
One of a DIY painter's best friends, good-quality masking tape or painter's tape is a must, especially for DIYers who lack a steady hand, DIY perfectionists, and for protecting hard-to-reach areas. It's also essential when painting skirting boards with carpet.
I'm a big fan of Scotch Blue painter's tape (available on Amazon), but I've heard good things about Frog Tape and have recommendations from people who've used it. So I invested in a couple of rolls of Frog Tape Green Multi-Surface Painter's Masking Tape from Amazon to try.
If the Frog Tape were blue, it would be hard to tell the difference. It's very similar to Scotch Blue, which is a good thing, and it costs about the same per roll. However, a similar roll of Frog Tape offers 55m, while Scotch Blue offers 41m, making Frog Tape the better value.
My only complaint about Frog Tape is it's not blue. I simply prefer blue as it generally offers better contrast, especially when painting over dark colours. But, as that's a personal preference, I would recommend both brands, so try them and see what works best for you.
Once you have the right painting and decorating gear in place, you also need to make sure you're using it in the right way. Make sure you avoid these common decorating mistakes and if you're about to start adding colour to new walls, follow my advice for painting over new plaster.
