The 7 Tools Every Beginner Painter Actually Needs

You don't need a cart full of gadgets to paint a room well, just the right few tools.

1. A 2½-inch angled brush. This is for "cutting in" clean edges along ceilings, trim, and corners. Spend a little more here, because cheap brushes shed bristles and leave streaks.
2. A 9-inch roller. Use it for walls and ceilings. A 3/8-inch nap cover works for most smooth interior walls.
3. A paint tray with liners. Liners make cleanup as easy as tossing them in the trash.
4. An extension pole. It screws onto your roller so you can reach ceilings without a ladder and roll with more even pressure.
5. Painter's tape. Press the edges down firmly, and pull the tape off at an angle while the paint is still slightly wet.
6. Canvas drop cloths. They stay put and absorb drips. Plastic on floors gets slippery.
7. Spackle, a putty knife, and a sanding sponge. Fill holes, let the spackle dry, and sand it smooth. A smooth wall matters more than any fancy tool.

Skip these: all-in-one paint kits, which bundle low-quality tools. Also skip edging gadgets, which often leak or leave uneven lines, and foam brushes for walls, which leave bubbles.

Bottom line: A good brush, a good roller, and solid prep will get you professional-looking results.

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