Tuesday, March 27, 2012

50 The Goodies In My Paint Supply Bin

As I mentioned yesterday, I have been busy painting!  Again!

I took this....


And turned it into this...


I have been getting a lot of questions about how I paint furniture, so I thought I would make it a two part mini-series and post about my favorite paint supplies today {for all projects} and do a play by play and more before and afters of the entertainment center later this week.

I have been painting the walls and furniture in our home for the last 10 years, so I have definitely learned a lot of what I know over time, but I am sure I still don't know it all.  A lot of talented bloggers in blogworld have also provided me with "Ah Ha" moments and the tools I need to learn to be a better painter. Why do I paint so much?  It's a small investment for a big bang and it's easy once you get the hang of it.  It's amazing to me the power paint plays in a space and how quickly it can take a piece of furniture from trash to treasure.

The following items are in absolutely no particular order, don't need to be used for every single project and are just what I have personally fallen in love with over the years.  Here is what you will find in my paint supply bin:



1.  As I mentioned, these are in no order, and this first item is typically one you would use at the end of a furniture painting project.  To ensure your newly completed furniture lives a longer life, it's a good idea to give it a protective finish.  I like Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish since it's low odor, easy to apply and dries quickly.

2.  A paint tray {plus liners!} is essential for using your wall and foam rollers.

3.  Wood filler is great to have on hand when working on repairing an older piece of furniture, I like to use it if I am swapping out hardware or fixing a crack or dent.

4.  This spray paint grip and trigger helps give control for a smooth, professional spray paint finish.  It also prevents "spray paint finger".


5.  Spackle is a must for a wall painting project, so that you can fill any damaged areas and holes {a.k.a. swiss cheese walls} for a nice and smooth finish!

6.  Masks are a good idea when you don't have the luxury to work outdoors.  I also like to use them when spray painting and working with certain primers.

7.  Mineral spirits is great to keep on hand for cleaning brushes and equipment when using oil based items.

8.  This little clip is worth the $1 price tag.  It clips to the side of your paint can {or utility sink}, and gives you a strong magnetic place to set your paint brush if you need to take a quick break.  It's also great for holding them while drying after a good cleaning!

9.  A paint can opener typically comes with the purchase of paint and makes opening the can easy peasy.

10.  I love to keep plastic wrap on hand to wrap my roller heads and paint brushes in-between coats.  Instead of washing out my brush when I know I am going to be using it again in a few hours, the plastic wrap seals the brush from air and drying.

11.  I like to keep a tape measure in my bin for determining my paint project size {when figuring out how much paint I need to purchase}, or for measuring out some fun stripes to paint!

12.  Painters tape is great for protecting the areas you don't want painted!  I typically keep it on hand for doing special paint treatments and patterns.

13.  I don't use painters tape for trim any longer.  I know, gasp right?!  But I don't have to now that I found my most favorite paint brush EVER!  The angled Wooster brush has a super short comfort grip handle and nice silky bristles to make every paint project quick and simple!  The combo of the angle and short handle ensures your cutting in job goes quickly and ends up with a clean finish.  My favorite painting supply hands down!

14.  I like to keep a couple different grits of sanding wedges in my paint bucket, to give pieces a quick sanding for a smoother finish in-between coats.  I find the wedges are easier to work with than single sheets of sanding paper.

15.  Roller covers.  The type depends on the wall finish, it's important to get the smooth for flat walls and the semi-smooth for certain textured walls.  A good roller cover will give you better paint coverage and help reduce the overall number of coats you may have to do.

16.  A putty knife is helpful when using that wood filler and wall spackle to ensure a nice clean finish!

17.  I always like to keep an old rag or some paper towels on hand for quick cleanups if you accidentally drip or get paint on your fingers or down your brush.  Because no matter how hard you try, paint will find it's way all over you and your items!

18.  I always use a drop cloth when painting furniture and to keep under my paint tray and paint can while painting to protect the floors and other surfaces.

19.  Foam rollers are great to keep on hand for those smaller projects.  It gives you a nice smooth finish in furniture that you can't get from a brush.  I also like to use them on cabinets and doors.

20.  A hammer and nails for painting?  It's actually a fabulous combination for adding some holes into the rim of the paint can.  That way, when you pour your paint and a small amount puddles in the rim, it will find its way back into the bucket through those holes you just created and ensure your lid can get a nice seal when you are done!

21.  The paint brush comb is extremely worth the investment and is wonderful for cleaning your brushes after a project.  It has absolutely extended the life of each brush I have purchased, and as you may know, those brushes aren't cheap!

22.  When it comes to using a roller, I prefer a telescoping handle because I am a bit on the short side and it helps me get higher and lower in continuous motions.  Even for the hubs it's great because then he doesn't have to break out the step ladder to roll out a room and it saves us lots of up and down time!

23.  A caulking gun and white painters caulk is helpful when working with our white trim and molding to clean up holes and cracks and again is critical in giving us a nice professional looking finish.


Again, I am by no means a pro at this painting stuff, I just learn as I go and these are the items that have been working well for me along the way.  Any surprises or "light bulb" moments for you?  What is your favorite painting tool and why?  Did you know there is a painting season in Wisconsin {just like there is a football season?}  Well, it's in full swing and I am loving it!




50 comments:

  1. Looks so good! You're so creative!
    xx


    The Urban Umbrella
    xoxo


    http://www.theurbanumbrella.com/

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  2. Oh my goodness! I have never heard of #4 before, the spray paint trigger. I've got to invest in one of these! I always get such hand cramps when I'm working on something big. Thanks for the idea!

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  3. I LOVE the idea of using a nail and hammer to put holes in the rim of the paint can! I painted many rooms in my home this weekend (will be on my blog later when we get internet!) and ran into this problem with the paint in the rim. I will use this tip going forward; thanks!

    Kimberly
    www.studioblonde.blogspot.com

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  4. I have to go get #8. My brush is always awkwardly placed on the can.

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  5. I have a question. Cleaning brushes and rollers- the bane of my existence. Often I will buy cheap just so that I can throw them away instead of cleaning. Or I put them in the freezer and then end up throwing them out anyway.
    Do you have any hints on cleaning up? Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Reno -

      The paint brush comb I mentioned above is great for cleaning your brushes. You can also get roller cleaners but I have found my rollers are typically shot by the time I have done two coats on a room. I just clean them with luke warm water.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  6. I will place the paint tray in a shirt box that you typically gift clothing in - this way if you drip paint around it, you can just throw it away afterwards. A trick I learned from my mom :)

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  7. I have one of those wooster brushes too & I LOVE it! I love the soft bristles & the rubber handle. It's the perfect brush

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  8. Great post Jen! I've never heard of that paint brush cleaning comb. And I'm also a huge fan of that Wooster brush you speak of. And now I'm totally wanting to invest in a spray paint grip and trigger. Ange from the Blooming Hydrangea also raved about that once and I'm thinking that might help me to do a better job with spray painting.

    This is one of the best tools I've found - to make pouring paint easier:
    http://www.lowes.com/pd_39165-1152-82126_4294729410_4294937087_?productId=3067243&Ns=p_product_price%7C0&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Cleaners%2BChemicals_4294729410_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_price%7C0&facetInfo=

    It's a little plastic pour spout that slips on the rim of paint cans. Great for a messy person like me.

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  9. My husband makes his own paint trays... its rather messy =) bahaha! Love the sneek peek into your supplies! <3

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  10. Love the color! So fresh and inviting! We went on on a limb when we redid our living room: http://kyliemccoy.blogspot.com/2012/03/makeover-dining-room-living-room.html

    But it was so worth it! I love the red!

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  11. I also paint lots of furniture/walls/trim in our home and find that your little list here is quite similar to what I have in my assortment of painting tools! I usually us an angled Purdy brush when doing trim and I can't wait to try the brush you recomended. I also don't use painters tape anymore over time I started to realize I just didn't need it anymore. I love the hammer & nail tip you gave for the paint can too!

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  12. Love your comment about there being a "painting season" in WI. Funny how we have to save all the painting projects until the weather gets to just the right temperature. Sure puts an extra boost on spring fever.

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  13. Thanks for the information! This has inspired me to find a piece of furniture to paint. I am bookmarking this page. Hopefully, I won't make too much of a mess. =)

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  14. I loved #8 & #13. Another thing I find useful is latex gloves. They are cheap & disposable & keep the paint off of my hands. When I am done, I just pull them off & toss.

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    1. That's a great tip! My hands are always a mess after a project... and my pants... and most likely my hair...

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  15. Very timely post for me to read because I am on a furniture painting binge at the moment. Great tips and I must try the Wooster brush! I also wrap my wet brushes, but I put mine in a large plastic twist tie bag and put it in the fridge to stay fresh. I have even left them that way overnight and then can just paint again the next morning.

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  16. I'm anxiously awaiting the piece about painting furniture.
    I have an old antique bedroom set (circa 1930) that is in pretty bad shape, finish wise. It needs some love and to be painted....so, the hubs and I are going to paint the furniture and also pain the bedroom this spring! So, I'll be watching!

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  17. WOW! it looks fantastic and like a brad "NEW" piece of furniture! Love it!
    Hugs,
    Norma

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  18. Hey, I just found your blog today and I love it! I'm super into organizing too! I nominated you for the Versitile Blogger Award here; http://glutenfreetravelette.blogspot.com/. Just a fun award to shine some light on some great high-quality new-to-me blogs!

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  19. I love what you have done to your entertainment furniture. I have kitchen cabinets that I would like to paint white. They are made of dark oak wood and have a high gloss finish to them. Will I have to sand them down before painting them or is there a paint that's available that will go right over them and still look good? I have painted small pieces of furniture and used to be able to sand items so it was easy to do. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have. I will be looking into the wooster brush. :)

    Mary

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mary!

      When we did our cabinets we sanded, wiped them down, used an oil based primer and then did two coats of latex paint. They turned out pretty great. Not sure I would have wanted to skip any of those steps, but your best bet may be to check with your paint specialist at your local home improvement store.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  20. I have painted a few pieces of furniture in my day, and almost every one of them has had problems keeping the paint nice. Either the paint peels, or get scratched. I've sanded 'til I was blue in the face and that hasn't seemed to help. Could it be the kind of paint I'm using? Should I put some sort of protector coat on after? Jen, if you or anyone else could help, I would be forever greatful, as I'm about to paint my dresser and would love my hard work to last.

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  21. This is a great list -- here's my own little tip: I like to coat my arms with lotion or vaseline before I start painting- then when I wash up, the acrylic paint scrubs right off my arms without ripping my arm hair off!! : )

    Really do love this list, I just added three of your must haves to my next hardware store shopping list (Spray Paint Grip, Paint Brush Comb, and that little magnetic clip for the paint can!!) Thank you. : )

    Fondly,
    Pink and Green Mama
    MaryLea

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  22. Can I just say AMAZING! What a re-do!

    I have to ask -- how did you number and get the pictures of items? LOVE THAT!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Vicki!

      I put the whole image together in photoshop.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  23. I love how a fresh coat of paint can completely brighten something up! The entertainment center looks great :)

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  24. I recently discovered my love of painting things (we just moved so our house (and paint color choices) are only 10 months old). Pinning this to keep as a reference. I love your site, thank you.

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

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  25. kristy russell-smithMarch 27, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    Where did you buy your Wooster brush? I had one years ago and haven't been able to find another one...

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    1. I find mine at Home Depot. You can also snag them on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YC06T2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iheaorga-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002YC06T2

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  26. why would you go through all this and all those tools? why not try Annie Sloan paint. Paint, and wax! your done...

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    1. Hmmmm.... I would love to know why changing up the brand of paint I use would reduce the cleaning and painting supplies needed. I am intrigued and wondering what I may be missing!

      Thanks so much!

      Jen

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    2. That paint is pretty expensive, although I hear great things about it for projects you would like to distress and finish with wax. I personally love the high gloss look of my furniture so I like to use polyacriic and a clear coat spray. ( Also makes the project pretty durable, you dont need both but if you want extra gloss its a trick, just wear a mask it stinks )

      All of those tools I am sure are not used in every paint project. I use different ones when painting walls and painting furniture.

      The water based paints, and low voc waterbased primer (zinnser has one) are actually super easy to clean and don't smell. They are making better ones that are pretty durable these days. Centsationalgirl also has a tip, target I believe has a pack of 5 brushes for 5 dollars (rubbermaid brand I think) and she just tosses them when she uses oil based paint. Not the most environmentally friendly but if you don't want to use your nice brushes for the oil based paint there ya go!
      Some other fun things to try to minimize paint brush strokes are floetrol for latex paint and penetrol for oil based, you add a few drops to the paint (depending on the amount your using) a little goes a LONG way so it lasts forever, and it makes it easier to just glide the paint on, although it does increase the drying time, but nothing really too drastic.
      Oh and if you ever need paint stripper try citristrip. It smells much better and I believe is a bit safer. Happy Painting, (sorry for the novel like comment.)

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    3. Thanks so much Cortney! I agree on the cheapo brushes for oil based projects, much easier {cleaning them and trying to save them is not my favorite thing to do, that is for sure!}. I had also read that about the floetrol but have yet to try it, thanks for the reminder! :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  27. @kristy russell-smith. you can buy the AWESOME Wooster brush on Amazon : )

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  28. The Wooster brush is my absolute favorite, too! There is definitely no need for tape if you have that brush. Hands down~the best!!

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  29. We've just finished painting the last space in our house and it's ready to sell. But the new house (when we find it) is going to need some painting. And there's several pieces of furniture in my basement needing a make-over.
    I'll be searching out the Woolster brush. Thank you! I wouldn't of thought of an acrylic spray, great idea.

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  30. Jen, I love what you've done with the entertainment center, especially the blue back walls. Thanks for the reminder about the holes in the paint can rim. Haven't painted in ages and forgot about that trick. Have you done any painting on veneer covered furniture? I'm thinking of doing a dresser that is veneer and wonder what you'd recommend.

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  31. Wow what a difference! Did you have to sand the wood down prior to painting?

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  32. Another use for the nail and hammer: if your painting a table or chair or anything with legs really, you can hammer a nail in the bottom of each leg to that the bottoms of the legs aren't touching the ground while you are painting! I need to add the magnetic clip and paint brush comb to my stash of painting supplies. Thanks for sharing your tools. Also the TV cabinet looks GREAT. I love how the blue on the back of the bookcase sections looks.

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  33. Thanks Jen, this is great! I have a lot of painting projects on my list right now, this will really help!

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  34. Hi, I have the exact same entertainment center and have been wondering how it would look painted. Love it! Thanks:)

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  35. Extravagant! You came up with it so beautiful.

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  36. What kind of bin do you keep all your paint supplies in? I live in an apartment with little storage slits hard to find a way to keep painting supplies organized

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  37. Do you have reuse your drop cloths or do you just do disposable ones? If you do reuse, is there a brand you recommend? I feel like I'm always going through drop cloths, and would love to find one to invest in that holds up well.

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    Replies
    1. I always look at home improvement stores for the nice lined ones, which I get many many uses out of.

      xo,
      Jen

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  38. the pop of colour inside is such a great idea! i was inspired to do something similar to our dvd storage http://abimakes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/adding-colour-simple-dvd-tower-make-over.html

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