Painting is a beautiful thing. Applying a fresh coat to a surface is a signifier of change, and there is nothing like the energy of a freshly painted wall.

That said, painting can also be a messy, time-consuming pain if you’re an amateur. But pros know a few tricks of the trade that can save you a whole bunch of time and headaches. Here are five essential painting tools that will make your next project go as smooth as that new coat itself.

1. Extension poles

Attach this great tool to your roller handle to increase your reach. This means you don’t have to mess with a ladder to reach high spots, and you don’t have to bend to dip your roller in the bucket every time.

2. Bucket grid

That’s right, we said bucket, not pan. The bucket grid is a metal bracket that drops into your five-gallon paint bucket. Think of it as a cheese grater, but it’s grating away the excess paint instead. It’s much more efficient, requiring fewer refills than if you were to use a paint pan.

3. The 5-in-1

This multi-purpose tool is a must-have. Those little painting tasks that used to be infuriating are now a breeze with the 5-in-1. What exactly does it do?

• The straight edge scrapes out loose material and can be used as a putty knife
• The pointed edge cleans out and widens cracks before they are patched
• The hole in the center pulls nails
• The side opens paint cans and the handle serves as a hammer when you need to close the can
• The curved surface squeegees excess paint out of the rollers before you rinse them off

Once you start using a 5-in-1, it will be hard to imagine ever completing a painting project without it.

4. Lined drop cloth

Some call it a painting tarp. Some call it a drop cloth. Either way, it isn’t pretty, but you need it to make sure you get your project done right. Lined drop cloths are typically made of canvas with polyurethane or butyl backing to them.

There are two key benefits to using one. First, simple canvas is permeable. If a spill is unaddressed, it can soak through and damage anything underneath. Second, the drop cloth serves as a non-slip material on hard surfaces like tile and composite flooring, keeping anyone walking through the area safe.

5. Stir sticks and strainer bags

We’re wrapping up our top five with a two-parter. Stir sticks are pretty straightforward – they stir paint. You can pick them up for free at any store that sells paint.

The strainer bag comes into play when you’re doing touch-up work with leftover paint. Depending on how long the paint has been sitting, air in the can may create a film on the surface of the paint. Dried paint on the lid and sides of the can may contaminate the paint. A strainer bag works just like an orange juice strainer. It separates the solid from the liquid.

If you go right to touch-ups without straining the paint, you can wind up with the contaminants, or paint boogers (yes, it’s a technical term) on the wall.

If you have an upcoming painting project and you need professional help, the FSN has a network of vetted, reliable contractors who can do it right the first time. Tap our expertise, define your project and find your ideal contractor—all at no cost to you.

When you want to start the conversation, just email Steve.