Gear shelf · 17 guides

Painting gear guides

Buyer guides for the tools and supplies behind a good paint job, with notes on who each item suits.

Illustration of painter's tape, a brush, a roller, a sprayer and a light bulb, the kinds of painting gear we cover

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CSL–015Gear

Painting supplies checklist by room

What to have on hand for bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, ceilings and trim.

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Painter's tape for sharp paint lines

Choosing tape by surface, how to seal the edge and when to pull it.

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Brushes vs rollers vs sprayers

Which tool to reach for on walls, trim, ceilings, cabinets and furniture.

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Drop cloths and prep supplies

Canvas vs plastic vs rosin paper, and the small prep items that save cleanup.

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Lighting and bulbs for testing paint color

Which bulbs, meters and lamps help you judge a color honestly.

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Paint sample supplies kit

Everything you need to test paint on movable boards instead of your wall.

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Cleaning up after painting

How to clean brushes and rollers, handle leftovers and keep the mess contained.

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Paint sprayers for DIY

HVLP vs airless, what to mask and which sprayers to compare.

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Paint brushes buying guide

How to choose a brush for cutting in, trim, doors and touch-ups.

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Paint rollers and roller covers

How nap length changes your finish, plus frames, trays and kits.

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Wall repair and surface prep supplies

Patching, sanding, caulking and cleaning before you paint.

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Tools for painting ceilings and high walls

Poles, ladders and lights that make overhead painting easier and safer.

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Primers and stain blockers

Water-based, oil-based and shellac primers, and what each is for.

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Safety gear for painting

What to wear for sanding, solvent paints, spraying and overhead work.

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Cabinet and furniture painting supplies

Cleaning, deglossing, priming and smooth-finish tools for cabinets and furniture.

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Paint storage and touch-up supplies

Labeling, sealing and small tools for fast touch-ups months later.

CSL–031Gear

Color-coordinated decor by room

Pillows, textiles, lamps and accents that tie a new paint color together.

Looking for color advice instead? See all paint color guides or learn how to test paint samples.