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 Brushes
A high-quality brush means a high quality paint job. The better brushes have more bristle allowing more paint on the brush, and a smoother stroke with less brush marks. A natural bristle brushes with animal hairs is made for use with oil-base paints, varnishes, shellac, oil-base stains and non water based polyurethane. Nylon/polyester brushes are manufactured mainly for latex paints but can be used with oil based as well. These are long lasting brushes that are easy to clean and hold their shape after hundreds of hours of use. Buy a high quality blended brush. Polyester brushes are best for latex paints. A 2-21/2 brush is generally used for cutting in trim. walls, and ceiling. I prefer, and use a a two inch sash brush from both windows and trim.
Rollers
Purchase a good quality roller with with screws in the handle to receive an adjustable paint pole.
Natural fiber roller covers made with mohair or a blend of polyester and lamb's wool usually are suggested for oil-base paints and varnishes.
Synthetic fiber roller covers, are made for latex paints.
It is important to consider what type of surface surface you are painting when determining the pile or the nap of your rollers. Choose the right pile. The general rule of thumb is as follows.
Smooth: for walls, floors, fine finishing-3/16" or 1/4" Medium Smooth: for sand-textured walls-3/8" or 1/2" Rough: for light stucco walls, masonry floors-3/4" or 1" Extra Rough: for brick, block, masonry, stucco- 1/4" A small three inch roller can come in handy for small spots.
Roller Pan- Get a heavy duty, deep rolling pan. Some people like pans with plastic disposable tray inserts. I find it just as easy to clean out my good metal pan.
Caulk and caulk gun- You will want to use a good quality latex caulk to seal any possible outside air leaks, IE; where door and window trim meat the walls. Run a very small bead between the
Canvas and/ore plastic drop clothes-Again, a good canvas or cloth drop cloth absorbs the paint while the plastic drops can be a real problem. Canvas and Clothe cost can cost five times more than plastic but if taken care of they can last for 25- to thirty years.
Putty knife- You may need a large assortment of putty knifes but usually a two inch and a four inch will get the jog done. Use the two inch for cleaning cracks and applying glaze on to window caulking gun.
Extension pole An extension pole is a must for rolling walls and ceilings. It gives you better leverage and control over you roller and diminishes fatigue
Mineral spirits -Mineral spirits or paint thinner will be necessary for oil based paints paint or urethanes.
Masking tape and painter's tape- Masking tape and painter's tape is a must if you are a sloppy or inexperienced painter. I prefer, and use painters tape around base moldings and some trim because it has less gum than masking tape and easier to remove. After you have applied the tape to the surface, smooth out with a two inch putty knife in order to make sure you have full contact.
Rags- Get and use plenty of cotton rags for cleaning as well as removing unwanted fresh paint.
Priming
Priming helps to seal wall and ceiling surfaces, eliminating lap marks, dry patches, flaking, and promoting consistent color and luster. Usually trim that has painted with an enamel will not need to be primed unless it has had extensive sanding and patching. You will want to prime a previously unpainted surface such as dry wall, plaster, concrete or bare wood. There is a bit of a controversy however among painters as whether or not to prime previously latex painted drywall and plaster.
One school of painters believes that numerous layers of latex paint actually result in an absorbent surface that requires priming. A primer tends to be a bit more diluted than the topcoat and more easily absorbs into the tiny holes of the surface, hence making a smother topcoat In the event you lean toward this school, have your primer tinted so it matches you final topcoat. I prefer this school of thought. Paint is not that terrible expensive. It is the labor, your labor that is worth so much and in order for a paint job to last for years, it is best to do things right. The other schools believes you simple need to plan on painting two top coats of latex. Some painters dilute their first coat with water for latex paint, and paint thinner for oil based paints.
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Painting 
