Must-Have DIY Painting Supplies

Paint – Choose the right type and finish for your project.

Paint Rollers & Brushes – Rollers for large surfaces, brushes for detailed work.

Painter’s Tape – Helps create clean edges and protects trim.

Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheets – Keeps floors and furniture paint-free.

Paint Tray – Holds paint for easy roller loading.

Sandpaper or Sanding Block – Preps surfaces for a smooth finish.

Stir Sticks – Ensures even color consistency.

Putty & Putty Knife – Repairs holes and imperfections before painting.

Primer – Helps paint adhere better and last longer.

Gloves & Mask – Protects hands and lungs during the job.

Of course, you don’t need any of this stuff if you give us a call: 541-497-3804

Paint Rollers

When you think about painting, the first tool that comes to mind might be the trusty brush, but let’s take a moment to appreciate the real workhorse of the painting world—the paint roller. If you’re tackling a large surface, nothing beats the efficiency, coverage, and smooth finish that a well-chosen roller can provide.

The Paint Doctor describes the benefits of using a paint roller
Some DIY projects require brushes and rollers.

Why Paint Rollers Matter

Paint rollers are designed to hold and distribute paint evenly, making them the perfect tool for painting walls, ceilings, and other broad surfaces. They reduce streaks, help you work faster, and can even add texture when used creatively.

Choosing the Right Roller

Not all rollers are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect one:

  • Foam Rollers – Ideal for ultra-smooth surfaces and glossy finishes.
  • Nap Rollers – Available in different thicknesses (or “nap” sizes). A thicker nap (like ¾”) is great for textured walls, while a thinner nap (like ¼”) works best on smooth surfaces.
  • Microfiber Rollers – Perfect for minimal splatter and maximum coverage, making them a favorite for DIY painters.

Pro Tips for Using a Paint Roller

  1. Load Properly – Roll it in the tray and make sure it’s evenly coated but not dripping.
  2. Use the “W” Technique – Start by rolling in a “W” shape to distribute the paint, then fill in the gaps.
  3. Avoid Over-Rolling – Too many strokes over the same spot can leave unwanted texture or uneven coverage.
  4. Keep It Clean – Rinse your roller after use and store it properly for future projects.

Elevate Your Painting Game

A great roller can make all the difference in your painting experience. Whether you’re revamping a room or tackling a big project, choosing the right roller ensures a smooth, professional-looking finish with minimal effort.

So next time you’re gearing up for a paint job, don’t underestimate this unsung hero—your walls will thank you!

Of course, you can avoid all of the hassles of rollers, brushes and sprayers by giving us a call, 541-497-3804

October 2024 Color of the Month

Pairing the rich blue-green of Mount Etna by Sherwin-Williams with leathers and natural wood adds a level of sophistication to existing casual décor. Call Mike 541-497-3804 to schedule your interior transformation.

Dark and Light Color Inspiration

When the colors are called Dark Night and Extra White, you know you are going to see some serious contrast. We found this combination at HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams. It was featured on Christina on the Coast Episode 505.

Throughout the open concept, natural wood and leather add to the contrast of colors.
Black appliances and black hardware add drama to the dark blue cabinets.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster, Extra White and Dark Night

New Construction Schedule Options

Painting for our long-time general contractor clients requires that our team learns the sequence the builder prefers and bids the jobs accordingly. The interior photos in this blog post are from a recent project where the general contractor wanted a “wall-out” right after the drywall texture was completed and before any cabinets, doors or trim were installed. One advantage to this approach is that wall paint is much tougher than drywall texture so the paint protects the wall from minor scrapes and impacts during the finishing stages. This order works well for contrasting trim colors.

Other contractors may do the sequence differently for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they want to paint all of the trim and doors the same color and sheen as the wall paint. Maybe they want to eliminate an additional time slot for the painters before the finish carpenters begin, which can help a tight construction schedule. We can even put more than one crew (each with their own equipment) on one job to speed up the process.

In addition to the two approaches listed above, hybrids of these approaches can be employed such as primer between drywall prep and texture to help hide drywall joints.

Whatever the approach, we can accommodate your construction schedule and will bid the job according to your system. As a valuable member of your trade team, we can make suggestions and work with your other trade partners to help make up for some lost days on the construction schedule when needed.

Call Mike 541-497-3804 to talk schedule, bids and sequence for your upcoming new construction projects.

Swatches, Chips and Samples, Oh My!

We really want you to be happy with your paint project, which is why we encourage you to use the available resources for choosing your paint color. Here are some you can find at Sherwin-Williams.

Sherwin-Williams says, “Order color chips, peel & stick or Color to Go samples to see how your top color picks look and feel in your space.”
Visualize any color by experimenting directly on the surface. Eliminate the guesswork with Twist-n-Pour Color to Go® paint samples.
No mess. No dry time. Our 8″ x 8″ peel & stick color samples are available in our most popular colors. Order now for only $3.95 per sample, with free shipping for a limited time.
Have a lot of color ideas for your space? Color chips are the perfect solution. Order up to 10 FREE 2″x3″ color chips online from Sherwin-Williams. Ships free.