A Drop Cloth is a term for many types of protective surface coverings. The most common are linen/canvas, paper and plastic. Linens last the longest, are very resilient, mostly waterproof and can be washed. Plastic drop cloths tend to be slippery and are usually used once but are water resistant and are ideal for covering furnishings. Paper is waterproof but is usually used once. It is ideal when taped down for renovations where foot traffic is heavy and floors need to be protected from scratching.
A versatile compound that can be applied to minor holes in wood, drywall and plaster. It is sanded smooth once dry.
Paper tape is wetted and used to cover the seams between drywall sheets on new walls. Paper or mesh tape can be used for repairs on existing drywall.
Specifically for drywall, it is used to fill the taped seams and screw holes on new walls and for repairs to damaged areas. It takes a few applications and is sanded smooth between coats. It comes in wet and dry forms.
Plaster is a compound specifically for plaster repairs, usually in older buildings, and for decorative plastering. It comes in dry form and must be mixed. For repairs, it requires a few applications and is sanded smooth between coats.
This tape comes in a variety of sizes, colours and strengths. There are different tapes for painted surfaces, glass, interior, exterior and sensitive or slippery areas. Read the packaging carefully to find the right one for you.
A good cotton rag is essential to any painting project and can also be used as an applicator for certain effects in faux finishing.
A bucket is another essential, fill with hot soapy water for surface prep and quick clean ups.
Used to apply spackle or compound, you can use its long edge to push the compound into a gap and then smooth out the excess, making it easier to sand once dry.
A very handy painter’s tool that actually has more than five uses. The long, sharp edge can be used as a scraper and a putty knife. The flat side edge is used for opening paint cans. The pointed side edge is for clearing debris out of gaps or widening cracks. The butt of the tool can be used to close paint cans and some 5-in-1’s come with a hole in the centre of the tool for pulling nails.
A hand-held applicator used to hold and compress a tube of caulk or adhesive.
Protective glasses worn to shield the wearer’s eyes from exposure to liquids and particles.
There are two types of respirators. Particulate respirators, also called dust masks, are for sanding bare or painted surfaces like drywall, wood or rusted metal. There are also special ones for sanding lead-based coatings or spraying latex paints. Cartridge respirators are required when using paint strippers, solvents, or spraying with solvent-based coatings.
Neoprene gloves protect your hands from exposure to solvents and strippers. Cotton work gloves protect your hands during surface prep.
A rough paper used to remove surface layers. It is available in a wide range of grits, extra coarse being used for removal of a coating, medium grit for surface prep on wood, and fine and super fine for sanding compound or sanding a surface between coats.
A handy all-purpose knife with a retractable razorblade for trimming and cutting.
An instrument that turns a screw in or out of its casement. There are three types of screwdrivers: slotted with a flat tip, Robertson with a square tip and Phillips with a crossed tip.
A handheld tool with a blade used to remove paint.
A small key-shaped tool used to pry open paint containers.