Supplies for my DIY Interior Painting Project?
Hello, this is Joe with The Picky Painters in Berea, Ohio. Our interior painters get asked a lot about the recommended painting tools for a DIY interior painting project. So we’ve’ shared this article with you. Up next, our professional painters share their opinions about what you need for your project. Of course, you can always consider the services of a local professional interior painter for the best results.
What type of Preparation Materials for Interior Painting?
We advise gathering your supplies before starting an interior paint job is always best. And the first step you will have to take is prepping interior walls for a fresh coat of paint. Nothing slows a project down more than not having to stop and get more tools or supplies. For this, we made you a few lists below of what you will need:
- spackle and 3″” mud knife
- metal paint scraper
- Pole Sander
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- gentle soap for the cleanup
- Painter’s’ tape
Interior Painting Protection Materials?
You can use numerous painting materials, depending on the type of paint you want to apply. Overall, for interior house painting, you will need:
- A canvas tarp or plastic so that you protect floors, furniture, or any other item you can’t’ remove from the area.
- An angled paintbrush for painting corners and achieving a clean finish.
- A 2.5-inch flat paintbrush, which is excellent for applying paint on the border around the taped-off area;
- A paint roller frame and roller cover. Using a roller for the large areas is best, as it will allow you to finish your interior house painting rapidly. Also, Berea interior painters say that a microfiber roller cover (⅜ nap) is excellent for painting ceilings and walls.
- A pole or quality broomstick can be used for rolling the walls quicker
- A paint tray or 5-gallon bucket and grid
What type of Paint for my Interior Painting Project?
Always remember that interior house painting consists of both primer and interior paint. There are several types of products that can fit your needs. It is always best to ask for expert advice if unsure which primer you need for your paint.
- A primer represents an undercoat meant to prepare your wall for the new layer of paint. It comes with potent binding properties which enable the paint to adhere correctly.
- Interior paint is classified under distinct categories based on its properties and finish results:
- Flat paint for low-traffic zones and ceilings or areas with wall defects you don’t’ plan on fixing.
- Satin and eggshell paint for high-traffic areas, like your living room, bedroom, or guest room.
- Semi-gloss alkyd enamel paints for trim, windowsills, or any other small surface. Remember that professional interior painters do not recommend using this type of paint on wall surfaces.
What type of Ladder do I need for Interior Painting?
Each interior house painting job requires a ladder. It would be best if you never used a chair or table to reach higher room areas. Overall, you can purchase a multiple position folding ladder, which is both compact and durable. And as mentioned above, for reaching the ceiling, you can always use an extension pole.
Complete list of items for interior wall and ceiling painting
Ideal for 8-foot ceilings and what you might be expecting to spend on them
|
9 in. roller grids for a 5-gallon bucket or a roller pan (easy to step in) |
$8.00 |
|
9 in. roller arm |
$8.00 |
|
Masking tape |
$6.00 |
|
5 in 1 painters tool |
$6.00 |
|
Extension Pole (maybe good broom handle) |
$10.00-45.00 |
|
3 in drywall blade |
$7.00 |
|
clean rags |
$3.00 |
|
sandpaper 220 |
$3.00 |
|
Pole sander head |
$8.00 |
|
2.5 in Paintbrush |
$10.00 |
|
Small brush for any small areas if needed |
$18.00 |
|
Empty 5 gal bucket |
$4.00 |
|
Ladder 6 ft |
$65.00+ |
|
spackle |
$6.00 |
|
Fine-grit sandpaper |
$3.00 |
|
Drop Clothes or old sheets |
$0-60.00 |
|
Large plastic covering furniture |
$5.00-25.00 |
| Furniture slides |
$10.00 |
FAQ
q1: Do I really need more than just paint and a brush?
Yes—successful painting is less about the color and more about the prep. You’ll need rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths, primer, and spackle to fix small wall flaws. Skipping these makes the difference between a polished finish and a patchy reminder of impatience.
q2: Why is primer often overlooked but so important?
Primer seals the surface, evens out absorbency, and helps paint stick better. Without it, bold colors can look dull, old stains may resurface, and your new look won’t last long. It’s the underpainting that makes your chosen shade truly shine.
q3: How can tools influence creativity in a painting project?
The right tools expand your possibilities—angled brushes let you define edges like an artist, rollers add speed without sacrificing smoothness, and painter’s tape acts like a guiding frame. Creativity flows more freely when technique isn’t held back by poor tools.
