Paint reviews, guides, and color
Independent paint and tool round-ups. Project step-by-steps. Color references and brand reviews. Every product pick lists a real con — no review without a real weakness.
Best Masking Film and Paper
Six masking films and papers tested through two spray jobs and a full interior repaint. Top pick: Trimaco Easy Mask Premium Masking Film, plus where each roll gives up.
The Nursery-Safe Painting Kit
Nine nursery safe paint supplies tested on a real nursery repaint, from the lead test you run first to the air purifier that decides when the crib goes back in. About $240 before paint.
Best Oscillating Multi-Tools for Paint Prep
Five oscillating multi-tools tested on peeling siding, window sash, painted casing, and old caulk. Top pick: DeWalt DCS356B for oscillating tool paint removal that holds speed under load.
Best Paint Pads and Pad Applicators
Five paint pad applicators tested on walls, trim, cabinet doors, a cedar deck, and a poly floor. Top pick: the Wooster BR424 Applicator Pad, plus where every pad falls short.
Best Paint Pails and Bucket Systems
Six paint pails and bucket systems tested across cut-ins, trim, ladder work, and a full repaint. Top pick: the HANDy Paint Pail, plus where each one runs out of capacity.
Best Paint Storage Containers
Five leftover paint storage containers tested over fourteen months in a real garage. Top pick: empty 1-quart unlined metal paint cans, plus where every other option earns or wastes your money.
The Best Painting Tools Under $25
Twelve cheap painting tools I use on every job, all under $25. Top pick: the Wooster Shortcut 2-inch angle sash brush, plus the pail, edger, comb, and 5-in-1 that finish the kit.
Best Paint Can Pour Spouts and Accessories
Six paint can pour spouts, hand pails, and lid tools tested across a full house repaint. Top pick: the Hyde 1-Gallon Pour Spout, plus where each one falls short.
Best Pressure Washers for Paint Prep
Five pressure washers run through real exterior paint prep: chalky siding, a mildewed north wall, cedar shakes, and a concrete porch. Top pick: SIMPSON MegaShot MSH3125-S.
What Pro Painters Actually Carry: The Tool Bag List
Twelve professional painter tools that earn their place in a working bag, from the Purdy Clearcut Elite Glide to the Newborn 250 caulk gun. What pros buy, what they skip, and what the whole kit costs.
Best Putty Knives and Taping Knives
Six putty knives and taping knives tested on spackle, drywall mud, glazing, and paint scraping. Top pick: Hyde Black & Silver 2-inch stainless, plus where each blade falls short.
The Renter-Safe Painting and Patching Kit
Ten things that fix rental walls without losing the deposit, tested across two move-outs. Top pick: the DAP Wall Repair Patch Kit with DryDex — plus what each piece of the kit is actually for.