15 Painting Tools to Make Your Painting Project Easier
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A perfect paint job comes from using the right tools. Whether you’re repainting a home interior, refinishing exterior siding, or taking on a full commercial contract, professional painters rely on specific tools that make their work faster, cleaner, and more consistent.
From prepping surfaces to applying smooth coats and handling cleanup, these painting tools can transform an average job into a professional one.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why professional painters depend on high-quality tools
- The 15 essential painting tools every contractor should own
- Which tools to use for prep, application, and cleanup
- How to stay safe and efficient on the job
- Tips for maintaining and organising your painting kit
Learn more about building your painting business in our How to Start a Painting Business guide.
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Invoice Fly is a smart, fast, and easy-to-use invoicing software designed for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners. Create and send invoices, track payments, and manage your business — all in one place.
Why Professional Painters Need the Right Tools
Having the proper painter tools saves time, improves finish quality, and reduces waste. For professional contractors, using high-grade paint tools also improves client satisfaction and helps meet project deadlines without costly rework.
The right tools make a difference across all surfaces — wood, metal, drywall, or concrete. They ensure even coverage, crisp edges, and durable finishes that hold up under everyday wear.
A well-equipped painter can work faster, stay safer, and maintain consistency across every wall, trim, and ceiling.
Surface Prep Tools
1. Paint Scraper Tool
A paint scraper tool removes flaking, chipped, or peeling paint, leaving a smooth surface ready for primer or a fresh coat. Use steel-bladed scrapers for wood and metal surfaces and ergonomic handles to reduce hand fatigue during long projects.
2. Paint Stripping Tools
Before repainting an old surface, you may need paint stripping tools to remove stubborn layers. These include:
- Heat guns to soften paint for scraping
- Chemical paint removers for detail areas
- Multi-edge scrapers for tight corners
Always wear gloves and a respirator when using heat or chemicals for safe paint removal.
3. Husky 15-in-1 Painter’s Tool
Every professional should own a Husky 15-in-1 painter’s tool (also called a painter’s multi-tool). This versatile gadget opens cans, scrapes rollers, cleans cracks, spreads filler, and removes nails. It replaces several tools in one compact handle — ideal for any house painting or commercial job.
4. Sanding Block or Power Sander
A sanding block or power sander helps smooth uneven surfaces, ensuring better paint adhesion. Choose fine-grit sandpaper for finishing or power sanders for large-scale prep on wood, plaster, or metal.
Pro tip: Sand between coats for a glass-like finish on cabinets or trim.
Painting & Application Tools
5. Paintbrushes and Rollers
Brushes and rollers are the core of every project.
- Brushes: Angled brushes are ideal for trim and corners, while flat brushes work best on large, flat surfaces.
- Rollers: Use short-nap rollers for smooth walls and long-nap ones for textured surfaces or exteriors.
High-quality bristles ensure fewer streaks and better control, especially for professional house painting tools.
6. Paint Edger Tool
A paint edger tool (or paint edging tool) is a painter’s best friend for clean wall-to-ceiling lines without tape. Edgers come in two styles:
- Manual pad edgers: Great for small jobs and corners.
- Mechanical or laser edgers: Perfect for professionals who want precision and speed.
When paired with a cut-in tool, edgers help create perfect trim lines with minimal effort.
7. Paint Trim and Baseboard Tools
Baseboard painting tools and paint trim tools ensure accuracy where walls meet floors or moulding. Use an angled trim brush or cut-in tool to apply clean lines without overlapping surfaces.
For high-traffic areas, painters often use a trim guard to protect adjacent surfaces when working along door frames or skirting boards.
8. Extension Poles and Ladders
Extension poles eliminate the need for ladders on many interior jobs. They allow painters to reach high ceilings or stairwells while keeping brushes or rollers stable.
For exterior or large-scale work, OSHA-approved ladders remain essential and always maintain three points of contact and never overreach.
9. Paint Trays and Liners
Simple yet vital, paint trays hold paint for even roller coverage. Use disposable liners to reduce cleanup time and swap between colours quickly — essential for large residential or commercial spaces.
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Cleanup & Maintenance Tools
10. Paint Brush Cleaner Tool
A paint brush cleaner tool (or brush spinner) removes paint and water from bristles, extending the life of your brushes.
Pair this with a mild brush cleaner or solvent depending on paint type (water-based or oil-based).
Keeping brushes clean prevents clumping, maintains shape, and ensures smoother coats on your next job.
11. Paint Removal Tools
Even pros make mistakes, so that’s where paint removal tools come in handy. These include razor-edge scrapers, paint stripping tools, and paint scraper tools used to clean drips, overspray, or unwanted paint spots on metal or wood.
12. Buckets, Rags, and Cleaning Solvents
Buckets and microfiber rags are essential for cleaning rollers and wiping spills. Use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions to dispose of leftover paint and wash water safely.
Pro painters also rely on plastic liners to transport tools between jobs while keeping vehicles clean.
Protection & Safety Tools
13. Painter’s Tape and Drop Cloths
No matter your experience, painter’s tape and drop cloths are non-negotiable.
- Painter’s tape: Creates sharp edges without paint bleeding.
- Drop cloths: Protect floors, furniture, and fixtures from splatters.
Use heavy-duty canvas cloths for construction or renovation sites, especially when working with sprayers or tall walls.
14. Gloves, Masks, and Goggles
Safety is part of every pro’s toolkit. Painters regularly handle chemicals and dust from sanding, so gloves, masks, and goggles protect against skin irritation, fumes, and debris.
A reusable respirator mask is essential for spray painting or working in enclosed areas.
15. Paint Sprayer (Advanced Tool)
A paint sprayer — airless or HVLP (high-volume low-pressure) — is the ultimate time-saver for large surfaces like walls, fences, and exteriors.
- Airless sprayers are powerful and efficient for high-volume jobs.
- HVLP sprayers offer fine control for detailed or decorative work.
Though they require more cleanup, sprayers deliver the most consistent and professional finishes when used correctly.
Business Management Tools
Professional painters need more than just brushes and rollers — they need systems that keep projects running smoothly.
With Invoice Fly’s Invoicing Software, you can:
- Create detailed estimates for clients in minutes.
- Track job expenses like paint, rollers, and tape.
- Send invoices and receive payments online.
- Keep records for taxes and business growth.
See also:
How to Organize and Maintain Painting Tools
Proper maintenance saves time and money over the long run:
- Clean brushes and rollers immediately after use.
- Oil scraper tools and metal parts to prevent rust.
- Label and store tools by type (prep, paint, cleanup).
- Keep sprayer nozzles and hoses clear to maintain consistent pressure.
Professionals often use dedicated toolboxes or wall racks to keep everything accessible for the next job.
Ready To Prepare Your Tool Kit?
The difference between a good painter and a great one often comes down to having the right tools. From paint scraper tools to paint edgers, baseboard painting tools, and brush cleaners, every item helps you deliver clean, professional results with less effort.
Whether you’re managing crews or working solo, keeping your toolkit stocked and organised will save you time and elevate your reputation.
Simplify billing and get paid faster with our Free Invoice Generator — the easiest way for painters to manage quotes, send invoices, and stay profitable.
Get Started with Invoice Fly’s Software
Invoice Fly is a smart, fast, and easy-to-use invoicing software designed for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners. Create and send invoices, track payments, and manage your business — all in one place.
FAQs About Painting Tools
Yes. When used correctly, paint edger tools create sharp, clean lines without tape — perfect for ceilings and corners.
Use a paint brush cleaner tool or spinner and rinse with warm water (for latex) or mineral spirits (for oil-based paints).
Not always, rollers and brushes still provide excellent results. Sprayers are best for large-scale jobs or textured surfaces.
Use a quality roller with the correct nap and apply thin coats. Sand lightly between coats for ultra-smooth finishes.
Track materials, time, and labour with invoicing tools like Invoice Fly’s Invoicing Software.
