Brushes, Rollers, Trays & Pads
TOOLS ARE IMPORTANT. Without good ones, the work is harder and it’s difficult to get topnotch results. Here’s what you need to know about the gear that gets the paint from bucket to wall.

BRUSHES
Paintbrushes are available in many widths, but for interior work, two sizes will handle most of your projects. But a 1/2.-in.-wide brush for painting trim and details. Many painters prefer to use a sash brush
because its angled bristles allow for more control when painting window millions and other delicate trim. You’ll also need a big brush---one that’s 31/2 in. or 4 in. wide. This is the tool for cutting in along the corners where walls and ceilings meet and for applying glazes. Synthetic bristle brushes are best for latex paints. For oil based(alkyd) paints, you’ll need a natural-bristle brush or a synthetic-bristle brush that’s recommended for use with alkyd finishes. Buy the best brushes you can afford. Premium brushes are worth the extra expense; they’ll last longer and enable you to get faster and better results.

ROLLERS
To be well equipped for painting projects, it’s good to have two 9-in, rollers (for large painting projects where you’ll have a helper) and one 4-in, roller for narrow areas. Roller covers slip over your rollers and have dense napes designed to carry a lot of paint. Buy these covers as you need them, but always have some extras on hand. Covers with medium naps---3/8 in. or 1/2 in.---will handle most of your rolling work .Make sure you also have an extension pole to screw into the handle of your roller.