Lesson 2 — Tools and materials

Tools and materials

• Brushes: a 50 mm (2 in) and a 25 mm (1 in) for cutting in and woodwork
• Angled sash brush for edges and windows
• Roller frame with medium-pile sleeve for walls and ceilings; short-pile or foam for smooth woodwork
• Roller tray or scuttle
• Extension pole
• Scraper and flexible filling knife
• Sanding block, abrasive paper (e.g. 120 and 180 grit) or sanding pads
• Dust sheets (cotton for floors) and plastic sheet for furniture
• Low-tack masking tape
• Stepladder in good condition
• PPE: safety glasses, dust mask (FFP2/FFP3 for sanding dust), gloves

Safety precautions

• Inspect ladders before every use: feet, locking bars and steps undamaged.
• Choose dust masks rated for the dust you make — a basic face covering is not enough.
• Keep blades covered when not in use.

Step by step

1. New brushes: flick the bristles and rinse/work them to remove loose hairs before painting.
2. New roller sleeves: wrap with masking tape and peel off, or rinse and spin dry, to remove fluff.
3. Brush loading: dip a third of the bristle length, tap off excess on the inside of the tin — don't wipe across the rim.
4. Roller loading: roll into the paint in the tray well, then back and forth on the ridged part until evenly coated and not dripping.
5. Fit the extension pole for ceilings and high walls rather than over-reaching on a ladder.
6. Use the scraper held at a low angle to remove loose material only.
7. Use the filling knife to press filler in, then draw it level across the surface.
8. Sand with the grain on wood, using a block for flat areas.
9. Use masking tape only where needed, press the edge down firmly, and remove it while the paint is still slightly soft for a clean line.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Overloading brushes — causes drips and runs.
• Using the wrong roller pile — too long leaves texture on smooth woodwork.
• Plastic dust sheets on floors — slippery and paint doesn't soak in.

Troubleshooting

• Bristles in the paint: pick them out with the brush tip while wet, and lay off the area.
• Roller skidding: it's under-loaded or the sleeve is new and dry — load properly.

Final quality check

• All tools clean and ready
• PPE available and fit for the task
• Ladders checked