Essential Equipment for Starting a Painting & Decorating Business

painting and decorating
4 April 2022

Are you considering starting your own painting and decorating business? Although the exact tools you will need may vary depending on the job, there is essential equipment and tools that you will need to get started.

painting and decorating

1. Paint Brushes

Of course, the top essential for your painting and decorating business are paint brushes. You can opt for a paint brush set like this Draper 5 Piece Paint Brush Set which features a superior blend of natural bristle and synthetic filaments. The set contains a 12, 25, 38, 50 and 75mm brush, so they are great for a variety of applications.

You should have a set of paintbrushes in a variety of sizes to ensure a slick and accurate finish to your work. This Faithfull 3 Piece Tradesman Synthetic Sash Brush Set are made using a 100% blend of synthetic filament profiles. This allows the brushes to pick up and lay off the paint professionally. These brushes can be used with all paint types and the angled top design makes them ideal for painting tight corners. The Faithfull 3 Piece Pointed Brush Set are ideal for detailed paint work such as painting around fixtures like light switches, sockets and windows.

Paste Brush

You will also require a paste brush for applying wallpaper paste evenly. This Faithfull Paste Brush 140 X 30mm is a wide bristle brush designed for wallpaper pasting, featuring a handy bucket clip. The Draper Ceiling Paste Brush is ideal for applying paste to both smooth and textured surfaces, with mixed synthetic filaments for high paste loading and release.

2. Paint Rollers & Tray

Roller Sets

Another essential are paint rollers and tray for applying paint to surfaces. Some rollers come together with a paint tray like this Stanley Microfibre Paint Roller Set. This set is ideal for varnishes, water-based and oil-based paints and the roller can be used on both smooth and semi-rough surfaces. The paint tray keeps paint fresh for up to 7 days. The Harris Seriously good Medium pile Roller Set is another option for applying emulsion to uneven walls and ceilings. The roller has an ergonomic handle and splatter control for less mess.

Roller Frames & Refills

Alternatively, you can buy a roller frame and roller refills separately.

Extension Attachment

You can also get extension attachments which are perfect for painting hard to reach places. This Faithfull Professional Paint Roller Extension Pole can be adjusted to the required length, from 1.6m to 3m. It features a threaded roller attachment with a push-fit adaptor system that accepts all 180mm, 230mm and 300mm roller frames on the UK market.

Faithfull Professional Paint Roller Extension Pole 1.6m – 3m

3. Paint

Once you have your painting tools, you will of course need some paint. Often your clients will provide you with paint of their choice. However, it is good to have a stock of paint in common colours such as white and magnolia for painting ceilings and doing touch-ups. The Dulux Trade range is a good option for professional painting and decorating. This range is designed to provide a professional finish with superior quality and coverage, so less coats are required.

4. Wall Scraper

You will also require a wall scraper for stripping off wallpaper. This Personna American Smartedge Adjustable Wall Scraper features an adjustable head and is suitable for both left and right-handed users. It comes with five blades with a blade storage area in the handle, and the handle is slip resistant. You should also consider this Stanley Professional Wall Paper Scraper, designed with a bevelled edge to remove old paint and wallpaper. It is built for durability with a taper ground blade for long-lasting sharpness.

5. Cutting Tools

Wallpaper Scissors

You will also need a pair of scissors to accurately cut and trim wallpaper. These Faithfull Wallpaper Scissors 255mm (10in) are made from stainless steel with precision ground blades, so cutting is accurate and clean. They are ideal for professional use and can be used for wallpaper and most other paper as well as card cutting. Draper Wallpaper Scissors, 300mm are another option, with a 125mm cutting length and stainless steel blades,

Utility Knife

A utility knife is another handy tool to have for your painting and decorating business. These can be used for making accurate and clean cuts on wallpaper that is already on the wall. These are ideal for making cuts around skirting boards, door frames and window frames. This STANLEY® FatMax® Retractable Utility Knife is a good choice, with 5 blades and an instant blade change mechanism. There is also a blade clamp for heavy duty work. The IRWIN® FK150 Folding Utility Knife is another to consider, with blade lock technology for superior safety.

6. Masking Tape

Masking tape is a must for painting and decorating, as it ensures that paint doesn’t end up where it’s not supposed to. This Shur Frog Tape Multi Surface Painters Masking Tape is a good choice, designed for use on painted walls, wood trim, glass and metal. It is designed for use with emulsion paint, reacting with the paint to form a micro-barrier which seals the tapes edges. This results in sharp lines, reducing the need for touch-ups. Everbuild Pro Blue Masking Tape is also a good option to consider.

7. Dust Sheets

One essential for your painting and decorating business are dust sheets. The last thing you want is for your clients floor or furnishing to get covered in paint. This Faithfull Dust Sheet Cotton Twill Poly Coated is heavy-duty making it ideal for professional use. It offers double protection, with the cotton surface absorbing paint splashes and the poly backing preventing soak through. You should also consider this Everbuild Roll and Stroll Premium Carpet Protector, which is a self-adhesive floor protector. It is ideal for protecting flooring against paint spillages and stains, and it sticks to most types of flooring including carpet, wood, laminate, stair cases, ceramics, vinyl and stone.

8. Paint Scuttle

As a professional painter decorator you will need a paint scuttle to hold your paint. This Faithfull Plastic Paint Scuttle can hold 15 litres of paint and can be used with all types of paint and wallpaper paste. It has ribbed sides allowing for an even application onto the roller.

painting and decorating
Faithfull Plastic Paint Scuttle 15l

9. Stepladder

A stepladder is important so that you can reach high places like ceilings. Make sure that you choose something sturdy so that you reduce the risk of accidents. Stepladders come in a variety of heights to choose from, so you should consider what settings you will be working in. The DEWALT Professional Single Stepladder features powder-coated profiles for increased durability and corrosion resistance. It also has extra deep, non-skid treads for improved safety and stability.

10. Protective Clothing

Working with paint is a messy job, so you will also need some protective clothing. This Portwest Bolton Painters Bib is made with 100% pre-shrunk cotton, providing effective protection against paint spills. It features a bib pocket with zip closure, a large front pouch pocket, knee pad pockets, hip pockets and rule pocket. This makes it handy for storing tools. Alternatively, you can opt for Portwest KS54 Painters Pro Trousers which also have multiple storage pockets, or Portwest Painters Shorts for the warmer months.

Gloves are another good thing to have to prevent your hands getting dirty and stained with paint. These Vitrex Decorators Gloves are affordable and hard-wearing, so they are ideal for painting and sanding down areas. They are made from unbleached cotton which keeps hands clean when painting and decorating.

painting and decorating
Vitrex Decorators Gloves

We hope that you have found this blog helpful and that you have found everything you need to get started in your painting and decorating business! You can browse high quality painting and decorating supplies on our website here.

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