Painting Tools & Materials
Discover a guide to the tools & materials involved with your painting.

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The 7 Best Paintbrushes (2023 Review)
Paintbrushes come in many shapes and sizes to best fit the project you’re working on. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best paintbrushes available on Amazon to help you find the best option for your painting project. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
The 5 Best Glow-in-the-Dark Paints (2023 Review)
Glow-in-the-dark paint brings your art project to life when the lights are off. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best glow-in-the-dark paints on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you.
How to Use Less Caulk When Filling in Gaps
Painting expert Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor a common mistake DIYers make when caulking and a helpful tip for avoiding it.
The 5 Best Paint Strippers (2023 Review)
Removing paint can be a hassle when you’re trying to do it by hand with a sander. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best paint strippers available on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
The 4 Best Chalk Paints (2023 Review)
Chalk paint gives your furniture a matte look, which fits perfectly with a rustic interior design. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the four best chalk paints on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
The 5 Best Paint Sprayers (2023 Review)
At-home paint sprayers help you achieve a high-quality paint job at a fraction of the price of a professional job. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best paint sprayers on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
What’s New: Summer Tools for Your Home
A new crop of warm-weather problem-solvers for your home.
5 Best Deck Paints (2023 Review)
If you’re looking for a high-quality and durable outdoor coating to protect your deck or patio, read our review to learn about the best deck paints on Amazon.
The Ultimate Tool for Paint: 17-in-1 Painter’s Tool
In this latest version, the classic knife blade tackles more tasks than ever—and the handle gets put to use, too.
How to Choose a Good Paint Roller
In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique explains the different types of paint rollers and then demonstrates good rolling techniques.
How to Use a Paint Sprayer
Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique gives a tutorial on how to set up and work with a paint sprayer
How to Choose and Use Painter’s Tape
Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique explains the uses and techniques for different types of painter’s tape
Staining and Finishing Like a Pro
From choosing the right stain and finishing products to expert application tips, Nick Slavik shares his best practices to beautifying a wood deck, with the help of Behr coatings
Paint Spill? Don’t Panic
Spring into action while it’s still wet, and it’s likely that latex can be removed from almost any surface
How to Clean Paintbrushes Like a Pro
Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique demonstrates the most effective way to clean a paintbrush
Pro Paint Tips: Get the Most Out of Rolling
Three paint roller tips from Mauro Henrique
Pros' Tips for Cleaning and Storing Paint Tools
Experts reveal how to properly maintain your painting tools
How to Choose and Use Spray Paint
Quick tips for applying a flawless finish with This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook
How to Choose and Use a Paint Roller
Paint rolling tools and tips with painting contractor Mark O'Lalor
Decoding the New Low-VOC Paints
Use these tips on single-coat, no-odor, fast-drying paints to get the most out of every gallon
How to Prep a Room for Paint
Get a quality drop cloth to protect furniture and fixtures from paint splatter
How to Choose a Roller
Pick the right size, fiber type, and nap length for the job
How to Pick a Paintbrush
Learn which brush is the most universal and how to spot quality bristles that are right for the job
How to Clean a Paint Roller
Store a roller between workdays, rinse it right, and stand it on its end to dry
How to Clean a Paint Brush
Rinse a brush with the correct solvent, clean the bristles, and store it right
How to Roll Paint Onto a Wall
The right way to load a roller and use it without leaving streaks and bumps
How to Choose a Primer
Pick the right primer for the job and for your paint type and learn when to sand for a super-smooth finish
Paint Sprayers
They can lay down everything from latex to lacquer—but no one sprayer can do it all
How to Add a Lively Wall Pattern with Stamps
Craft foam, wood scraps, and two shades of paint turn child's play into wall art
Stripping Painted Furniture
Sometimes ugly is only skin deep. Getting under those layers of old paint might reveal a valuable piece of furniture.
Using a Paint Roller Like a Pro
A bucket and screen trump a paint tray
Interior Paint Buying Guide
Color isn't your only choice when picking out a paint—should you use oil or latex, eggshell or matte, and what does low-VOC even mean? Here's a guide to decoding the various formulas and finishes available in paint today
Norm's Notebook: Paintbrush Care
Master carpenter Norm Abram's techniques for paintbrushes