Foam Brushes and Rollers Foam brushes and cares to be taken

Foam Brushes and Rollers Foam brushes come in many widths, are inexpensive, and are great for small jobs or touch-ups.

Foam paint rollers work well, don't spatter the paint, and are easy to use when you want a really smooth wall.

Don't try them on rough surfaces, though, as they will not hold up. Pad PaintersSmooth pad painters offer simple and neat paint application and easy clean ups.

Don't apply too much paint to the pad, as it will drip.

You'll have to take it apart, clean it, dry it thoroughly, and start over.

Paint RollersA paint roller with a plastic core will last longer than one with a cardboard core. Select a roller "nap" (fullness of the covering) according to the texture on your walls.

Use a flat, smooth roller for flat, smooth walls and a thicker, more plush roller for rough textured walls.Water-Based or Latex PaintNew latex paints are formulated to be environmentally-friendly.

Drying time is short (usually about 1 hour) and clean ups are easy with water. Apply water-based paints with rollers, pads, or synthetic bristle brushes. Latex paints tend to get a "skin" of paint in the can when they begin to dry out, so keep the can covered as much as possible.

Pour paint into another container to work from and close the can.Oil-Based PaintMost professional painters prefer oil-based paints, especially for cabinets, furniture, and trim.

New formulations do not harm the environment and are not toxic. Because they dry more slowly, oil-based paints allow for better coverage and work well in warm, dry climates where water-based paints would dry too fast.

Apply oil-based paints with pads, rollers, or natural bristle brushes. Clean up with paint thinner or other solvent.

Drop ClothsThe best material for a drop cloth is a heavy canvas cloth. It's not as slippery as plastic and covers better than newspaper. Fold the cloth to fit any size room and tape down the corners to prevent paint from oozing over the edge.

To prevent scratching, be sure to vacuum hardwood floors before you put the drop cloth down.Tinted PrimerMost paint jobs work better when you use a primer or base coat. Have the primer or base paint tinted to match your surface paint color. You may be able to avoid a second coat of finish paint.

For ceilings, try paint that is specially formulated for ceilings. Some brands go on light blue and change to white when dry. This makes it easier to see where you've already painted.Painter's Blue TapeIf you've never used painter's blue tape, why not? It has a waxy coating to keep paint from seeping through, is available in several widths, and provides a perfect straight edge for painting.

It will not pull up the paint on the surface it's stuck to, and the seal is activated when you put it down onto a smooth surface. Its special properties don't last forever, so don't leave it on the wall more than a couple of days.