3/12

Caulk Every Crack

Rather than deciding which cracks are large enough to require caulk, just caulk everything. It’s faster because you’re not constantly thinking, starting and stopping.

Caulk every intersection between moldings, and between moldings and walls or ceilings. You’ll be amazed at how much better the final paint job looks when no dark cracks show.

4/12

Look for a Shed/Resistant, Woven Roller

If you’re picky about how your walls look when you’re done rolling on the paint, avoid leaving a trail of roller fuzzies behind. Look for rollers labeled “shed-resistant woven.” They cost a little more than some covers, but the smooth, lint-free finish is worth it.

5/12

Replace Your Paint Tray With a Pail

If you’re like most homeowners, you have a paint tray you use to roll walls. And if you’ve done much painting, you’ve probably stepped in or spilled the tray at least once. Plus, as you know, trays are awkward to move around, especially when they’re fully loaded with paint.

A paint pail solves these problems and more.

Pails hold more paint than trays, and you’ll find them easy to move around and tough to step in! As a bonus, if you use the plastic lining tip we show here, you can practically eliminate cleanup. You’ll find paint pails at home centers and paint stores.

Line the pail to simplify cleanup

Cut a piece of thin painter’s plastic and drape it into the pail. Add your paint, then run a band of masking tape around the perimeter to hold the plastic in place.

Drain the leftover paint back into the can

When you’re done painting, just bundle up the plastic and pull it out. If there’s leftover paint, hold the plastic over your paint can and slit the bottom with a utility knife to drain it back into the can.