What tools we need to prepare the room for painting

When working, painters use a lot of all kind of tools, depending on the situation.

Yesterday, I started working on a home office. I had to fix the damaged ceiling before starting any other prep work. Two weeks ago my client detected that the seal on the glass doors had deteriorated, causing water to leak and create stain marks on the drywall and baseboard close to the glass doors. The water trickled down, creating damage to the office ceiling. One week ago the door seal was replaced and now it's time to check the spot on the ceiling. If the spot is dry, I will be able to patch it up and paint over it.

1. The office floor is hardwood (oak). I will need to move some of the furniture in the middle of the room, away from the walls. I always use Sliders under each corner of heavier furniture to make the process easier. One brand that has worked for me are the Reusable Felt Sliders from Lowes (you can find similar products in other hardware stores as well)

2. When all furniture is moved we need it to cover with a plastic sheet. I usually use big plastic roles from JC Licht store , because of the best price and good product. 

Some painters prefer to use thicker plastic than 0.31 mil, but in my practice this particular plastic has always worked well. For furniture with a fabric finish, like sofa couches or seats, you drape them with canvas tarps (on the top of plastic sheet) to protect them, especially when painting the ceiling.

Of course, for cutting the plastic you are going to need a utility knife. I usually use the basic and simple ones, you can find in any store. I like it because of small size and it's convenient to carry it in a pocket

Do not forget to cover the light fixture! I prefer to take off the ceiling plate (that way I don’t need to worry about taping it or getting paint on it). It typically has a ring underneath the plate that is stuck to the ceiling. Just loosen the ring and take down the plate.

3. When you’re covering the room to prep for painting, make sure to lay the plastic sheets on the floor first. The canvas drop cloths will go on top of the plastic. This way we will keep dust away from the furniture.

 I prefer Benjamin Moore canvas drop cloths, because they are the thickest ones and even in case of accidentally stepping in a painters pan (yes!!! I know!!!J) The mess does not go through right away and allows you a few more minutes for clean up. You have time to put the plastic sheet under the drop cloth to contain the spill and enough time to clean the any paint that stuck to the drop clothing using a taping knife and a big towel. 

One more thing regarding the drop cloth- I always face the same side up (see upper picture), so the bottom part would always be clean. I keep the ‘top’ side of my canvas as the one with the letters in order to stay consistent (I write my initials on each drop cloth) and always put tarps with those letters up. Another way to remember which side is the ‘top’ or the messy side is to look at the side of the drop cloth with the right seam on the top.

This is the same way I fold tarps after a job is finished. The clean part is always hidden and painted part is outside. So when you keep them in your truck the clean part is inside and always ready to be placed on the clean carpet or floor.

4. When everything is covered we can start the work.

For 8' or 9' ceiling I use 4' or 6' foot ladder.

5.Oops! I forgot to mention my most important two tools: trash can and radio J

I like to use the box my paint comes is as the trash can because it's inexpensive, convenient and  "green" J

My radio is my energy and work speed. As you can see it has gotten a lot of use over the years.

Today, I pause my journey here. Stay tuned for next time when I will talk about drywall fixing of that home office ceiling. Have a wonderful weekend everybody!