Tools
From Principles of Applied Arts
There are a vast amount of tools used by decorative painters and they can be used differently by each user. Most tools are design specific to the techniques they are intended to be used for. For a complete PDF list of tools to use as a check list for your job-site take a look at this document Tool list.pdf or look at the index below for links to more specific information about each tool.
INSTRUCTORS NOTE: Acquiring the right tools for the job is one of the most important things you can ever do. Many of the obstacles decorative painters face can easily be eliminated with the proper tool. So many of us get caught up in the work place that we don't have the time to research new product development or tool technology, and this can lead to your demise in the market place. People that become the leaders in this industry do it through the best education, the best training, and the best tools. It takes countless hours of conversations at your local retail stores talking to people who know what works and what doesn't as well as Trade shows, conventions etc... Sometimes one simple trick from a veteran painter can make you thousands of dollars over the years, so ask questions often and try to attain the perspectives of the top decorative painters.
Having your tools on hand at all times is a good idea. Many companies waste their time and money leaving their jobs to get tools and supplies. Be sure to stock a good quantity of the items you use the most of, like tape for example, this way you only have to go to your supplier once every three months not every day. It would also be a good idea to make a morning check list for your tools to reference before leaving for the job. When you have employees this gives them a good habit of checking the tools first thing in the morning and gives you time to think about the day's agenda.
There are many tools in the market place too many to mention all, and everyone has his or hers preferences. Remember, most of the time you get what you pay for but you'll never get what you don't pay for. As far as tool maintenance is concerned there are many resources to acquire this information from by keeping your workplace and your tools clean you increase you rate of success.
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Small hand tools
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Small power tools
- Cordless Drill
- Halogen lights
- Extension Cords
- Portable fans
- Blow drier
Extended supplies
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Climbing and reaching
- Ladders
- Scaffolding
Documentation
- Digital Camera
Specialty application tools
- Sea Sponges
- Spray Bottles
- Projector
Brushes
Brushes are best stored in a specifically made brush keeper: a box with a suspended wire that can be threaded through the hole in a brush's handle to suspend the brush in a cleaning solution. This keeps the brush from resting on the bottom of the container which would spread or bend the bristles. The solution would also prevent hardening of the brushes and oxidation. These boxes are generally rectangular and store several brushes. A lid encloses the brushes and keeps them free from dust.
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Specialty brushes
- Block Brush (Large for Lime)
- Softening
- Badger hair Softening brush
- Strie'
- Wood Graining Kit
- Marbling Kit
- Ornamentation Kit
- Glazing Brushes
- Dust Brush
Blades
- Trowels
- Coach Knifes
- Steel Spatulas
- Dry wall knifes
Mixing and storage
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Protecting and cleaning
- Vacume
- Drop Cloths
- Latex Gloves
- Apron
- General cleaners
- Brush Cleaner
- Shoe Protectors (for walking in new homes)
Safety
- Respirators
- Eye-ware
