My local paint store is run by a man named Frank Vega, who I often refer to as the “paint whisperer.” Everyone from professionals to hobbyists go to Vega to get answers to all their painting problems. The last time I was there, I was complaining about the $92 I had to shell out for a gallon of interior paint. He informed me that there were other ways I could save on home improvement projects other than opting for a lower quality paint—a no-no in his eyes. Most importantly, he suggested some ingenious tools. “They’re low-cost investments that provide long-term savings,” Vega said as he showed me his favorites.
I bought the six products he recommended and my painting projects have never been the same. And the best part? Half of them cost less than $3.
A plastic pourer that keeps your can clean
FoamPRO 1-Gallon Paint Can Pourer, Home Depot ($2)
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There’s nothing more annoying than having paint drips on a can in the middle of a project, or a lid that won’t close because dried paint residue is left in the gutter. This yellow plastic pour spout will prevent spills. To install, simply find the “Start Here” indicator and snap it onto the inside rim of your can. (Psst: It fits all sizes.) Then run your thumb along the spout until you reach the end marked “End Here.” (I like to do this twice to ensure a tight seal.) It’s important to wash the piece in warm, soapy water after use, especially around the rim, to avoid dried paint specks ending up in the can of your next project.
bonus: It’s a great place to wipe and put your brush.
A gun that makes spraying fun
Gaily Youth Spray Trigger Spray Can Grip, Amazon ($3 for 2)
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I’m the lady with the can and the plan—give me an old dresser or lamp to DIY and I’ll spray paint it all over. Every spring, I’m in charge of painting my family’s two pieces of vintage patio furniture—ten wrought iron and eight wicker. I dread this job because I inevitably end up with sore fingers and a pile of half-empty cans with clogged nozzles. This plastic gun makes the job a whole lot easier. You squeeze the side clips together and attach the muzzle of the gun to the rim of the can, making sure the nozzle is centered on the opening. “By pushing the nozzle down completely and evenly with the trigger, you get a better ratio of paint to propellant than if you push with your finger,” says Vega, who adds that the tool also lets you use every last drop.
bonus: For less than $3, you’ll never have to worry about a clogged can again.
A washable tray for storing leftover food
The Repaint Tray, Repaint Studios ($40)
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A traditional metal tub needs to be washed down immediately after use, while disposable plastic sheets break down over time and need to be thrown away. This one is designed to stay out of the landfill. The product comes with a silicone sheet that repels paint (you can actually peel off any leftover material after it dries), leaving you with a completely clean surface. With the exception of oil-based products, the silicone works with all types of paint and even wallpaper paste. For less than $40, this may be the last paint tray you’ll ever buy.
bonus: You can throw your wet brushes and rollers into the bowl and cover it with the airtight lid to keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
A comb that extends the life of your brush
Wooster Paint Brush Comb, Home Depot ($10)
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Today’s paints are designed to dry quickly, which is good for your walls, but not so great for your brushes. This two-sided comb lets you clean your brushes more thoroughly, extending their lifespan. One end features 10 stainless steel pins that help remove dirt from inside the brush head. The other side has brass bristles that help you gently clean the handle and ferrule (the metal band in the middle). “This loosens dried paint,” says Vega, who recommends wearing a pair of 7-milliliter disposable gloves when working with the tool under warm running water.
If you want them to look almost new, rub a small amount of hand soap or shower gel with exfoliating ingredients into the bristles before scrubbing with the brass tuft side of the comb. Rinse until the water runs clear, then comb the bristles through again with the pins to make sure all the color has been removed.
bonus: The final combing will bring all the protruding bristles into shape.
A case that keeps your brush fresh between coats
The Paintbrush Cover, Amazon ($10 for 2)
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If you’re doing a multi-day project and want to avoid the aforementioned combing process, consider sealing your brushes in this ingenious case. Trapped moisture keeps the paint fresh and moist, and this case seals in moisture much better than, say, plastic wrap. You can simply snap it shut like you would a Tupperware container. The manufacturer points out that the case has been lab-tested and keeps the paint on the brushes moist for up to six (!) weeks.
bonus: I know I should keep the cardboard covers that keep my paint bristles from bending, but I don’t. In this case, they are positioned so they don’t twist. Double bonus: There is also a roll-shaped cover.
A plastic spatula that gets every last drop of paint out of the can
Foam Pro Fits-All Sticks, Yellow Plastic Paint Spatula, Ace Hardware ($2)
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Vega points out that 5% or more of the paint in the can is wasted, which is sometimes all you need to finish a job without having to buy another gallon. Given today’s paint prices, who wouldn’t want to spoon out every last drop? With its specially curved head, this silicone spatula (which looks like one you’d use for baking) scrapes paint from the sides, gutter, and lid of a can, leaving nothing behind.
bonus: You attach the spatula head to a wooden paint stirrer, which is often included free of charge when you buy paint and can be easily replaced.
