DIY Like a Pro
Nothing renews a room on the quick like paint, but jumping into a job before you prep can leave you with a lackluster paint job. Before you tape off the crown molding, lay the drop cloth, or ventilate the room, remember that professional-looking painting takes prep work and quality tools—like those that follow here.
This slide show is sponsored by HYDE Tools. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.
Pour & Roll
This multi-faceted tool can be a pour spout for a roller pan, a mini roller grid, or a brush wipe that prevents paint from pooling in the lip of the metal can.
Available from HYDE at Amazon; $9.50
Quickly Clean Glove
Even if you're diligent about using painter's tape and dropcloths, DIY painting can leave its mess—on your hands and tools! The Quickly Clean Glove was developed by a house painter and can remove oil-based paint, caulk, adhesive, and dirt from woodwork, hands, and tools with nothing but plain water or mild soap.
Available from HYDE at Amazon; $9.75
Painter's Pyramids
Time-starved painters can paint both sides of doors, chair legs, or molding without waiting for each side to dry when using the Painter's Pyramid. They can hold up to 200 lbs of furniture and paint won't stick to them.
Available from HYDE at Amazon; $8.12
Paint Brush & Roller Cleaner
Once your freshly painted room is ready to go, there's still cleanup to consider. This patented cleaning tool makes quick work of washing brushes and rollers, and can even extend the life of your painting supplies when used regularly.
Available from HYDE at Amazon; $5.67
Painter’s Assistant
You'll never deal with another paintbrush slipping into the roller pan with the Painter's Assistant. This multi-use tool features a magnetic clip to keep paintbrushes in place and attaches to paint cans or roller pans. It's also a carrying handle for quart and 2-quart paint cans.
Available at HYDE Store; $5.94
Multi-Blade Paint Mixer
Forget wooden paint sticks! For fast, thorough mixing, the Multi-Blade Paint mixer attaches to a 3/8" drill and lifts solids from the bottom of the can in an instant.
Available from HYDE at Amazon; $7.09
14-in-1 Multi-Tool
True to its name, this multi-tool can tackle plenty of painting prep or cleanup jobs. It scrapes paint, spreads or removes putty, opens paint cans, cleans rollers, and more. And once you finish the job, this tool can even crack open a cold one.
Available from HYDE at Amazon; $9.60
Mini Guide Paint Shield
You don't need to hassle with painter's tape to create professional smooth lines on ceilings and walls. Hyde's Mini Guide and Paint Shield can also smooth wallpaper or drywall compound.
Available from HYDE at Amazon; $4.92
For more...
For more painting ideas, consider:
Winning Combinations: 9 "Can't Miss" Color Schemes
21 "Expert Picks" for Fail-Safe Colors
Dream It, Do It: How to Paint Wood Furniture
Don't Miss!
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
