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The right tools for the job

Paint brushes and applicators come in every shape and size — which one is right for your next project? Good advice is the best tool. The tips below and your local Ace Hardware associates can advise you on the right tools for the right job including brushes, rollers and roller trays, drop cloths, painter’s tape and more. Not sure how much paint you will need? Use the paint estimator below to save time and money.

If you have all necessary tools "at the ready," you won't have to leave halfway through your project because you forgot a crucial item. For latex paints, synthetic-fiber bristle brushes in a variety of flat and angled tips will take care of the trim and detail work. For more information on selecting brushes, click here.

A good hard-core roller cover and roller cage will speed the job up and reduce the appearance of brush strokes. Don't forget a good paint tray for that roller, an extra roller cover and a 6-in-1 tool for cleaning up these items when the job is done. For more information on selecting rollers and other application tools, click here.

It's good to invest in the highest quality roller covers and brushes. These are worth the extra cost in the money and time you will save down the road. Quality roller covers will resist matting down and will hold more paint without dripping, reducing the amount of paint used and the number of coats required for even coverage. Brushes will also apply paint more smoothly, requiring fewer layers to conceal brushstrokes. Higher quality rollers and brushes resist "shedding" and last longer as well.

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Ace Paint Estimator
 How much paint will you need? Save time and money by using the Ace Paint Estimator.

Preparing New Brushes

Choosing a Paint Primer

Choosing Oil Based or Latex Paint