Having the right painting supplies makes the difference between a frustrating project and a professional-looking result. This complete painting checklist covers everything you need for interior painting, exterior painting, and cabinet painting projects. Use this guide to ensure you have all the tools and materials before starting your next DIY painting project.
✅ Quick Essential Checklist
Paint & Primers
- ☐ Paint
- ☐ Primer (if needed)
- ☐ Touch-up paint
Brushes & Rollers
- ☐ 2" angled brush
- ☐ 3-4" brush
- ☐ Roller frame
- ☐ Roller covers
Prep & Protection
- ☐ Drop cloths
- ☐ Painter's tape
- ☐ Spackle/putty
- ☐ Sandpaper
Paint Selection
Choosing the right paint is the foundation of your project:
Interior Paint
| Surface | Sheen | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Walls - Living Areas | Eggshell, Satin | SW Duration, BM Regal Select |
| Walls - High Traffic | Satin, Semi-Gloss | SW Emerald, BM Regal Select |
| Ceilings | Flat | SW ProMar 200, BM Ceiling Paint |
| Trim & Doors | Semi-Gloss, High-Gloss | BM Advance, SW ProClassic |
| Cabinets | Satin, Semi-Gloss | BM Advance, SW Emerald Urethane |
Exterior Paint
| Surface | Type | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Siding - Wood | 100% Acrylic | SW Duration Exterior, BM Aura |
| Siding - Vinyl | Vinyl-Safe Acrylic | SW SuperPaint Ext, Behr Marquee |
| Trim | Acrylic or Alkyd | BM Exterior Satin, SW ProClassic |
| Deck/Porch | Floor/Deck Paint | SW Porch & Floor, Behr Deck |
How Much Paint to Buy
Formula: (Wall Height × Wall Width × 4) ÷ 350 = Gallons needed
Subtract 20 sq ft per door, 15 sq ft per window
- 10×10 room (8' ceilings): ~1 gallon walls
- 12×12 room: ~1.2 gallons
- 14×16 room: ~1.5-2 gallons
- Always buy slightly extra for touch-ups
Primers
When you need primer:
- New drywall or patched areas
- Covering dark colors with light
- Stain blocking (water, smoke, grease)
- Painting over glossy surfaces
- Bare wood, metal, or raw surfaces
| Primer Type | Best For | Top Products |
|---|---|---|
| PVA (Drywall) | New drywall, general purpose | Zinsser Drywall Primer, Kilz PVA |
| Shellac-Based | Stain blocking, odor sealing | Zinsser B-I-N |
| Bonding | Glossy surfaces, laminate | Kilz Adhesion, Zinsser 1-2-3 |
| Exterior | Outdoor surfaces | Zinsser Cover Stain, Kilz Exterior |
Brushes
Quality brushes make a difference. Invest in good brushes — they hold more paint, release evenly, and clean up better.
2" Angled Brush
Use for: Cutting in around ceilings, corners, trim
Material: Nylon/polyester blend for latex
Recommended: Wooster Shortcut, Purdy XL
2.5-3" Angled Brush
Use for: Trim, doors, window frames
Material: Nylon/polyester for latex
Recommended: Purdy Clearcut, Wooster Pro
3-4" Flat Brush
Use for: Large wall areas, staining
Material: Choose by paint type
Recommended: Purdy Pro-Extra, Wooster Alpha
Rollers & Roller Covers
The right roller nap matches your surface texture:
| Nap Size | Best For | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" (foam or woven) | Ultra-smooth surfaces, cabinets, doors | 350-400 sf/gal |
| 3/8" | Smooth to light texture drywall (most common) | 300-350 sf/gal |
| 1/2" | Medium texture, light orange peel | 250-300 sf/gal |
| 3/4" | Heavy texture, stucco, popcorn-adjacent | 200-250 sf/gal |
| 1" + | Rough stucco, brick, masonry | 150-200 sf/gal |
Roller Essentials
- Roller frames: 9" standard, 18" for large walls
- Extension pole: 4-8 ft for ceilings and high walls
- Mini rollers: 4-6" for tight spaces, behind toilets
- Paint tray: Metal for durability, or use bucket grid
- Liner: Speeds cleanup, allows tray reuse
Prep Supplies
Proper painting preparation requires these materials:
Cleaning
- TSP (Trisodium Phosphate): Heavy-duty wall cleaner
- Degreaser: For kitchen walls and cabinets
- Mildew remover: For bathrooms with mold/mildew
- Tack cloths: Remove dust before painting
Patching & Repair
- Lightweight spackle: Small holes, nail holes
- Joint compound: Larger repairs, skim coating
- Wood filler: Holes in trim and wood
- Caulk: Gaps between trim and walls
- Putty knife: 1.5" for small, 4" for larger repairs
Sanding
- 80-100 grit: Heavy sanding, stripping
- 120-150 grit: General prep, patched areas
- 180-220 grit: Final smoothing, between coats
- Sanding sponges: Detailed trim, moldings
- Sanding pole: Walls and ceilings
Protection Supplies
Protect floors, furniture, and yourself:
Drop Cloths
- Canvas drop cloths: Best for floors (absorbs spills)
- Plastic sheeting: Furniture covers, cheaper
- Rosin paper: Excellent for hardwood floors
Painter's Tape
- FrogTape: Best for crisp lines (PaintBlock technology)
- ScotchBlue Original: General purpose, reliable
- ScotchBlue Delicate: Fresh paint, delicate surfaces
Personal Protection
- N95 respirator: Sanding, priming, spraying
- Safety glasses: Ceiling work, scraping
- Nitrile gloves: Keep hands clean
- Painter's coveralls: Optional, for big jobs
Additional Tools
Essential Tools
- 5-in-1 painter's tool: Scraping, cleaning, opening cans
- Paint can opener: Better than screwdrivers
- Stir sticks: Mix paint thoroughly
- Paint grid: Alternative to trays for 5-gal buckets
- Ladder: Step stool or 6-8 ft A-frame
Nice to Have
- Paint edger: Helps cut in faster (Shur-Line)
- Paint sprayer: For cabinets, large areas
- Work light: See imperfections before drying
- Extension cord: Multiple outlets where needed
📋 Printable Supply Checklist
Paint & Primers
Brushes
Rollers
Prep Supplies
Protection
Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential supplies include: paint, primer, brushes (angled for cutting, flat for trim), roller frames and covers, painter's tape, drop cloths, paint tray, spackle, sandpaper, TSP cleaner, and stir sticks.
Calculate wall area and divide by 350-400 sq ft per gallon. Average room needs 1-2 gallons for walls. Add extra for dark colors, unprimed surfaces, or textured walls.
For smooth to lightly textured drywall, use a 3/8" nap roller. For textured walls, use 1/2" to 3/4" nap. Microfiber rollers give the smoothest finish.
Use primer for new drywall, covering stains, changing from dark to light, glossy surfaces, or porous surfaces. Skip for same-color touch-ups or paint + primer on good condition walls.
Rather Leave It to the Pros?
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes has all the tools and expertise to deliver professional painting results. We provide everything needed for your project — including quality supplies and expert application. Get your free estimate today!
Get Free Estimate 📞 (980) 408-8122