My Tried and True Paint Supplies for Every Project

I’m deep into removing all my drop ceiling tiles in my basement, wrangling all those wires and painting the exposed ceiling. We’ve gained MAJOR height in our basement already and the results have blown me away every step in this process. If you aren’t already, follow along on Instagram @growingupkemper to see how I’m transforming my basement one ceiling tile, one paint sprayer, and one DIY project at a time!

If you’ve spent any time at all following me along as I transform my 1980’s house, you know that I have a mantra that paint can fix almost anything. Just over the past 6 months, I turned old glass vases I had lying around the house into looking like Old World pottery, I created a board and batten wall and painted it to bring warmth and color, refinished a table, and used gel stain and paint to completely transform my main stairway.

Paint is my jam.

I love the instant gratification that comes from it. I love how you can change the mood or a feeling you get when you walk into a space. It’s transformative…for a small price tag.

So when I say that I have a list of tried and true paint supplies to share with you today, I’m talking about TRIED AND TRUE. My paint projects wouldn’t have been as successful, they wouldn’t have been as crisp, and they wouldn’t have been done so quickly. So here we go, from one paint lover to you, I’m sharing all my favorite paint supplies that I use for my projects at GrowingUpKemper!

1 // Purdy White Dove 3-Pack 9-in x 3/8-in Nap Woven Acrylic Fiber Paint Roller Cover – This particular brand makes such high-quality pieces that LAST. I’ve found that these particular rollers, with the 3/8″ nap, have been perfect for smooth AND textured walls, and they hold paint so well. They don’t soak it all in nor do they repel the paint as some do. You’re not having to reload the roller constantly with this set, which is always a major time (and back!) saver.

2 // Wooster 1-1/2″ Edge Angle Brush – My go-to always. I love an angled brush because I’m not known to use painters tape to edge out a space. The angle on this brush helps for all your cutting out and the long handle is ergonomic to keep your hands from getting sore when you’re doing large projects.

3 // HANDy Paint Cup 16-fl oz Paint Pail – I used to just use a plastic cup when I was edging out a high space until I purchased this for just a few dollars and realized how much easier my life could be. The handle is a game-changer. No more setting your cup down on your ladder and then sending it flying after any bump. This paint pail handle fits nicely in your hand OR can slip in one of the holes at the top of your ladder.

4 // FLOOD Floetrol – If you have a project like hand rails or furniture that you’re painting with a brush, you’ll need this Floetrol. It flows and self-levels your paint so you don’t have to deal with obvious brush strokes. I used this on my railing and it’s as smooth as glass!

5 // 3M COMPANY Patch Plus Primer – As much as I hate the process, patching almost always is associated with painting. You’ll need to fill nail holes, repair dings and dents, or in extreme cases, you’ll have to skim coat areas (ahem…stickers that pulled away drywall!). I love this spackle because it’s a patch and primer in one. After you apply, wipe off with a damp rag and then you’re ready to paint. No extra steps needed.

6 // Graco 17A466 TrueCoat 360 DS Paint Sprayer – My holy grail of paint sprayers. I’ve used the daylights out of this guy when I sprayed my garage walls and currently, my basement ceiling. It’s always a consistent spray, easy to reload, and the clean-up takes less than 20 minutes. It’s also a step above many others because it pulls the paint out of the disposable cups WITHOUT a straw, allowing you to spray in all angles and directions. Many others use a straw feature to pull your paint through, prohibiting the angle you can hold the sprayer and forcing you to constantly reload. Big or little jobs, this paint sprayer has been a major time-saver and gives you flawless results time after time.

7 // Wagner PaintStick EZ Roller Inner-Fed Paint Roller – If you’re painting a ceiling or a very high wall, this paint roller has been a welcome addition to my arsenal because it HOLDS 22 OUNCES IN THE STICK! Yep, no up and down to re-roll your roller in the paint tray. No more drips as you lift it up and down. It’s all held in the stick to allow for consistent painting and minimal refills.

8 // Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen – When you’re paint project is complete, we typically try our best to reseal our paint cans to only realize it’s gone bad a year later when you need it to touch-up. No matter how I reseal a can, it doesn’t last. These touch-up paint pens hold paint for SEVEN YEARS without turning. Seven years to easily touch up your walls, furniture, or ceilings. They’re incredible!

9 // Reusable Half Face Cover Mask with Safety Glasses – I added this to the list because how beneficial it’s been for me as I’m working through my basement ceiling. I’m in an enclosed space with no ability for air-flow due to the cold temperatures outside. The fumes aren’t terrible, but they are there. We get one body with one set of lungs. I’d prefer to keep them clear of whatever is in the paint falling down on me as I spray. PLUS, it keeps your face paint splatter-free. Key for the projects that we do in between school pick-ups and date nights.

10 // Intex Canvas 6-ft x 9-ft Drop Cloth – Plastic sheeting is inexpensive, but it’s also extremely flimsy and difficult to work with on the ground. Paint drops on plastic and it stays there, giving more opportunities for you to step in it and carry it around. With canvas, the paint gets absorbed and dries quickly, it stays in place better, and it lasts more than just one project. It’s an investment but it’s worthwhile!

11 // FrogTape Multi-Surface 1.88-in x 60 Yards Painters Tape – I mentioned earlier that I don’t use painters tape to cut out a room; however, when I need it to cover important pieces that I don’t want ruined (outlets, hardware, fixtures) or if I’m painting a design like stripes, I only use this Frog Tape. It’s created to adhere to your surfaces when it gets wet, like when paint comes in contact with it. If you want to ensure you get smooth lines, run a damp rag over the painters tape to create a bond even before you start painting. Crisp, clean lines…here you come!

12 // Medtecs Hazmat Suits – Another silly one UNLESS you’re painting a ceiling. Believe me, you will get covered. You will have splatter all over your clothes. Your hair. Your everything. These suits are so valuable to keep you clean from head to toe. Yes, you’ll look ridiculous. But you’ll love it when you’re not finding flecks of paint all over your body the next day.

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