The painter's materials and tools: paint, brushes and personal protective equipment

The painting trade is built on material understanding. Painting may sound simple, but there are many types, and they behave differently on different substrates. Choosing the right product and the right tool for the job is a large part of what you learn as an apprentice.

Paint basically consists of three parts: pigment, which provides color and opacity; binder, which binds the pigment together and makes the paint adhere; and a solvent or thinner, which makes the paint liquid so it can be applied and which evaporates when the paint dries. In addition, there are often fillers and additives that control properties such as gloss, drying time and durability.

Water-based or solvent-based

Today water-based paints are used for most interior tasks. They emit fewer solvents smell less and are better for working environment and indoor climate. Solvent-based paints like alkyd are still used where there is need for special hardness or adhesion but use has decreased as water-based products have improved.

The application tool is chosen based on the task. The brush gives control at edges, corners, and details. The roller covers large surfaces quickly and comes with different naps depending on how smooth or rough the surface is. The spray — airless or with air — is used where a lot needs to be covered or where a completely smooth finish is the goal. Each tool requires its own technique and its own cleaning.

• 01Brushes in various widths and hair types for edges and details
• 02Rollers with short or long nap depending on the surface structure
• 03Spray equipment (airless) for large surfaces and smooth finish
• 04Spatulas, sanding blocks, and sanding machines for surface preparation
• 05Covering material, tape and painter's supplies

Much of the painter's equipment is about preparation, not the painting itself. Scrapers in various widths, sandpaper in various grits, sanding machines with dust extraction, and filler for joints are all tools you use before the first drop of paint goes on. Dust extraction on the sanding machine is not just convenient — it protects your lungs.

Painting involves contact with grinding dust, fumes from paint and chemicals for cleaning and defatting. Therefore, personal protective equipment is a permanent part of the work. Respiratory protection protects against dust and fumes, gloves protect the skin, and eye protection is used when spraying and grinding. When working at height, secure scaffolding or ladder is part of the equipment.

Paint and chemicals must be stored properly, frost-free and out of reach of children, and residues must not be poured down the drain. Empty cans, residues and contaminated cloths are handled as the waste they are — and oil-containing cloths can in rare cases spontaneously ignite, so they must be handled with care. Cleaning up properly after yourself is part of the professional responsibility.