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My local paint store is managed by a guy named Frank Vega, whom I often refer to as the “paint whisperer.” Everyone from professionals to weekend hobbyists go to Vega for answers to all their painting woes. The last time I was with him, I was complaining about the $92 I had to shell out for a gallon of interior paint. He shared there were other ways I could save on DIY projects besides opting for a lesser quality paint—a no-no in his book. Most notably, he suggested some ingenious tools. “They’re inexpensive investments that provide long-term savings,” said Vega as he demonstrated his favorites in front of me.
I bought the six products he recommended and my paint projects have never been the same. The best part? Half of them cost less than $3.
A Plastic Spout That Keeps Your Can Clean
FoamPRO 1-Gallon Paint Can Pour Spout, Home Depot ($2)
There’s nothing more annoying than dealing with paint drips on a can while in the middle of a project or a top that won’t close due to dried bits lingering in the gutter. This plastic yellow spout prevents spills. To attach it, you simply locate the “start here” indicator and snap it onto the inner flange of your can. (Psst: It fits all sizes.) Next, work your thumb along the spout until you reach the end marked “finish here.” (I like to do it twice to ensure a tight seal.) It’s important to wash the piece in warm, soapy water after use, especially along the edge, so dried specks of paint don’t end up in the can of your next project.
Bonus: It’s a great spot to wipe and rest your brush.
A Gun That Makes Spraying Fun
Gaily Youth Spray Trigger Spray Can Handle, Amazon ($3 for 2)
I’m the lady with a can and a plan—give me an old dresser or lamp to DIY and I’m all over it with spray paint. Every spring, I’m responsible for coating my family’s two vintage outdoor furniture sets—10 pieces of wrought iron and eight pieces of wicker. I dread the process because I inevitably end up with sore fingers and a bunch of half-used cans with clogged nozzles. This plastic gun makes the job a zillion times easier. You squeeze the side clips and mount the gun’s mouth to the lip of the can, making sure the nozzle is centered on the opening. “By depressing the nozzle fully and evenly with a trigger, you get a better ratio of paint and propellant than you would with a finger squeeze,” says Vega, who adds that the tool also allows you to utilize every last drop.
Bonus: For less than $3, you’ll never need to deal with a clogged can again.
A Washable Tray That Stores Leftovers
The Repaint Tray, Repaint Studios ($40)
A traditional metal tray has to be washed immediately after use, while disposable plastic liners eventually break down and need to be thrown away. This one is designed to avoid the landfill. The product comes with a silicone liner that repels paint (you can actually peel any leftover material off after it dries), leaving you with a completely clean surface. Except for oil-based products, the silicone works with all paint types and even wallpaper paste. At less than $40, this may be the last paint tray you’ll ever buy.
Bonus: You can throw your wet brushes and rollers into the tray and cover it with the airtight lid to keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
A Comb That Extends the Life Span of Your Brush
Wooster Painter's Brush Comb, Home Depot ($10)
Today’s paints are designed to dry quickly, which is good news for your walls and not so great for your brushes. This two-sided comb allows you to do a more thorough job of cleaning, thus extending the life of your brushes. One end is made up of 10 stainless steel pins that help remove gunk from inside the brush head. On the flip side are brass bristles that can gently clean the handle and ferrule (the metal band in the middle). “This will loosen up any dried paint,” says Vega, who recommends wearing a pair of 7-milliliter thick disposable gloves when working with the tool under warm running water.
If you want them to look almost brand-new, rub a small amount of hand soap or body wash containing exfoliators into the bristles before scrubbing them with the brass tuft side of the comb. Rinse until the water runs clear, then comb through the bristles with the pins once more to ensure all the paint has been removed.
Bonus: The final combing will reshape any rogue bristles.
A Case That Keeps Your Paintbrush Fresh Between Coats
The Paintbrush Cover, Amazon ($10 for 2)
If you’re in the midst of a multi-day project and don’t want to go through the aforementioned combing process, consider sealing your brushes in this genius case. Trapped humidity is what keeps paint fresh and wet, and this cover does a much better job sealing moisture than, say, plastic wrap. You just snap it closed as you would a piece of Tupperware. The manufacturer notes the cover has been lab tested to keep paint wet on brushes for up to six (!) weeks.
Bonus: I know I should save the cardboard covers that keep my paint bristles from bending, but I don’t. This case positions them so they don’t get all twisted. Double bonus: There is a roller-shaped cover, too.
A Plastic Spatula That Gets Every Last Paint Drop Out of the Can
Foam Pro Fits-All Sticks Yellow Plastic Paint Spatula, Ace Hardware ($2)
Vega notes that 5% or more of paint gets wasted in the can, which is sometimes all you need to finish a job without having to buy another quart. Given the price of paint these days, who wouldn’t want to scoop out every last drop? With its specially curved head, this silicone spatula (which looks like one you would use for baking) scrapes paint off the sides, gutter, and top of a can so there’s zero left over.
Bonus: You attach the spatula head to a wood paint stirrer, which often comes free with your paint purchase and can be easily replaced.