Prep tools check list
Top row, left to right: Spackle to patch small holes in drywall; to repair scratches, cracks and dings in old plaster.
Level to mark true horizontals and verticals.
Clamp Light, 100-Watt Bulb, Heavy Duty Extension Cord To flood your work area with light, so you don’t miss spots or apply paint too thinly.
Tapes: Masking tape, so secure plastic drop cloths; blue tape, which won’t seep paint and has a safe, nondamaging grip; fiberglass mesh tape, to use under wall patching compound with new drywall or when mending old plaster.
Middle row, left to right: Sponge to smooth new joint compound and freshly caulked seams.
Caulking Gun to apply caulk.
Caulk to fill joints, like the gap between a wall and a baseboard. Siliconized latex caulk is very durable and easy to use.
Dust Mark Light-duty, for small sanding jobs; heavy-duty for dustier jobs.
Sandpaper 100- and 200-grit are most useful.
Plastic Dropcloth To protect your furniture.
Canvas Dropcloth To protect the floor. You only need one, which you can move around as you paint.
Bottom row, left to right: Scissors or Restractabe Utility Knives To open boxes or cut rolls of heaven brown floor paper.
Screwdriver To remove switchplates, outlet plates and light fixtures.
Plaster Blades 11/2-inch blade, to spackle small holes, scratches and nicks; five- and six-inch blades to skim Spackle or plaster over larger drywall seams and repairs.
