Painting tools and supplies can be really expensive in Australia. For example, take a look at these quotes:
- Plastic paint tray – $2-$5 (metal trays with legs cost higher)
- Painter’s tape – $3-$10
- Waterproof drop cloth – $5-$30
- Paint brushes – $3-$20
- Paint rollers – $10-$100
- Ladders – $20-$100
On average, you’d have to end up paying over $50 if you purchased inexpensive tools. But if you prefer the higher-end products, your tools could cost hundreds of dollars. Plus, the list we’ve mentioned hasn’t even scratched the surface. Professional painters use more tools that can add to their expense. This is why tool care is of the utmost importance.
At Public Liability Australia, we understand how expensive painting tools can be. We know you can’t keep spending money to acquire new tools regularly. This is why we’ve created this post on painting tool care, cleaning, and maintenance, that can provide the tips you need to safeguard your expensive tools.
Ten important painting tools and how to take care of them
- Wall cleaner
Place the bottle of wall cleaner out of the sunlight, preferably inside a cool closet space. Make sure the bottle cap is tightly on so that the cleaner doesn’t evaporate or lose its efficiency.
- Tape
As a professional painter, you might be using one/all of these tapes – Scotch tape, Painter’s tape, Masking tape, Drywall tape & Mesh tape. It’s important to keep them away from the sun, as UV rays can reduce the tape’s adhesive properties. The ideal storage temperature is 60F/15C. Any cooler and the tape may become too brittle.
- Paint tray
Using a paint tray liner before you begin the paint job is the best way to ensure your tray is clean. But you should also wash the tray in running water and use a scrub brush to rub off the paint stains on the tray. Rub in a circular motion. After cleaning, wipe the tray dry and store it in your bag or storage space.
- Paint mixing drill
Remember to detach your mixing drill from the power unit before cleaning. Then dip the drill in water or solvent and scrub off the paint. Wash in clean water again and dry it before storage.
- Paint pail or bucket
If you have absorbent powder, just throw in a few handfuls inside the empty pail/bucket after it’s dried. Mix the powder and coat the surface of the pail/bucket. In a little while, the paint will start to crumble into a powder and you can throw out the paint-mixed-absorbent powder after a while.
You can even rub alcohol/turpentine/kerosene/acetone on the sides of the pail/bucket and cover the inside surface with a plastic wrap. This prevents the liquid from evaporating. After 30-40 minutes, you can remove the wrap and wipe off the paint using a cloth.
- Stepping stool or ladder
Dip a rough towel into some detergent powder and scrub the steps of the stool/ladder until the paint comes off. Then wipe the steps using a wet towel. Don’t use any solvents or other cleaning agents since the chemicals can destroy the treads of the stool/ladder.
Store the ladder in a cool and dry storage space horizontally. Use ropes or ladder hooks to give it support.
- Anti-slip waterproof drop cloth
Take the drop cloth outside the house and give it a really good shake. The granules of paint and any dust that resulted from the sanding will easily come off. If you want to clean it deeper, put the cloth in the washing machine and clean it.
- Spray paint bottle & paint extension pole
Just detach the extension pole from the paint roller/brush and place the pole in a tub of soapy water or solvent and scrub it clean. Wash it in clean water after.
Follow the same process for the spray paint bottle. If only the handle is coated in paint, detach the handle from the bottle and clean it the same way.
- Paint brushes & paint rollers
Clean paint brushes immediately after use to prevent the paint from drying and sticking to them. Don’t soak the brushes for long since this can damage the bristles. Instead, dip the brushes into a bucket with solvent (if you’ve painted with shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, or oils) or soapy water (if you’ve painted with water-based paints) multiple times. Spin the brush to remove excess water and the paint. Change the water/solvent after a few uses. Repeat until the brush is fully clean. For paint rollers, soak the roller in a bucket of solvent or soapy water for a few minutes. Then rinse the roller under running water until it is clean.
After cleaning, place the brushes/rollers inside a wet towel and place the package inside a plastic/aluminum wrap. Then place the bag in a cool area or inside the fridge.
- Plastering tools
If your plastering tools need cleaning, place them in a tub of water mixed with baking powder and soak them overnight. The next day, use a scraping tool to scrape off the rust or large plaster patches. Use a scrub to remove any residual plaster. Then sand the tools using sandpaper.
How Public Liability Insurance can help you during a paint job?
In addition to tool breakage or malfunction, painters can also suffer from expenses when there is an on-site injury or accident.
Paints, varnishes, and lacquers can be slippery and even though you may take all precautions, your customer or a third-party employee may slip and hurt themselves. Or a tool that you’ve set aside may trip someone, causing severe injury.
All of these are incidents that can be sued in Australian courts. A single court case can last months, if not years, and drain you of finances that you need to run your business.
The best way to protect yourself is to invest in Public Liability Insurance, which is a policy that is specially designed to limit your financial obligation in the event of public liability. This insurance policy can be used to cover your legal fees and representation charges, allowing you to continue working without problems. A Portable Equipment cover is another option to protect your specialist tools. This tool insurance safeguards you against the theft, damage, or loss of the tool when you’re on the client’s premises.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind