Tuesday 17 September 2024

Painting | Tools of Choice

I have by now had plenty of practice at painting a boat, much of it unsuccessful! But I thought it might be worth recording what I have learned thus far regarding tools.

Brushes for tipping out are crucial for obtaining a good finish. Here are my two current favourites.


The wide brush from ANZA on the left is specifically designed for tipping out and was recommended to me by a paint vendor. It's OK, but I get better results from the smaller one on the right, from Crown.

Both are premium quality synthetic brushes, which seems to be the way to go.

A top quality roller sleeve is essential for rolling paint. This is what I am now using.


The concave black foam sleeves are from ROTA, and are very good.

I recently discovered that I should be using a broad stirrer to stir my paint, rather than a cane. This is what I am now using.


It certainly makes it easier!

Pouring paint from a large can has always been a challenge and I invariably make a mess, so I have devised a disposable scoop made from a card mixing cup to transfer paint from the can. This is it.


With practice it's mess free!

And lastly but not least, I have been using trial and error to find the optimum percentage for thinning Epifanes paint.

I started by just guessing - that didn't work. Then I tried plastic syringes - they don't like the thinners and fall apart.

Finally I purchased a glass measuring cylinder. This is it.


It measures up to 100 ml in 1 ml increments, and is perfect for getting precise doses of thinners. Love it!


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