Wendell T. Webber

Here is everything you need to paint a wall or four. Pick up supplies from your local hardware store beforehand, so that on painting day you'll be ready to roll first thing in the morning.
1. ROLLER FRAME
The new Shur-Line Twist N Reach roller frame (877-748-7546 for store locations) has a built-in adjustable extension pole for reaching high spots. Cost: $9.
2. FIVE-GALLON BUCKET
For big jobs requiring multiple gallons of the same color, don't use a roller tray. Instead, work like a professional and "box the paint," mixing all the cans in one bucket to keep the color consistent. Comes with a lid for storing leftovers. Cost: about $4.
3. SCREEN
Place the screen inside the five-gallon bucket to wipe excess paint off the roller. Cost: about $3.
4. ROLLER TRAY
Use a rigid plastic or metal tray for smaller projects. Cost: about $3.
5. STIRRER
Always stir paint before applying. Cost: free with paint purchase.
6. ROLLER COVER
For most interior walls, a 3/8-inch nap provides the best finish. Cost: about $4 each.
7. BLUE TAPE
Tape around trim with Ace Brand Clean Release Masking Tape (www.acehardware.com for locations). Cost: $5.50.
8. HOLE FILLER
Dab Nail Hole Filler (www.homedepot.com for locations) into small holes in the wall. It's faster than spackling. Cost: $4.
9. SCREWDRIVER
Remove switch plates and lighting fixtures before painting.
10. TAPE MEASURE
Measure walls so you'll know how much paint to buy. One gallon typically covers 400 square feet.
11. SPONGE
Wash walls with a mild dish-washing detergent before priming. Cost: about $2.
12. PRIMER
Use an interior-exterior primer with a stain blocker, such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer Sealer Stain-Killer (Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, 800-445-6937 for store locations). Cost: about $16 a gallon.
13. TRAY LINER
Using a disposable liner with a roller tray saves time during cleanup. Cost: under $1.
14. POURING SPOUT
Attach the Shur-Line Paint Pourer (Lowe's) to a gallon can and pour without any mess. Cost: about $2.
15. ANGLED SASH PAINTBRUSH
Use a two-inch angled synthetic brush on trim. The Shur-Grip brush (877-748-7546 for stores) has a cover that keeps it wet between uses. Cost: $9.
16. PLASTIC DROP CLOTH
Safeguard furniture with plastic. Cost: about $3.
17. CANVAS DROP CLOTH
Protect your floor with a 4-by-15-foot reusable canvas drop cloth, which is less slippery than plastic. Cost: about $20.