Why do some home decorating projects conjure up such dread? Maybe it’s because we approach these projects incorrectly. We spend all this time choosing the right hue of paint, wondering if it will change once it’s on the wall. When we finally settle on the desired color, we grab a paint brush and some tape from a random shelf and off we go. But we are missing something essential: the right equipment!

Here are my suggestions, from my local Hirshfield’s and my own experience trying to keep our home somewhat up-to-date and preserve family bliss at the same time:

• If you are painting with latex, use a synthetic-bristle brush. A natural-bristle brush is hard to work with unless you’re using oil-based paints.
• A good quality brush provides thicker, smoother and better strokes when you apply it to the wall and it hides possible imperfections in the wall.  My Hirshfield’s in Eden Prairie recommended that I use the following brushes depending on my project:

-3” brush works great for interior painting purposes

-2” brush can be used to cut-in corners

-An angled brush (1” to 2 1/2” wide) is great for trim work such as window frames and moldings

If using rollers are your thing (and I won’t do a painting project without one), use this guideline:

• If you’re working with latex paint, use a high-quality synthetic roller
• A good roller should retain it’s shape when squeezed and have few loose fibers
• A smooth surface wall requires a shorter roller nap than a rougher surface so make sure that you select the roller to fit each project.

Finally, if you can’t complete your painting project in one day, drain as much paint as possible from the brush, then cover each in a sealed plastic bag. This eliminates cleaning and drying brushes before you use them again.

So don’t fret when you plan your next painting project; grab the right paintbrushes, the perfect paint hue and crank the tunes! No dread needed.