Have you noticed how the painting tools and supplies in your local hardware store seem to be changing? Gone are the days of just brushes, rollers, and trays. Now there are so many innovative painting gadgets and tools that are making painting projects easier, faster, and more fun. As an avid DIYer and serial redecorator, I’m always on the lookout for the latest painting inventions that can save time and produce better results. If you’re in the market for new painting tools, check out some of these cool new options that are changing the game. From electronic paint sprayers to edging tools that rival tape, these modern contraptions will transform how you paint.
How Technology Is Revolutionizing Painting Tools
These days, technology is changing the game for painters and DIYers. New tools are making the job quicker, easier, and more fun.
Powerful yet portable cordless tools
Cordless tools used to lack power and battery life, but new lithium-ion batteries are giving us brushless motors and longer run times. Brands like DeWalt, Bosch and Makita offer cordless paint sprayers, sanders, and more that rival their corded counterparts. No more tripping over cords or limited mobility!
Smart tools connect to your phone
Some next-gen painting tools connect to apps on your phone via Bluetooth, like the Graco Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer. You can remotely control flow rate, pressure and more right from your phone. The Wagner Smart Roller connects to an app that guides your rolling technique for an even coat every time.
Tools that do the work for you
Powerful motors and built-in sensors allow tools to take over some of the work. The Graco Paint Buddy paint edger uses sensors to guide the tool along edges for you. The Shur-Line Paint Trim Guide does the same for cutting in corners and trim. These automatic tools provide professional results for DIYers.
Technology is making painting and home renovation more accessible, convenient and fun for pros and beginners alike. The future is bright for smart tools that enhance our creativity and make tough jobs simpler. The possibilities for innovation are endless, so keep an eye out for the next game-changing tool!
Top Innovative Paint Rollers Saving Time and Effort
New rollers are making painting so much easier. Forget messy trays and repetitive dipping—these innovative tools are serious time savers.
The PaintRunner Pro
This electric roller applies paint for you. Just fill the reservoir, turn it on, and glide it along the wall. It releases the perfect amount of paint for full, even coverage. No mess, no fuss.
The Paint Shield
Painting trim and edges is tedious work. The Paint Shield protects surfaces around trim so you can roll freely without taping everything off or worrying about drips and splatters. It’s a reusable guard that attaches to any standard roller cover.
The PaintStick EZ-Twist
This clever contraption combines a roller and extension pole in one. The pole extends up to 9 feet so you can reach ceilings and high walls without a ladder. And the roller cover simply twists on and off for quick changes and easy cleaning. No more fumbling with roller frames and cages at the top of an extension pole.
The Paint Wand
Forget brushes for cutting in and edging. The Paint Wand is an electric trim and edge painter that gives you laser-sharp lines in seconds. It’s cordless, with adjustable speeds and interchangeable tips for different edging tasks. Trim, windows, corners—it does it all with speed and precision.
With these modern aids, painting is faster, cleaner and more efficient than ever. The days of messy trays, repetitive dipping and finicky edging brushes are over. The future of painting is powered by technology that gets the job done in record time. Now if only the innovation could continue on to also do the cleanup!
Clever Paint Brushes for Those Hard to Reach Areas
Painting can be tricky when you have to maneuver around tight corners, edges and trim. These new tools make those hard to reach areas a breeze.
The angled paintbrush has an offset handle that lets you get into corners at an angle without bumping your knuckles. The bristles also often come to a tapered point, allowing precision work. These are great for cutting in around ceilings, baseboards and windows.
An edging tool or “trim pad” has a wheeled shield that rolls along edges to prevent paint bleed, while the attached pad applies paint. No more messy tape to deal with. These gadgets give you clean, crisp lines in a fraction of the time.
Paint pens or markers are ideal for small touch ups and details. The felt tip allows you to precisely apply paint to scratches, dents or trim. Look for ones specifically meant for painting that are filled with real paint, not ink. They now come in a variety of widths for different applications.
The painting shield or guard protects areas you don’t want to paint, like ceilings, floors or fixtures. Simply hold the shield in place while you paint around its edges. No need to meticulously cut in around surfaces or apply painter’s tape. Reusable, adjustable guards can work for various projects.
An extension pole attaches to your roller or paintbrush for extra reach. No more balancing on a ladder or chair to paint high ceilings or tall walls. Look for lightweight aluminum poles that provide a secure connection to your painting tools up to 15 or 20 feet high. They make all those out-of-reach tasks much safer and easier.
Whichever tools you choose, painting hard to reach areas doesn’t have to be difficult or messy anymore. With the right gadgets, you’ll be cutting in and rolling like a pro in no time.
Must-Have Paint Scrapers and Strippers
Paint scrapers and strippers are essential tools for any painter. They make quick work of removing loose paint, wallpaper, and other surfaces so you can start with a clean slate. Here are some of the latest tools that will save you time and effort.
Plastic Scrapers
Plastic scrapers, like the Hyde 09165, are great for gently scraping off loose paint without damaging the underlying surface. The flexible blade won’t scratch wood or metal. They’re ideal for detail work in corners and trim.
Heated Scrapers
Heated scrapers use infrared technology to warm up as you scrape, softening paint and making it easier to remove. The Wagner HT3500 has an ergonomic design so you can scrape for hours comfortably. It heats up to 750°F to handle even the toughest paint jobs.
Chemical Paint Strippers
For stubborn paint, a chemical stripper is your best option. Peel Away 7 is an eco-friendly stripper that removes up to 15 layers of paint in one application. It’s non-toxic, low-odor and safe for indoor use. Apply with a brush, wait as directed, then use a scraper to remove the softened paint. Multiple applications may be needed for some surfaces.
Powered Paint Scrapers
Powered scrapers, like the Hyde 09150, speed up the scraping process with an electric motor. They work on wood, metal, concrete and more. The replaceable blades scrape in every direction, cutting through many layers of paint at once. They do require eye protection and create dust, so use proper ventilation and dust control.
Heat Guns
A heat gun generates hot air to soften paint for easy scraping. The BLACK+DECKER HG1300D has two temperature settings, up to 1300°F, to handle any paint removal job. Slowly and evenly heat the surface while scraping to avoid damage. Be very careful, as the high heat can cause burns. Heat guns require extreme caution but are highly effective.
With the latest tools at your fingertips, paint removal and surface preparation has never been easier. Pick and choose the options that suit your needs and get ready to transform any space.
High-Tech Sprayers for Faster and More Consistent Coverage
New high-tech sprayers are revolutionizing how we apply paint. Gone are the days of hand pumping a sprayer for hours. Cordless sprayers allow you to move freely without dragging an air hose and compressor behind you. Battery-powered sprayers provide plenty of power and endurance to tackle big jobs.
Cordless airless sprayers, like the Graco Ultra Cordless or the Wagner FLEXiO 5000, offer the convenience of cordless with the speed and finish of an airless sprayer. They can spray unthinned latex and oil-based paints for up to an hour on a single charge. Recharging the removable battery pack takes only 30 minutes so you’ll be back to spraying in no time.
For smaller jobs or tighter spaces, consider a cordless handheld sprayer. Models like the HomeRight Finish Max or the Ryobi P620 provide a lightweight, portable solution. They work great for spraying cabinets, trim, crafts and small furniture. The rechargeable batteries typically offer 15-30 minutes of spraying per charge.
If you need commercial power and performance, lithium-ion battery-powered airless sprayers are the way to go. Brands like Graco, Titan and Wagner offer high-performance sprayers that can handle the demands of professional painters. They provide spray speeds and tip sizes suitable for residential and commercial work. While pricey, they offer an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered sprayers.
New smart features on high-tech sprayers include:
•Built-in air filters to reduce overspray and improve finish quality.
•Digital displays to monitor battery level, flow rate, and tip size.
•Pressure regulators to adjust spray pressure on the fly.
•Ergonomic, lightweight designs for easier handling and less fatigue.
•Onboard storage for tips, filters, batteries and other accessories.
With so many innovative options now available, there’s never been an easier or more efficient way to get professional results when spraying paint at home. Next time you have a big painting project, consider investing in one of these high-tech tools to save time and produce a flawless finish.
Revolutionary Paint Tray Designs to Prevent Spills
Paint trays have come a long way from the flimsy metal trays of the past. New designs make painting easier and less messy.
Tray liners
Disposable tray liners sit inside your paint tray to prevent dried paint buildup. When you’re done painting, just lift out the liner and throw it away—no more scraping out dried paint globs. Liners come in a range of sizes to fit most standard trays.
Reusable tray covers
For an eco-friendly option, try reusable tray covers. These covers fit snugly over your paint tray, with an opening for your roller. The cover prevents splatters and spills, while the paint drains back down into the tray through the opening. Just rinse the cover when done and reuse.
Tray grids
If you hate chasing your roller around a slick paint tray, a tray grid or tray screen is the solution. These drop-in grids have a raised criss-cross pattern that keeps your roller and tray liner in place. The paint drains below the grid, so you get maximum coverage with each dip. Grids come in sizes to fit most trays.
Paint tray pans
For major painting projects, a paint tray pan saves time with fewer trips to refill your tray. These large pans hold up to a gallon of paint and fit a standard roller tray inside. The tray sits up on legs, allowing excess paint to drain back into the pan. When done, just pour the remaining paint back into the original can—no waste!
Multi-purpose trays
The latest innovation are trays that do double duty. Some trays have built-in brush holders, magnets and clips to keep tools organized. Others have pour spouts, built-in grids and molded areas for rollers and brushes. A few even convert into a paint can for storing leftover paint. These multi-tasking trays free up your hands and make the job more efficient.
Upgrading your painting tools with any of these new tray designs will transform the experience and produce professional results. Your walls will thank you!
Innovative Ladders and Staging Tools for Safety and Convenience
When it comes to painting, having the right tools for the job makes all the difference. New innovations in ladders and staging equipment are making painters’ lives safer and more convenient than ever before.
Telescoping Ladders
Telescoping ladders extend and retract, allowing you to adjust to the perfect height for your work. Their compact size makes them easy to transport and store, yet they can extend up to 20 feet high for most residential painting needs. Brands like Little Giant and Louisville Ladder are popular, durable options.
Work Platforms
If you’re painting high, vaulted ceilings or the second story of a home, work platforms provide a stable, elevated surface to stand on. Some models like the Titan Pro Series scaffold extend up to 30 feet high. Their adjustable platforms and guardrails give you secure footing so you can focus on your work. For tight spaces, look for a model with a small footprint that can collapse for storage.
Articulating Ladders
For hard to reach areas, an articulating ladder bends and maneuvers into the perfect position. Its adjustable joints allow the ladder to contour to angles, bend around corners and extend over obstacles. The Gorilla Ladders Flex Elite can configure into a step ladder, extension ladder, 90 degree ladder or stairway ladder. Its versatile and adaptable design is ideal for any painting project with difficult access.
Mechanical Lifts
If climbing ladders isn’t ideal, a mechanical lift will raise and lower you smoothly to any height. Popular models like the Titan Pro Series lifts can elevate up to 38 feet in the air. Their sturdy platforms and safety harnesses provide fall protection so you can paint in comfort and without fear of heights. For larger commercial jobs, lifts offer an efficient way to access and maneuver around the work area.
With these innovative tools at your disposal, any painting project becomes more convenient and safety-focused. Take your time to set up the right equipment for the job and you'll be creating perfect results in no time!
Cutting-Edge Apps and Gadgets for Easier Project Planning
These days, technology is changing nearly every industry, and painting is no exception. Innovative new tools and apps are making planning and executing your painting projects easier than ever.
Color-Matching Apps
Apps like ColorSnap allow you to match any color palette in your photos to major paint brands. Just snap a photo of something with a color scheme you like, and the app will provide a list of paint shades to recreate the look. No more guessing if “sunset orange” and “terra cotta” are close enough - you’ll have the exact matches on hand.
Virtual Paint Visualizers
Virtual paint visualizer tools let you see what different colors will look like on your walls before you lift a paintbrush. Upload photos of your room, and the visualizer will allow you to paint the walls with different hues to find your perfect shade. Some recommended options are the visualizers from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Behr.
Laser Measuring Tools
Forget tape measures and pencils. Laser measuring tools can instantly measure room dimensions, calculating floor and wall space to determine exactly how much paint you’ll need for your project. Many connect to compatible painting apps to seamlessly transfer your measurements and room details into a project plan. The Bosch Blaze Laser Measure is a highly-rated, easy-to-use option.
Paint Sprayers
While paint sprayers, or paint spray guns, have been around for years, new cordless models offer maximum convenience and mobility. Sprayers provide an even, flawless coat of paint in a fraction of the time of brushes and rollers. For your next interior painting job, consider an option like the Graco TrueCoat 360 or the Fuji Semi-PRO 2.
By taking advantage of the latest painting technologies, you’ll find project planning and execution smoother and more efficient than ever before. These cutting-edge tools are true game-changers for do-it-yourself painters and pros alike.
FAQs About Using New Painting Technology Correctly
So you’ve invested in some new high-tech painting tools to make your work faster and easier. Great! But to get the most out of your new gadgets, it’s important to use them properly. Here are some frequently asked questions about using the latest painting technology the right way:
Do I still need to prep the surface?
Yes, preparation is key no matter what tools you’re using. Fill any cracks or holes, sand rough areas, and clean the surface to remove dirt and debris. High-tech tools require an even smoother surface to work well.
How do I ensure an even coat?
Move your new sprayer, roller, or brush slowly and steadily in long, overlapping strokes. Don’t rush the work. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. Let each coat dry as directed before adding another.
Do the new tools reduce clean up time?
Some do, some don’t. Tools like sprayers and battery-powered rollers do cut down on time spent dipping brushes and rollers into paint trays. However, they have parts that require cleaning like sprayer tips, hose filters, and roller cages. Follow the cleaning instructions to keep tools in good working order.
Can I use any paint with the new tools?
Not necessarily. Check the specifications for your particular tools to determine compatible paint types and viscosities. In general, thinner paints, stains and sealers work best for sprayers while mid-range and high-viscosity paints are suitable for most rollers and brushes. Using incompatible paint can clog, sputter and prevent tools from working properly.
Do I need special safety gear?
Yes, when using sprayers, high-powered rollers or any tool that disperses fine paint particles into the air, be sure to wear a mask, goggles, gloves and protective clothing. Proper ventilation, drop cloths and paint shields are also must-haves to avoid health hazards and mess.
Following the tips and recommendations in the tool’s instructions along with some common sense precautions will have you using your new painting gadgets like a pro in no time. Happy painting!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, some of the latest and greatest painting tools and gadgets that are revolutionizing how you can create art. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting into painting as a hobby, technology has your back. With options for digital drawing pads, smart easels, automated paint dispensers and more, the possibilities for creativity are endless. Next time you feel inspired to paint, don't limit yourself to just a brush and canvas. Take advantage of all the innovative tools now available to bring your artistic visions to life in ways never before possible. The future of painting is here - go ahead and see where your creativity leads you!