Trimming Down Expenses On Project Supplies
Totally agree on the blue tape—every time I try to cut corners with the off-brand stuff, I end up spending more time scraping paint off trim. It’s just not worth the hassle. Canvas drop cloths are a must for me too, especially after one client’s dog managed to tear a hole in a plastic sheet and tracked paint everywhere... lesson learned.
One thing I’ve found helps is buying certain supplies in bulk, like roller covers or sandpaper. The upfront cost is higher, but you get better quality and it lasts longer. For paint trays, I’ve actually started using those heavy-duty aluminum roasting pans from the dollar store. They’re sturdy, easy to clean, and if one gets too gross, I don’t feel bad tossing it.
I do wonder about brushes, though. I’ve tried both cheap and expensive ones, and sometimes the mid-range ones seem to hold up just as well if you clean them right away. Anyone else notice that, or am I just lucky with my brush choices?
Trimming Down Expenses On Project Supplies
I do wonder about brushes, though. I’ve tried both cheap and expensive ones, and sometimes the mid-range ones seem to hold up just as well if you clean them right away. Anyone else notice that, or am I just lucky with my brush choices?
I’ve had the same debate with myself every time I’m standing in the aisle staring at a wall of brushes. Honestly, I think you’re onto something with the mid-range ones. The super cheap brushes always seem to shed bristles everywhere—nothing like picking hairs out of fresh paint to make you question your life choices. But the top-shelf ones? I’ve splurged a couple times and didn’t notice a huge difference, as long as I cleaned them right after.
I’m a bit skeptical about the “buy once, cry once” logic for brushes. Maybe if you’re doing fine detail work or staining cabinets, but for walls and trim, a decent $8-12 brush seems to last me through several projects if I don’t get lazy about rinsing it out. The only time I regretted going cheap was when the handle snapped mid-job... lesson learned there.
Bulk buying is a good call for stuff like roller covers and sandpaper. I’ve also started reusing those plastic grocery bags as liners for paint trays—works in a pinch and saves a few bucks. The roasting pan idea is clever, though. Never thought of that.
Blue tape, though... yeah, there’s no substitute. Tried the bargain stuff once and ended up repainting half the baseboards. Sometimes saving a couple bucks just isn’t worth the headache.
Anyway, I guess it comes down to what you’re willing to risk. I’ll cut corners on some things, but not on anything that’ll cost me double in cleanup or repairs later.
The only time I regretted going cheap was when the handle snapped mid-job... lesson learned there.
That’s exactly why I stopped grabbing the bargain bin brushes. I’ve had a couple literally fall apart in my hand—bristles everywhere, ferrule loose, just a mess. I agree, mid-range is the sweet spot for most jobs. And blue tape? Tried to save a few bucks once, ended up cursing and scraping paint for hours. Some things just aren’t worth the gamble.
I’ve had a couple literally fall apart in my hand—bristles everywhere, ferrule loose, just a mess.
- Had the same thing happen with a roller frame—cheap metal bent and started squeaking halfway through the wall. Not fun.
- I’ll still grab discount drop cloths though. Haven’t noticed any difference there... paint still lands on ‘em just fine.
- Curious if anyone’s found any “budget” items that actually hold up? Or is it pretty much always mid-range or bust?
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I’ll admit, I’ve tried to cheap out on a few things over the years—usually ends up costing more in the long run, at least for the “tools with moving parts” category. Brushes and rollers from the bargain bin? Never again. I had a roller handle snap mid-stroke once and splatter paint all over my hardwood. Not a fun day.
Drop cloths though, yeah, I’m with you there. Haven’t noticed much difference between the $5 and $20 ones—paint doesn’t care what it lands on, just as long as it’s not my rug. I just make sure they’re not plastic, because those things are basically slip-n-slides waiting to happen.
One thing I actually do buy on the cheap: painter’s tape. The blue stuff is great, but I swear half the time I get better lines with the generic green roll. Maybe I just got lucky? Or maybe it’s all in how you press it down.
Honestly, for most tools, mid-range is usually my sweet spot. The ultra-budget stuff falls apart, but high-end sometimes feels like paying for a logo or fancy packaging. If it’s something I’m only going to use once (like weird specialty caulk guns), then yeah, I’ll grab the cheapest one and hope for the best.
But brushes... learned that lesson too many times. If you find a budget brand that actually holds up for more than a weekend—let us know. Until then, I’m sticking with my trusty Purdy and Wooster for anything that matters.
