Trimming down expenses on project supplies

TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES

I hear you on the brushes—cheap ones just end up in the landfill way too fast, which bugs me. I try to go for the ones with recycled handles or natural bristles if I can find them, even if they cost a bit more. Funny enough, I’ve had better luck with those lasting longer too. As for drop cloths, totally agree about avoiding plastic... not just slippery but also a pain to get rid of responsibly. If you ever spot reusable canvas ones on sale, grab ’em—they last forever and you can wash out most paint stains (ask me how I know).

TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES

I get the appeal of canvas drop cloths, but honestly, I’ve had mixed results with them. They’re sturdy, sure, but sometimes paint still seeps through if you’re not careful—ask me how I learned that one... For quick jobs, I actually reuse old bedsheets or curtains. Not as fancy, but they do the trick and it’s one less thing to buy. As for brushes, totally agree about skipping the cheap ones. But I’ll admit, sometimes those mid-range synthetics surprise me and last longer than expected.

TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES

Bedsheets as drop cloths—now that’s a move I can get behind. I’ve done the same with old shower curtains, actually. They’re waterproof, so you don’t get that “surprise paint blob on the floor” moment. But then again, they can be slippery if you’re not careful, and I’ve nearly wiped out more than once. Ever tried using cardboard for smaller paint jobs? Not the prettiest, but it’s sturdy and usually free if you’ve got some shipping boxes lying around.

About those canvas drop cloths—do you think it’s a thickness issue? I’ve noticed the cheaper ones are almost see-through, while the heavy-duty ones are basically indestructible (and cost twice as much). Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth investing in one good one and just washing it when needed, or if that’s just me trying to justify spending more up front.

Brushes are a whole other story. I used to buy those bargain packs thinking I was being clever, but they’d shed bristles everywhere and leave streaks. Now I stick with mid-range synthetics too. They seem to hold up better than natural bristle for water-based paints, at least in my experience. Anyone else find that cleaning them properly is half the battle? If I forget and let them dry out... well, they’re basically toast.

Curious if anyone’s found a way to reuse or recycle those plastic paint trays? I hate tossing them after one use, but cleaning them is such a pain. Maybe there’s a hack I haven’t tried yet...

TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES

I’ve tried the shower curtain trick too, but I had the same problem—nearly busted my tail when I stepped on a paint blob and slid across the room. Cardboard’s decent for touch-ups, but if you spill a lot, it’ll soak through fast. I’ve started saving those big brown paper bags from grocery runs and slicing them open for smaller jobs. Not perfect, but at least they don’t slide around as much.

On the canvas drop cloths, I used to buy the cheap ones and just double them up, but honestly, I’ve ended up spending more over time replacing them. The heavy-duty ones are a pain to wash, but they last forever. I’m still using one I bought five years ago, so maybe it’s worth the upfront cost if you’re doing projects semi-regularly.

Paint trays are a headache. I’ve lined them with plastic grocery bags or even aluminum foil to make cleanup easier, but it’s not a perfect solution. I wish there was a better way that didn’t just add more plastic waste. If someone invents a reusable tray that’s actually easy to clean, I’d be all over it.

TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES

Totally agree on the heavy-duty canvas drop cloths—mine’s been through at least a dozen rooms and still kicking. Upfront cost stings, but it’s paid for itself.

- Tried the brown paper bag trick too. Works for quick jobs, but I’ve had paint seep through if I’m not careful.
- For paint trays, I’ve started using those cheap plastic food containers (the big ones from takeout). They’re sturdy enough to rinse out and reuse a few times, and I don’t feel as bad tossing them when they finally give up.
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“If someone invents a reusable tray that’s actually easy to clean, I’d be all over it.”

Honestly, sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves a lot of hassle down the line.