TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
- Canvas drop cloths are solid, no argument there. I’ve got a couple that are basically patched together at this point, but they still beat the plastic stuff for anything you want to reuse.
- Old sheets... eh, I’ve tried them. They’re fine if you’re just dusting or covering furniture, but for paint or anything that could leak through, it’s not worth the risk. Learned that the hard way with a rogue paint roller—never again.
- Rinse station outside is a good call, but I’d watch where the water goes. Last year I thought I was being clever and ended up with a muddy patch right by the back steps for weeks. If you can rig up a gravel bed or something to catch the runoff, even better.
- Contractor plastic sheeting is cheap up front, but I get annoyed at how much waste it creates. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, though—like when you’re demoing drywall and need to seal off rooms fast.
- Cardboard boxes are underrated. I use them for everything from kneeling pads to makeshift mixing trays. Even used one as a paint shield once when I was spraying baseboards.
One thing I’d add: check local classifieds or marketplace apps for leftover supplies. People finishing up projects will sometimes give away partial rolls of plastic or extra drop cloths just to clear out space. Not always worth the drive, but if you’re nearby it can save a few bucks.
At the end of the day, I’d rather spend a little more on something that lasts than keep buying single-use stuff. But yeah, sometimes you just need whatever gets the job done without breaking the bank...
- Canvas drop cloths really do last forever if you don’t mind the patches. I’ve thought about sewing two old ones together—anyone tried that?
- I agree on old sheets being risky for paint. I ruined a carpet corner thinking a double layer would work... big mistake.
- Cardboard is a lifesaver, especially for messy stuff. I started flattening every box that comes into the house just in case.
- I wonder if there’s a better way to reuse contractor plastic? Feels wasteful tossing it each time, but it gets so gross.
- Marketplace finds are hit or miss, but I’ve scored leftover tile and even half a gallon of paint for free. Worth checking if you’re not in a rush.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I’ve got to gently push back on the idea of sewing old canvas drop cloths together—it can work, but getting a truly flat, paint-proof seam is trickier than it looks. The overlap can create little ridges that paint loves to sneak under, and if you’re rolling out a big area, those bumps can trip you up. If you do try it, I’d use a heavy-duty machine, zigzag stitch, and press the seams flat with an iron before use. Maybe even run some painter’s tape along the seam on the floor as a backup. I’ve seen folks try to glue them together with construction adhesive too, but that’s a mess if you ever want to wash them.
About cardboard—I’m a fan for quick jobs or places where it doesn’t matter if things get a little rough. But for any kind of liquid (paint, stain, primer), it’s risky. Cardboard soaks up spills and can stick to floors or leave a weird residue, especially if it gets wet. I keep a stack for short-term stuff, but for anything serious, I go back to canvas or rosin paper.
The contractor plastic dilemma is real. I’ve tried hosing it off and letting it dry in the sun, but it never really gets clean—paint flakes, dust, and who-knows-what just cling to it. The only time I reuse it is for dirty demolition work, like pulling out drywall or insulation, where it’s just going to get trashed anyway. For painting, I switch to canvas or even that brown builder’s paper. It’s not reusable, but it’s compostable and way less guilt when you toss it.
Marketplace and curb alerts are gold if you’ve got patience. Last year, I picked up a stack of nearly new 2x4s from a neighbor’s tear-down. Saved a chunk on my garden shed build. On the flip side, I’ve also ended up with a pile of half-used caulk tubes that were all dried up... bit of a gamble.
Anyway, the “right” supply is kind of a moving target depending on the project. Sometimes spending a little more upfront on something you can use over and over (like a good drop cloth) saves you headaches down the line. But hey, sometimes you just need to grab what’s handy and roll with it.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
You nailed it about the seams on canvas—no matter how careful you are, they’re never as flat as a single piece. I’ve tried every trick, and there’s always a little ridge or gap that ends up catching paint. For bigger jobs, I just bite the bullet and buy a new drop cloth. It pays for itself after a few uses anyway. Cardboard’s fine for quick-and-dirty stuff, but I’ve seen it stick to hardwood floors if it gets wet... not worth the risk in my book. Marketplace finds can be hit or miss, but when you score, it’s a real win.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I hear you on the cardboard—had a client’s floor get a weird imprint once after a spill, and that was enough for me. I’ve started using those heavy-duty plastic sheets for some jobs. They’re not as nice as canvas, but they’re cheap and reusable if you’re careful. Marketplace is a gamble, but I’ve lucked out with some old painter’s tarps that just needed a wash. Sometimes you just gotta mix and match depending on the job.
