Painting sundries are all the additional items that are needed to get the job done but are, usually, not used after you are finished. The list of possible painting sundries can be very long and depends on what you are doing and how you are doing it. The types of painting tools used and how they are used can affect the amounts and kinds of sundries used.

Paint Masking Materials

• Blue Painters Tape (Masking Tape) – It seems so simple, buy a roll of tape, but the moment you look at the shelves at the store you realize it’s not that simple. Instead of the regular (white) tape now there is blue or yellow masking tape, two varieties, and green tape. Each has a specific purpose with disadvantages. Read the inside manufactures label for suggested uses.
• Masking Paper – Using masking paper with a masking machine is the best way to protect many surfaces. The paper used is available in two different types, brown and green, and in several different sizes, from 4 inches to 12 inches.
• Plastic – Protection from drips or spray mist is a must. For large areas light weight painter’s plastic is a great choice. Another option is using rolls of plastic designed to fit onto a hand masker. Plastic masking film is folded for easy unfolding and available in many convenient lengths.

Patching Materials

• Wood Filler and Wood Repair Compounds – Many types of repairs are possible with the correct type of wood filler and repair compound. From fixing rotted wood, both interior and exterior, to filling a nail hole or crack in stained trim, use the correct type for professional results.
• Spackling Paste and Patching Compounds – Fixing a hole or crack might seem simple but what product do you use. For interior drywall or plaster you can use traditional spackling paste, light weight spackling paste or drywall patching compounds. Many exterior repairs require entirely different products and depend on the surface being patched.
• Caulking – Choose the best you can afford, especially for exterior painting. Often the only thing between lasting protection from the weather and possible damage to your house is the caulking.

Surface Conditioning

• Sandpaper and Sanding Sponges – You will always need a variety of sanding materials. Quality sand paper outlasts the cheap stuff 3-4 times and cuts down of the effort needed. Sanding sponges are a must have item. They do a great job when finishing stained wood and are equally suited for sanding a drywall patch.
• Solvents and Surface Conditioners – In order to finish the preparation of some surfaces, solvents or surface conditioners will be needed. Typical solvents can be denatured alcohol or acetone. These types of paint sundries are used to remove any remaining contaminates after cleaning or sanding. Surface conditioners, also called liquid sander or deglosser, perform this function and additionally chemically etch the surface.

Paint Conditioners

• Paint Additives – Paint additives can do many things, from reducing the drag on a brush to providing anti-slip characteristics. Paint and primer, water based and oil based, can be altered to slow down their drying time. Having this ability will allow you to apply these products when the conditions aren’t perfect. When plain paint isn’t enough, you will need some of these paint additives to help you through your project.

The list of available painting sundries is a lot longer than this. Most products will fit nicely into these categories. Evaluate each purchase and make sure you really need it and that the product is appropriate for your needs. Some items can be stored for future use, but some items if opened will harden and become useless if not used (example- caulking).