Tools & Materials Vol.5a: Painting u2014 Brush & Roller

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2021-07-31 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

u270fufe0f 2026 Update from DIY Dad: Tools for Sand-Plaster Walls and Paint Application

This post covers the tools for dealing with sand-plaster and fiber walls common in older apartments, plus the tools used for painting. Deciding whether to work with the existing wall or rebuild the substrate from scratch is just as important as having the right gear. ^ ^

How to Handle Sand-Plaster and Fiber Walls

The two main approaches for dealing with the “sand-plaster” and “fiber walls” found in many older rental properties:

Method 1: Seal and Wallpaper Over It

Apply a sealer (consolidant) over the sand-plaster, let it dry, smooth with putty, then apply wallpaper. Relatively straightforward and affordable. However, if the surface is heavily uneven, the final finish may not be perfect.

Method 2: Strip and Rebuild the Substrate

Completely remove the sand-plaster and rebuild the substrate with plasterboard or plywood. More labor-intensive and costly, but produces the cleanest result. DIY Dad used this method for a tatami room in his apartment. m(_ _)m

Substrate Preparation After Stripping

1. Inspect the existing wall base (wood lath, metal lath, etc.)
2. Remove and repair any decayed or softened sections
3. Apply gypsum board (12.5 mm)
4. Fill joints with putty (joint compound)
5. Apply a thin skim coat of putty over the entire surface for smoothness
6. After drying, sand smooth u2192 apply wallpaper or paint

Screw spacing for gypsum board: 300 mm or less as a rule. Locate the studs and cross-blocking before driving screws. ^ ^

Painting Tools and Materials

Hand Painting (Roller and Brush)

• Roller (for main surface areas)
• Paintbrush (for corners and edges where rollers can’t reach)
• Paint tray (for loading paint onto the roller)
• Masking tape and masker (for protecting boundaries)

Spray Application (Spray Gun)

• Compressor (air source)
• Spray gun
• Mask and safety goggles (protection from airborne paint)
• Full-coverage masking (to guard against wide overspray)

Hand painting is beginner-friendly. Spray application delivers a more even finish, but requires thorough masking due to the wide spray pattern. DIY Dad uses each method depending on the situation. m(_ _)m

As a Landlord: The Cost Efficiency of Painting

Painting offers maximum visual improvement for minimum material cost. Simply repainting walls and ceilings white brightens the entire room and makes a strong impression on prospective tenants.

Professional painting in a 6-mat room runs 50,000u201380,000 yen. Do it yourself, and you’re paying only for paint u2014 around 3,000u20135,000 yen. One of the best-value DIY renovations you can do. ^ ^

ud83cudfe2 For Anyone Considering Apartment Investment or Renovation

Cost-effectiveness is everything in apartment renovation. DIY Dad drastically reduces costs by doing the work himself. ^ ^

Marutoku Shop | Renovation materials and lumber online u00bb

Hello, this is DIY Dad. ^ ^

This post introduces the tools and materials used for painting.

1) Hand Painting

The tool setup is the same as for sealer application when preparing the substrate. The key tools are a brush, roller, extension pole, and paint tray (palette).

Paintbrush

Used for narrow, detailed areas u2014 corners, edges, and anywhere a roller can’t reach.

Roller Handle

The handle the roller cover attaches to. Used for painting large surface areas.

Large Roller Cover

Attaches to the roller handle. Holds more paint than a small cover, making it faster on open surfaces. Of course, it won’t fit into tight corners. (Obviously… again.)

Small Roller Cover

Attaches to the roller handle. Used wherever the large cover can’t reach.

Aggregate Roller Cover (Sand Texture Roller)

Attaches to the roller handle. Used with sand-aggregate paints for thick application. Unlike standard roller covers, this one leaves a textured pattern on the surface.

Extension Pole

Attaches to brushes or roller handles. With this, you can reach high spots without hauling over a stepladder.

Paint Palette

For mixing and loading paint onto brushes or rollers.

Paint Container

Same function as the palette u2014 for mixing and loading paint.

Paint Container Insert (Liner)

Fits inside the container. Keeps the container clean u2014 swap the liner to switch to a different paint color without cleaning the whole container.

That’s all for today! (^^)/~~~

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