Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
A painter can start with brushes, rollers and good prep tools, and add a sprayer when the jobs get bigger. Prep and protection gear matter as much as the paint gear.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Angled sash brushes in two or three widths | Cutting in clean lines | Varies by brand |
| Roller frames, extension poles and roller covers | Walls and ceilings | Varies by brand |
| 5 in 1 or 6 in 1 tools and putty knives | Scraping, opening cans, cleaning rollers | $13.50 (Bon Tool 6 in 1 tool, Bon Tool) |
| Drop cloths, plastic sheeting and painter's tape | Protecting floors and furniture | Varies by brand |
| Step ladder and a multi-position ladder | Ceilings, stairwells and trim | $535 (Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, Little Giant) |
| Caulk guns, spackle and sanding sponges | Prep that makes the paint look right | Varies by brand |
| Buckets, grids and a paint mixer | Boxing paint for even color | Varies by brand |
| Respirator, eye protection and a lead test kit | Safe prep in older homes | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most painters buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Airless paint sprayer | Exteriors, new construction and cabinets | $370 (Wagner Control Pro 170 airless sprayer, Wagner) |
| Larger cart airless sprayer | Running a second crew on exteriors | $480 (Wagner Control Pro 190 airless sprayer, cart, Wagner) |
| Pressure washer | Exterior prep before you paint | Varies by brand |
| Plank and ladder jacks or a walk board | High walls and stairwells | Varies by brand |
| Dust-free sander with a vacuum | Cabinet and trim refinishing | Varies by brand |
| EPA RRP containment supplies | Pre-1978 homes where you disturb paint | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Roller covers and brushes in the naps you use. Spares for every job.
- Tape, masking paper and plastic. Masking goes fast.
- Caulk, spackle and primer. Patching and spot priming.
- Sandpaper and sanding sponges. Between coats and on trim.
- Rags, tack cloths and cleanup supplies. Leaving the house clean.
What a painting kit costs
The 2 starter kit items we could price add up to $548 at the maker's listed price, out of 8 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
The 2 pro kit items we could price add up to $850 at the maker's listed price, out of 6 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
The sprayer and ladders swing the total most. A painter who does mostly interior repaints can go a long way with brushes, rollers and a good ladder.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most painters buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our painting suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the painting services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Bon Tool: Bon Tool 6 in 1 tool, checked October 9, 2026
- Little Giant: Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, checked October 9, 2026
- Wagner: Wagner Control Pro 170 airless sprayer, checked October 9, 2026
- Wagner: Wagner Control Pro 190 airless sprayer, cart, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for painters, checked October 9, 2026
- EPA: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, contractors, checked October 8, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.