All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Loading...
Ever spent a whole weekend painting only to find streaks, splatters, and a finish that looks amateur? The difference between a professional-looking job and one you hide under furniture is often the tools — not just the paint. Paint tool accessories like quality brushes, roller covers, masking tape, and drop cloths work like a team of specialists: each handles a small task that together makes the whole project shine. Choosing the right accessories saves time, reduces waste, and gives you results you'll be proud to show off.
Think of your paint kit like a kitchen: you wouldn't try to whisk batter with a fork when you could use an electric whisk. Similarly, the right accessories take the sweat out of decorating. Must-haves include angled brushes, a variety of roller covers, trays and liners, quality masking tape, sandpaper and sanding blocks, putty knives, and extension poles. Each item has a role — some for precision, some for coverage — and together they help you move faster and clean up easier.
Brushes come in widths measured in inches — 1", 1.5", 2", 2.5", and 3" are common — and choice depends on where you’re painting. Natural bristles are great for oil-based paints, while synthetic bristles suit water-based paints. An angled sash brush, about 1" to 2" wide, is brilliant for cutting in along skirting boards and window frames.
Roller covers are measured by nap in inches. A 1/4" nap works well on smooth walls, while a 3/4" nap is better for textured plaster. Larger nap means more paint retained and faster coverage, but also more splatter. Keep a range handy: a 9" roller with 1/2" nap is a versatile choice for most interior walls.
Trays and disposable liners are a small investment that save messy clean-ups. Metal or plastic trays with a matching liner let you pour and store leftover paint without washing out the whole tray. Using a pouring spout or a paint pourer prevents drips when transferring paint from a tin to a tray.
Masking tape ensures sharp edges — use painter's tape specifically, not general-purpose tape. For floors and furniture, drop cloths made from woven cotton or heavy-duty plastic shields protect surfaces. If you’re protecting large areas, consider a masking film and a long roll of tape to work like a portable shield.
Not sure where to find the best accessories? The UK market is packed with retailers that cater to DIYers and trade professionals alike. Below are reliable options, each with its own strengths, whether you're after bargains, specialist gear, or fast click-and-collect options.
B&Q is a go-to for homeowners looking for a broad range of paint tools. From inexpensive starter kits to premium brush sets, B&Q balances price and quality. Their stores and online shop make it easy to compare brushes, rollers, and tapes side-by-side. If you like seeing tools in hand before buying, their in-store displays are helpful.
Wickes tends to cater to renovators juggling bigger projects. Expect wider ranges of trade-grade rollers, long extension poles that extend several feet, and heavy-duty dust sheets. Wickes often stocks specialist sanding pads and more robust masking products for messy jobs.
Screwfix is popular with tradespeople and DIYers who want fast availability and tried-and-tested brands. The selection leans toward professional-grade accessories, like microfibre roller covers and precision brushes from trusted manufacturers. With quick click-and-collect options, you can gear up and get back on the ladder in a few hours.
Toolstation mirrors many of the trade-focused offerings you’ll find at Screwfix but can be easier on the wallet for bulk buys. They offer extension poles that telescope to several feet, a solid choice for lofts and high ceilings, and a compact range of edging tools for neat lines.
Homebase provides a friendly mix of homeuser and trade items. Their paint tool aisle often includes complete sets aimed at beginners alongside better-quality individual items. If you value straightforward advice and packaged kits, Homebase is a sensible stop.
On a tight budget? Wilko tends to carry affordable brushes, trays, and drop cloths that work well for small projects or quick touch-ups. For one-off tasks and seasonal jobs, the lower price point is handy. Just be selective about bristle quality if you’re doing a bigger decoration project.
If convenience and choice top your list, Amazon UK has near-endless options. You’ll find specialty rollers, international brands, and niche tools like corner rollers and paint edgers. Read reviews carefully to separate true gems from duds, and watch for bundle deals that include trays and drywall knives.
For finer brushes and specialist artist tools that double as decorating tools, Hobbycraft and John Lewis are worth a look. John Lewis, in particular, offers premium universal brushes and a curated set of tools for neat finishes, ideal if you’re aiming for a higher-end result on trim and furniture.
Choosing tools is less about brand and more about match-making: pairing the tool with your surface, paint type, and desired finish. Ask yourself: Is the surface rough or smooth? Are you using emulsion or a gloss? How long do you want the job to take? Answering these will guide you to the right nap lengths, bristle types, and accessory choices.
Water-based paints require synthetic brushes to hold shape when wet, while oil-based paints pair well with natural bristles that hold paint and leave fewer streaks. Using the wrong bristle reduces control and can ruin a smooth finish.
Smoother surfaces call for shorter nap rollers; rough textures need longer nap to reach into crevices. For lightly textured walls, a 1/2" nap roller is a safe middle ground. For heavy pebble-dash or rough plaster, consider a 1" or 1-1/4" nap to avoid patchy coverage.
Some accessories feel like small luxuries but pay back big when you’re mid-project. Magnetic paint pot holders, paint edgers, corner rollers, and precision paint shields make taping less necessary and speed up cutting-in. For ceilings, a quality extension pole with a secure universal head changes a back-breaking job into something you can do comfortably.
Edgers are brilliant when you want that crisp line without spending ages taping. A corner roller is essentially a two-in-one — it fits into the corner seam and applies paint evenly on both planes. For trim and ceiling junctions, these tools are lifesavers.
Don’t forget safety. Dust masks and respirators protect you from fine sanding dust and paint fumes. Safety glasses and work gloves also reduce the chance of accidental scrapes or splatters. When sanding, choose a mask rated for fine particulates to protect your lungs.
A good brush can last years if you look after it. Clean brushes immediately after use according to paint type — water for water-based paints and suitable solvents for oil-based finishes — and store them flat or hanging to maintain the bristle shape. Roller covers can be kept reusable if wrapped tightly in cling film or stored in a sealed container between coats.
Use warm water and gentle soap for synthetic brushes, and a suitable solvent for natural bristles after oil-based work. For rollers, a roller cleaner tool or a bucket with a grid helps remove excess paint quickly. Always spin or roll off as much paint as possible before washing to cut down on water usage and dry time.
Store brushes upright or hanging; compressed bristles lead to splayed edges. Keep rollers in breathable bags if storing for a short time, or use the cling film trick to keep them fresh between sessions. For metal tools, a light coat of oil prevents rust if you’ll store them for a season.
You don’t need to buy the most expensive items to get great results, but skimping on every item adds up. Spend more on brushes and a couple of trusty roller covers; skimp on disposable items like liners and plastic drop sheets if you’re tight. A medium-budget kit that balances a couple of premium brushes, two good roller covers, a tray, and tape will cover most projects without breaking the bank.
Save on disposable items and basic trays; splurge on bristles, a high-quality extension pole, and a good angular brush. If you paint regularly, premium roller covers and brushes pay for themselves through longevity and improved finish quality.
Want to be greener? Look for recycled drop cloths, low-VOC paints, and brushes from sustainable materials. Some stores in the UK offer eco ranges, and several niche suppliers sell long-lasting tools made from responsibly sourced wood and bristles. Specialty shops also provide vegan brush options for those avoiding animal products.
Low-VOC paints pair well with synthetic brushes and can reduce indoor air quality concerns. If you prefer natural materials, seek out brushes with sustainably sourced wood handles and plant-based bristles designed for water-based paints.
Preparation is more than half the job. Patch holes with a quality filler using a putty knife, sand smooth with a sanding block measured in inches for grit selection, and prime where needed. Test your chosen brush and roller on a scrap piece of board to dial in technique and check for drips. Small steps like these keep the paint flowing and your frustration low.
Clear the room, protect floors and fixtures, choose the right nap and brush size, and have a cup of tea nearby. OK, that last one is optional — but a calm mindset improves precision, and getting enjoyment from the process makes a big difference.
Picking the right paint tool accessories is like choosing the right team for a relay: every member has a role, and when they work together you finish faster and cleaner. Whether you shop at B&Q, Wickes, Screwfix, Toolstation, Homebase, Wilko, or online at Amazon UK, focus on matching tool type to paint and surface, invest in a few quality pieces, and maintain them properly. With the right accessories and a little prep, your next decorating project will look and feel like it was done by a pro — without the pro price tag.
| Paint Tool Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Dekton Flexi Funnel - 14 Cm | £ 1,50 | |
| Jml Magic Paint Tray | £ 1,55 | |
| Hamilton 353110190 For The Trade Masonry Roller Sleeve 9 | £ 2,03 | |
| Tesa Painter's Tape 50 M X 55 Mm,1 Piece | £ 3,- | |
| Amtech 6 Piece Small Wire Brush Set - Steel, Brass & Nylon Heads | £ 3,99 | |
| Harris 102054002 Seriously Good Paste Brush 5 Inch | £ 4,17 | |
| Tilswall Paint Sieves - Pack Of 50 With 190 Â M | £ 13,99 | |
| Tilswall 17pcs Hvlp Spray Gun Cleaning Kit - Specializes In Paint Sprayer | £ 19,99 | |
| Blue Cap - Spray | £ 36,10 |
