What Are the Types of Paint Edgers?

Here are the four types of paint edgers:

1. Manual Pad Edgers: Manual pad edgers are widely used due to their sleek design and mess-free work. It consists of a cotton pad, two wheels at the upper side, and a handle. Manual paint edgers are square in shape and are made up of plastic. Dip the pad in the paint tray and scrape the excess paint on the tray rims before using it. Repeat the process until the pad is soaked. Keep it on the substrate and push it down to draw a crisp line. Wheels keep at least a 2 to 3-inch distance from the rims or sockets to avoid stains. 
2. Roller Edgers: Roller edges consist of a roller cover, handle, roller frame, and clutch. These roller edgers are used to paint walls near ceilings and large surface areas within seconds. Pour paint into the paint bucket or paint tray and insert liners (grids) to tap off excess paint. Soak the roller cover in the deep well and roll it on the ridges or metal grids before using. Roller edgers are easy to clean with paint stir sticks and solvents. Choose the right size of roller frame and cover to avoid paint drip incidents when painting. 
3. Trim tool-Brush: The trim tool-brush is also known as brush brush-style paint edger. It is an angular brush with a plastic-like shield on one side to create crisp lines. Unlike standard paint edgers, it is cost-effective and reduces expenses. The trim tool brush is used for detailed and decorative work. This trim tool brush is not suggested for beginners due to the flexible bristles. The plastic shield acts as a barrier and stands parallel to the surface to be protected.
4. Electric or Motorized Edgers: Electric and motorized paint edgers have a built-in battery, unlike manual pad edgers. The handle of the paint edger is filled with paint like an injection, and then fitted back into the edger. It contains a handle that releases paint in drips over time and keeps the roller frame wet. Electric paint edgers reduce the need to re-dip the paint edger into the deep well. They reduce the paint waste and save time. Motor edgers are used around windows on frames and baseboards to create a stain-free look. Many professionals and homeowners DIY the paint edgers at home. They use a painter’s tape (blue, yellow, or black) depending on the substrate. Stick it well and remove this tape after it dries at 45o angle away from the substrate. 

How to Choose the Right Paint Edger

Here are the five tips to choose the right paint edger for painting projects:

1. Surface Type: Assess the type of surface before choosing the paint edgers. Roller paint edgers work best for smooth surfaces like plain walls. Choose manual pad paint edgers or brush-style paint edgers for texture and trim edges, as they can be adjusted accordingly.
2. Paint Type: The type of paint directly affects the selection of the paint edger. Choose the roller frames and manual pad paint edgers for latex and oil-based paints. Select the brushes for primers, sealers, and varnishes for a smooth look. Don’t forget to tap off excess paint and prevent bristles from bending. 
3. Edge Complexity: Identify the surface and complexity of the edger before purchasing the paint edger. Roller paint edgers are not fit for tight corners like cabinets and window frames. Use trim tool brushes or the manual pad paint edger to access curved edges or hard-to-reach areas. 
4. Pad or Roller Preference: Choose the paint edger according to the surface, paint type, and skills. Pad and roller paint edgers require specific skills to handle and move the roller frame. Use new paint edgers or edgers without broken thread strands, as they leave stains.
5. Reusability and Maintenance: Use roller frame covers or pad paint brushes for on-time use. They can be reused after proper washing. Electric and trim brush paint edgers are best for future uses. Wash them with solvent or water, depending on the type of paint they are dipped in, and store them carefully. 

How to Use a Paint Edger Properly

Here are the five ways to use paint properly:

1. Surface Preparation: Remove dirt, debris, and dirt mites from the substrate before painting. Remove the previous paint to improve the adhesion and lifespan of the current paint. Cover the trims or socket with masking tape to prevent stains from paint drips. 
2. Load the Paint Pad: Take a paint tray or bucket with built-in grids and pour paint into it without splashing around on the drop cloth. Dip the paint edger and scrape the excess paint off. Reload the paint again when painting with new paint edgers until they get drenched. 
3. Align the Edger: Place the flush of paint edger against the surface to prevent the paint from seeping or marking on it. Don’t move the paint edger when moving along the substrate to minimize the risk of uneven lines. 
4. Apply with Steady Motion: Place the paint edger and pull it down to the end without any pauses or breaks, as they leave brush marks or strokes behind. Patchy paint, uneven paint edges, and dark-light paint are the signs of pauses in paint edgers. Avoid trim tool brushes as a beginner, as they are hard to deal with at first. 
5. Reload and Repeat: Reload the paint if it’s a pad or roller, as there is no need to reload the electric rollers. They come with storage tubes that are filled at the beginning and last longer. Don’t rub the pad paint edger on the substrate when there is no more paint left on the cotton, as it creates strokes that don’t fade away easily even after. Reload the equipment on time and clean pads as needed during painting projects.

How to Maintain the Paint Edger

Make sure to clean the paint edgers immediately after using. Don’t leave them until the paint dries. Dip them in warm water (20-30 minutes) or solvent to remove the paint. Remove the paint with stir sticks or any other tool, and dip again if there is any paint left behind. Let the paint edgers dry in the open air and preserve them carefully for future use. Disassemble the pieces and put them in a container to prevent damage. Store them away from thermostats or HVAC systems. Replace the paint edger if the roller cover or cotton pad gets damaged during washing. Using broken or damaged equipment increases the likelihood of staining and irreversible damage to the substrate. Make sure to invest in paint roller covers if they loosen over time.