Keep Corners Clean With The Best Paint Edgers
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Premium FastTrak Paint Edger -
Shur Line Pro Paint Edger -
Mr. Long Arm Smart Paint Edger -
Warner Tool Paint Edger -
Point N Paint Painting System Kit -
Buyer's Guide
Paint edgers are a specialty tool, invented by the painting equipment industry, to satisfy the needs of people who are painting their own homes. Professionals don’t use them, as they learn how to “cut” edges and corners freehand, with a brush. However, for those that don’t have that level of experience, an edger can be easier than masking things off.
Edgers are pads, usually with a couple of wheels to roll against the trim or other wall/ceiling surface that the individual is trying to avoid painting, while applying paint to the wall that they are painting. The idea is that the edger will be able to provide a clean line, because of guiding along the trim or adjacent wall/ceiling.
The biggest precaution when using these is to be careful with how much paint you get on the pad. Too much paint, and you can be assured that you will get paint onto surfaces where you don’t want it. Ideally, you should dip the pad flat into the paint tray, just deep enough for the napp to get wetted, without wetting the foam backing. Then rub it on the textured part of the tray. Finally, wipe off excess paint on the edge of the tray. Check out our list of the best paint edgers in 2022.
Mask off your paint projects with ease with these top-notch paint edgers
Premium FastTrak Paint Edger - Best Paint Edger Overall
This is a really unique edger, which defies pretty much everything I said in the introduction. What makes it unique is that it’s not a pad painter, but rather a roller with a shield. That means that you can hold more paint, handle textured surfaces, get right up to the edge and have a shield to protect the adjacent surface from getting painted. A truly remarkable tool, which does what all edgers should do; provides you with a cleanly painted edge, that’s right up to the adjacent surface. That doesn't mean that this edger is without any failings though. The design of the tool requires that you use both hands to work it. While that really isn't a problem, it could be awkward at times. The other potential problem is that you can’t use it with an extension pole. That means digging out a ladder and setting it up where you want to paint (assuming you’re painting high enough to need a ladder). Even so, the results that this paint edger will provide make it well worth the extra effort.
Shur Line Pro Paint Edger - Runner Up
This edger from Shur-Line has the moniker “Edge Like a Pro” which is fairly accurate; other than the fact that a pro would use a paint brush to edge. Of all the pad type edgers around, I’d say that this one will provide the best possible results, if you use it right. Shur-Line’s website has a nice introductory video, which shows you how to load and use the edger properly. If those directions are followed, you’ll get great results. The thing that makes this edger special is that it uses retractable edge guides, rather than wheels, to set the pad’s distance from the adjacent surface. While that may leave a bit of a line, it will be less of a line than wheels do. The handle swivels 180 degrees as well, making it much easier to find a comfortable position for the edger, where you can retain excellent control.
Mr. Long Arm Smart Paint Edger - Honorable Mention
This is a fairly conventional pad edger, with wheels to set the distance from the adjacent surface. However, it has rollers for both horizontal and vertical use, rather than just horizontal use like most edgers. That makes it possible to do door casings and corners, without having to turn the pad sideways. The extra-long handle is easy to hold, plus provides convenient connection for an extension pole. The one problem with the edger is the difficulty in finding replacement pads. While the pads are washable, if you are planning on painting multiple colors, you’ll have to wait for the pad to dry after cleaning it.
Warner Tool Paint Edger - Consider
This is another conventional pad-type paint edger. It comes with two guide wheel, not the three that the Mr. Long Arm does. The two are located for horizontal edging, meaning that you have to turn the tool 90 degrees to edge around door frames. Pads for this product are more readily available than those for Mr. Long Arm, although you might want to buy them when you buy the tool, just to be sure. The combination handle/pole adapter adjusts about 90 degrees to allow you to find a comfortable position for the work you are doing.
Point N Paint Painting System Kit - Best Paint Edger
First of all, let me say that this is one of those famous “As seen on TV” products that you find being bragged about in infomercials. So, if you've ever seen that infomercial, try and forget it. They make brags about the products that are totally unrealistic. That doesn't mean that it’s a piece of junk though. The main difference between this pad painter and others is its shape. This one is shaped much like a clothes iron, making it easy to control for a wide variety of shapes and places. The extension pole socket is under the handle, requiring removal of the handle to access it. While it looks a bit flimsy, it should do the job. There are no guide wheels, although the hard plastic backer seems to stick out a bit farther than the paint pad, providing a guide. The really nice thing about this one is the shape. While it takes some getting used to, the iron shape is actually rather natural to work with, and allows getting into corners extremely well. The kit comes with its own paint tray, which is part gimmick and part functional. It has a roller, which allows for an easy way to apply paint to the pad, without having to dip it. This prevents overloading the roller, but doesn't provide an easy way to remove excess paint. The other problem with the paint tray is that the bottom of the roller is about an inch above the bottom of the tray, so you have to keep a fair amount of paint in it. That could cause waste, if you’re not real careful about clean-up.
Buyer's Guide
The best paint edger will get you through even the most difficult painting projects around the house. However, because no two houses are built precisely the same, your ideal paint edger will need to be tailored to your specific needs. For the best outcomes, it must also be user-friendly. Continue reading to learn what to look for in a new paint edger: This buying guide will help you make an informed decision.
Which Features To Look For in The Best Paint Edgers?
Pad/Roller
Because the substance of your edger's pad or roller will affect your paint coverage, it's worth thinking about. Because there is less space between strands for the paint to hide in, tightly woven fibres are excellent for getting thorough coverage.
Neoprene is perhaps the most well-suited material and fabric for paint edger pads and rollers of all the materials and textiles available. This is due to its strong durability and resilience to a wide range of substances, including chemicals, water, and heat.
Ergonomic Handle
Even with a high-quality paint edger, painting straight with exact edges can be difficult. Hand cramps and wrist strain are the last things you want when you're trying to concentrate. That's why a paint edger's ergonomic, user-friendly handle is so important.
It's preferable to have a handle that pivots. This movement will not only provide more effective spatial coverage but will also ease the strain on your wrists and hands by performing potentially unpleasant actions for you.
The majority of paint edgers are composed of plastic, including handles. That doesn't rule out the possibility of them being comfortable to hold.
Ergonomic design based on human hand curves, as well as grip pads, can enable your edger to sit securely on your palm for a little discomfort, enabling you to focus on your painting activities.
Paint dispensing or absorption triggers should be placed near the top of the handle, where they may be easily reached with the thumb for less strain.
Additional Features
If you're worried about being able to keep a straight line with your edger when painting, we recommend getting one with built-in guide wheels.
These wheels will assist you in staying on track while painting, allowing the edger to operate to its best capacity. However, because wheels typically leave marks in painting, a second coat may be required.
A deposit of paint on the side of a pad or roller causes smearing, which is a common problem in edge painting. Consider purchasing a paint edger that has a smear barrier to avoid this. This is a plastic component that attaches to the edger's side closest to the trim and keeps extra paint contained.
What Are Some Key Considerations Of Buying The Best Paint Edgers?
Size
This parameter is directly proportional to the amount of work you must complete. Any paint edger's purpose is to paint the edge of the wall, not the entire wall.
Even in this instance, though, you should avoid selecting too small and narrow tools to avoid wasting time. Larger devices can also be a terrible choice because they are more difficult to handle.
Choose a larger paint edger if you need to paint an edging on a wall or ceiling (which is a lot of labour). If you're going to paint furniture, skirting boards, or a door frame, thin models are better.
Material
Brushes, rollers, and pads are available in a range of materials. The majority of the time, manufacturers specify what type of work or paint this, or that tool was designed for right on the container. Select the substance that is most suited to your surface.
Use rollers or pads with short fibres or foam to create smooth and even walls. Use long-fibered rollers to paint textured surfaces with chips, scratches or to paint over previously painted surfaces.
When painting, keep in mind that a roller or pad makes a coating pattern comparable to its own texture.
User-friendliness
Regular rollers and pads are perhaps the most straightforward versions to operate. Simply pour paint into a tray, dip your tool in, and begin painting. The majority of the devices are washable and dryable. The only disadvantage is that you must return to the paint tray. It can be exhausting if you have a lot of work ahead of you.
In this instance, look for tools that have built-in paint containers. They are normally more expensive and require meticulous upkeep after each use, but they make painting huge areas easier. Remember that the more intricate the design, the more difficult it is to clean. It's a crucial aspect since if the paint isn't properly cleaned, it can dry out and destroy your equipment.
What Are Different Types Of Paint Edgers Available in the Market?
In stores, you can get a variety of paint edgers to save you time from dealing with masking tape. Which one to chose is determined by the nature of the work at hand as well as your budget.
Roll-on Edger
The main functioning part of such a device is a roller, which is attached to a specific shield to protect adjacent surfaces from paint drips. Working with a roll-on edger is comparable to working with a traditional painting roller in many ways, except that roll-on edgers are significantly smaller in width and diameter.
Pad Edger
Paint is applied with pads. Because they are often small and absorb a small amount of liquid, you must immerse them in the paint on a regular basis.
Brush Edger
These brushes feature an angled cut rather than a straight one. It enables you to create lines that are crisper and cleaner. You must, however, use precision and caution. The bristles of a brush may extend beyond the targeted border if you press too hard on it.
Cutting-In vs. Using a Paint Edger: What is Better?
When it comes to painting a room, many people wonder if they really need to use a paint edger.
Many people have painted using the old method of cutting the paint in by hand and wonder if a paint edger is a waste of money or if they are necessary tools.
Paint Edger
- Can be used with an expansion shaft to eliminate the need for stepping stools
- Uses less paint
- Saves time and exertion
Cutting In
- Will leave brush strokes if you don't have a good paintbrush and a light touch
- Will expect you to have a consistent hand
Best Paint Edgers FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Use A Paint Edging Tool?
The type of paint edging tool you use will determine how you hold it, but all of them require you to press the tool as near to the edge as possible. Using a smooth, single stroke, apply paint to the surface while guiding the edger around the surface. Take your time and concentrate on what you're doing. Rushing, even with an edger, can result in less-than-ideal outcomes.
Is it true that paint edgers work?
Yes. Paint edgers can be used to paint neat borders around circular devices such as smoke detectors, eliminating the necessity for taping around surfaces.
What are the painting tools?
Paintbrushes, roller pans, paint rollers, a drop cloth, tape, and paint are typically required. Tape and, in some situations, a pan are not required when using an edge tool.
