Have you found that painting railing takes forever? Or that staircase spindles always end up with drips no matter how careful you are? Or perhaps a paintbrush just doesn’t work for a hard to reach area? Well, if any of these situations sound familiar, then your prayers might just be answered by a painter’s mitt. In this post we will explain what a painter’s mitt is, how you can use it, and the different types of painter’s mitt you can choose from.

What is a painter’s mitt?

Painter’s mitts are a lined glove with multiple layers that can be used to apply paint directly from the glove itself (without covering your hand in paint or oil). They are great for hard to reach places and strangely shaped objects. They also make it easier to paint things like railings, slatted fencing, columns and pillars, pipes, decking, and tight corners. 

Painter’s mitts can be used with most paint types. This includes classic latex paint for indoors and oil-based paints for outdoor use. The plastic lining of the glove ensures your hand doesn’t get covered with paint whilst giving you maximum control to the touch. Once you get used to using a painter’s mitt, you’ll find it much quicker for the sorts of jobs mentioned. You’ll also find you get a better finish than a brush.

As well as painting jobs, painter’s mitts can also be used a variety of household chores. For example, they work great when dusting, faux finishing, adding depth and texture to a paint-job, general cleaning, and safely washing your car without the risk of scratching.

How do you use a painter’s mitt?

Using a painter’s mitt is actually pretty easy. However, there are a few things you need to be aware of to ensure you don’t end up with a hand covered in paint and to ensure a professional finish. Here, we outline a step-by-step guide to use a painter’s mitt:

Step 1

Ensure the painter’s mitt is completely clean by brushing off any dirt or dust. Make sure it is also completely dry if you have had to wipe it down.

Step 2

Wipe down the surface you plan to paint and ensure it is completely dry. You can also use tack cloth to remove any dirt and dust. This helps to ensure the paint holds without dripping and a smoother finish.

Step 3

Put your hand in the glove inside the plastic layer. They can be used whether you are right or left-handed.

Step 4

Carefully dip the painting mitt into the paint can. 

NOTE: Don’t dip the glove into the paint can deeper than the cuff else it will fill up with paint on the inside.  

Step 5

Carefully apply the paint.

Step 6

Reapply paint in the same way when required.

Step 7

Rinse the glove immediately after use and thoroughly dry it out before reuse.

NOTE: Be sure to rinse the glove thoroughly to ensure trapped debris does not cause scratching issues on the next use.

What are the different types of painter’s mitt used for?

You can buy different types of painter’s mitts that are suitable for different tasks.  Here we outline 3 of the main types of painter’s mitt and what they are best for:

  • Tough or thick painter’s mitts

This type of mitt has 3 protective layers and is made with synthetic material. They are durable and ensure your hand stays completely paint-free. Thick painter’s mitts are the traditional painter’s choice and ideal for larger jobs that require a painter’s mitt. 

  • Lint-free painter’s mitts

Lint-free painter’s mitts work great with staining oils and oil-based paints generally. This leaves a professional finish on any project requiring staining, such as decking, chairs, or wooden railings. 

  • Microfiber painter’s mitts

Suitable for car interiors and painting things like vinyl, plastic, and even leather. These painter’s mitts are great for finer detail required inside a car. 

  • Synthetic painter’s mitts

Made with a synthetic fleece with excellent absorption, this type of painter’s mitt is great for washing your car as well as painting railings, posts, and other metalwork. 

  • Throwaway painter’s mitts

These one-time use mitts mean you don’t have to worry about clean-up or scratching on subsequent uses. They are cheap too so can be appealing but they are not so good for the environment. 

Some people look at a painter’s mitt and think they would never use it. However, anyone that has used one for spindles, decking, pipes, and that sort of thing will tell you they are a godsend. You’ll get jobs like these done much faster and with a better finish with a painter’s mitt.