Hardware Store Must-Haves

As an artist, most of my essential materials come from art supply stores. However, there’s another potential gold mine for important tools and materials––the hardware store. Not only are these items inexpensive and easy to find, but they also provide versatile, durable solutions for many painting needs. Here are five hardware store must-haves that I use regularly in my studio:

Chip Brushes

These inexpensive, rough brushes are a staple in my toolbox. Unlike expensive fine-art brushes, chip brushes are perfect for covering large areas quickly and creating rough, textured effects. Whether I’m blocking in large areas of color or experimenting with different textures, I can use them aggressively without worrying about wear and tear. 

Oak Dowel

An oak dowel might seem out of place in a painter’s studio, but it’s one of the most practical tools I have. It serves as a makeshift mahlstick, helping me steady my hand when working on delicate details. Its sturdy, straight form also allows me to scribe long, straight lines on large canvases—a task that’s often challenging without a reliable guide. Plus, it’s a more economical purchase than a mahlstick or specialized artist’s ruler.

Painter’s Rags

When you work with oil paint, you go through a lot of paper towels, which can get costly over time. Painter’s rags can be found in bulk at any hardware store, and they’re a much more durable and cost-effective alternative. They can be reused multiple times and hold up better than paper towels when scrubbing, scraping, and rubbing paint into the canvas. Whether cleaning brushes or blending colors on the canvas, these rags are indispensable.

Plastic Putty Knives

While metal putty knives are standard in many studios, I prefer plastic ones for their flexibility and gentle touch. Plastic putty knives are ideal for spreading gesso, manipulating paint and controlling texture without the risk of damaging the canvas. They’re also a budget-friendly alternative to pricier palette knives. Their smooth surface and ease of use make them one of my go-to tools for large, textured applications.

Smooth Foam Rollers

When prepping canvases or panels, smooth foam rollers are my secret weapon. I use them to apply adhesive and for achieving a smooth, even coat of gesso. The 4-inch size is ideal for covering large areas quickly without leaving streaks or brushmarks. Foam rollers help me save time and ensure that my surfaces are perfectly prepared for painting. 

Meet the Artist

Scott Maier is an artist, instructor, and a content contributor to artistsnetwork.com. He’s an adjunct instructor at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, as well as the author of the instructional art book See, Think, Draw: An Easy Guide for Realistic Drawing and Beyond.