Now that you have found some excellent options for airless paint sprayers, you might be wondering “what kind of painter clothes work well” to compliment this new piece of equipment?
It’s true that getting an old pair of jeans and a t-shirt from the closet can be sufficient enough for a single paint job, but there is clothing specifically designed to make life easier for you throughout a project that lasts and is comfortable to wear throughout the work day.
Several companies have a specialty line of clothing designed with painters or contractors needs in mind. Each one has its own specific characteristics that appeal to their consumers.
Pants and Overalls
Overalls are great because there isn’t really the need to have to pull up your pants all the time. They also usually have additional pockets in the front for extra storage. If using pants, then get a good belt as well.
Dickies Painter Pants and Overalls for Men
Chances are you probably have already heard of Dickies before. They make clothes that you can get at many retail stores, but the specialty painters wear is harder to find in brick and mortar stores since they are made for a specific group of people.
The key is that the painter line adds functionality to user. For the Dickies Overalls for men, there are pockets made to carry common tools that painters have with them, the seems are stitched 3x for added protection against tears, and the shoulder straps are flexible (made from elastic to stretch a little).
Carhartt Painters Pants (and Overalls)
Carhartt has a loyal following of people who really like the style and comfort that these overalls provide. The adjustable suspenders along with the loops and pockets for tools make this item a great buy for the money. There are different types of Carhartt Overalls depending on whether you are working in the cold/heat, want sewn in knee pads, or need a zipped up option for the legs. You can use these pants for other endeavors besides painting such as fishing or working around the house with other types of projects.
Using a high end paint sprayer like the X5 is great but without a set of at least one pair of durable and useful clothing to mitigate the amount of excess paint landing on your exposed skin area, you will be at a disadvantage. Many of the professionals use painters clothing because it is both comfortable and functional. While it isn’t always necessary for short term projects, it certainly adds increased ability to perform the job around the work site and also provides all around comfortable clothing.
Mekysd Men’s Denim Bib Workwear
Made from high quality material such as a blend of cotton and denim, the Mekysd workwear jumpsuit also has good sized pockets to store your supplies.
The stitching creates a strong and durable bond between the fabric that keeps the seams together in the most active environments.
They come in a ton of different colors. The Army green color is a favorite along with the standard painting white overalls. Many people like these for casual use around the house or going out since they have a stylish design.
DuPont Tyvek Coverall
This series of very flexible coverall with hood provides maximum protection. The stretchable material allows for the regular bending and stretch type movements associated with painting various heights and angles of a home.
The waist band and wrists are made from an elastic material and provides a balanced positioning for maximum comfort.
Shirts, Sweaters, & Jackets
In general the best shits are either short sleeve or long sleeve made from cotton and usually white in color. Cotton helps breathability and the white color just seems a little easier to manage.
Gildan Ultra Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt
This is a two pack version for a relatively good price. The cuffs of the sleeves are ribbed, which makes putting under gloves easier.
The company focuses on being environmentally responsible. Starting to see more of these types of companies and that’s a good thing. The cotton is also locally grown in the USA.
These long sleeves are great for outdoor work. They easily clean up in the laundry. Check the sizing guide for your correct fit.
Hanes Short Sleeved Shirts
Having either a tables or easily removable tag for a shirt is a must otherwise my upper back or neck area will itch like crazy. Somehow that area is much more sensitive than other areas of the body. Hanes 4 pack of shirts has that already built into this comfortable T.
They do shrink some so keep that in mind when you are going to wash them and select a size.
Gildan Hooded Sweatshirt
Another great product by Gildan. The hood can also be used to cover hair but I prefer using hat or hood if painting a long time.
If you’re outside in the cold but don’t want to wear a jacket, then this sweatshirt is the next best thing.
Material wise it’s a blend of both polyester and cotton. It zips up rather than having to work it over my head when I have a bunch of tools in my hand.
Shoes & other Footwear
Some people say that your shoes are one of the most important items you can have. We spend much of out day on our feet, so having something comfortable and long lasting is critical.
Carhartt Work Boot
Made from 100% leather, these are comfortable and durable. A collar around the ankle is padded for support.
The safety steel toe is great at keeping heavy items from damaging my toes. The insole is also nicely padded and helps keep my feet from feeling fatigued from all day use.
Hats, Hoods, & Beanies
When working outside, the reason I use a hat is simply to keep the sun from burning my skin. It can also keep paint out of my hair which is helpful but sun damage is worse.
Mesh Sun Hat by Home Prefer
Not an expensive one, but it does the job. It’s rated at 50SPF but also breathable with the mesh lining. The neck flap out the back provides a much needed barrier when I’m up on the ladder and my back is to the sun.
There is also an adjustable strap so the wind doesn’t pick it up like a sail and take it around the neighborhood.
National Safety Apparel Hood
Besides the overalls, shirts and shoes, another essential product for painting gear is an open face or partial face head cover. These work together with goggles to provide full face and head protection against paint particles which happens when using a sprayer.
It’s made of non-latex, triple fiber material that is breathable. A head cover can also provide protection against the elements like sun or wind chill. If you have a lot of spraying to do, you should consider one of these useful hoods.
Carhartt Knit Hat
Beanies not only keep your head warm when it’s cold outside, but they also keep paint out of your hair. You may already know how difficult it can be to get latex spray and splatter out of hair….it’s a lot more time consuming than skin.
Gloves
It’s usually best to go with disposable gloves when painting. Otherwise, you’re just trying to clean them so often and that’s one of the areas that gets the most splatter.
Handling all the equipment and do touch ups keeps our hands in the way of the most trafficked areas. Here are some of the gloves you can consider for your next job.
Dex Fit Machine Washable Nitrile Gloves (3 Pack)
The Dex Fit gloves are non-slip and have a snug fit. Inside coating is foam nitrile to add a layer comfort for extended use.
These are machine washable so you can utilize for several projects not just one. Handling equipment and tools all day, then having an outer layer to protect your hands becomes more important.
While not waterproof, in an environment not drenched in water but occasional splatter of latex paints, it works well.
The cuffs around the wrist helps keep the gloves covering the most skin surface possible while also fitting under longer sleeve sweaters or jackets.
X3 Industrial Strength Nitrile Gloves (100 pack)
These are simply disposable gloves that you don’t have to keep around after one day use. The X3 gloves still provide a barrier between splatter and spills and the skin.
Industrial strength is preferred, it has a purpose in an industrial setting which is used to the rigorous environment of cleaning and other uses. These have a textured finish, which makes it great for handling paint brushes or sprayer guns.
