Paint Pad Review – Written by a Pro

Updated Oct 26, 2024 | Posted Oct 15, 2024 | Tools | 0 comments

One thing I don’t think I’ve ever seen is an honest Paint Pad review. They’re all-over social media, with influencers telling everyone they’re the best thing ever, all in the hope to earn a few pence in commission.

But are Paint Pads any good? And where do you stand on the Paint Pad Vs paint roller debate. I got my hands on a Paint Pad recently, and as a Professional Decorator, I’m not bothered about making commission on sales of the tool, so I can be completely honest.

 

What is a Paint Pad?

 

A Paint Pad is made up from a plastic frame and soft fabric pad. It has a screw attachment so you can use it on a pole. The idea behind the pole is that you can cut the top of walls whilst standing on the ground.

The main feature of the paint pad is its plastic guard. This allows you to paint one surface whilst protecting another. So, in theory, you can effortlessly strike sharp edges on a feature wall, around woodwork, or the ceiling line.

 

My Paint Pad Review

 

You want my honest opinion? It’s a gimmick and an insult to the decorating industry. Don’t get me wrong, it does work to a point. You dip the Paint Pad in the paint, wipe on the edge of your pot, and then run it on the wall or ceiling.

It only works when cutting into a 90-degree angle. So, a feature wall maybe? The issue is the line you create with a paint pad is never straight and it doesn’t get right into the corner.

The video below shows what I mean by this. I have used the paint pad extensively since filming this and my opinion hasn’t changed.

A very quick demo of The Paint Pad

Mike Cupit gives his initial reaction to trying a Paint Pad.

Paint Pad Vs Paint Roller

 

So, we’ve established the Paint Pad is useless as a brush, but what about as a roller? If you cut-in around the edge of a wall, can you use a paint pad to paint the middle.

Well, you can, but it isn’t as good as a quality paint roller. The Paint Pad drags the paint around and only applies a very thin layer. It aggravates the surface more than a roller does, which makes it no good for porous paints like vinyl matt emulsion. The finish is terrible too; it’s uneven and streaky.

 

The Alternative to a Paint Pad

 

I’m guessing you’re looking into a Paint Pad because it’s easier than using a brush and roller. So, I thought it would be useful if I recommended a brush and roller that are good-quality and easy to use.

 

Paint Brush

My favourite all-round paint brush is the Purdy Monarch Elite XL. I could name a better brush for walls, a better brush for woodwork etc. But this is a brush you can use in pretty much every type of paint.

The Purdy Monarch Elite XL isn’t the cheapest brush in the world, but providing you look after it, it’ll last for years. It holds more paint than a Paint Pad, it distributes it more evenly, and you can cut a straighter line with it.

Paint Roller

There are loads of good paint rollers on the market now. The Hamilton Perfection Roller is great when applying emulsion. It’s easy to use, distributes paint evenly, and leaves no defects like orange peel.

You will need to buy the sleeve, a frame, a skuttle (or tray), and a pole, but it’s so much easier than faffing around with a paint pad! The paint just flies on, and you’ll get a good finish every time.

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FAQs

 

Are Paint Pads worth it?

As a Professional Decorator, I can tell you that Paint Pads most certainly are not worthwhile. They’re just a gimmick designed to look good. They shouldn’t be on the market.

 

Do paint pads leave marks?

Yes. They drag the paint along the surface, aggravating the wall as it goes. Plus, the paint you apply is very uneven. If you use a Paint Pad, you’ll gets streaks and patches all over the place.

 

Do paint pads work for cutting in?

You can’t cut a straight line with a Paint Pad, and you leave a 2mm gap. It’s much easier to use a good-quality paint brush.

 

Can you paint a wall with a paint pad?

Absolutely you can paint a wall with a Paint Pad. Just not very well.

 

Do professionals use paint pads?

As a Professional Decorator and owner of Decorators Forum UK, I can tell you that I don’t use a Paint Pad, and neither do any of the other Decorators I know.

 

Are paint pads as good as rollers?

Rollers are far better than Paint Pads. They leave a more even paint finish with less defects.

 

Review Summary

Paint Pad Review – Written by a Pro - Decorator's forum UK

The Paint Pad is a tool used to apply paint to a wall or ceiling

Editor's Rating:
1.5

Pros

  • It does technically apply paint to a wall or ceiling.

Cons

  • Made from cheap plastic.
  • Can’t cut a straight line with it.
  • Streaky uneven paint finish.
  • It’s just a gimmick.
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Final Thoughts

 

Gimmicks like the Paint Pad will always be kicking around the DIY market. Everyone seems to be looking for ‘the latest hack’ to make things easier. They’re easy to push online and seem attractive to homeowners.

At least now you have an honest Paint Pad review, and you can make a more informed decision as to what to buy.

Updated Oct 26, 2024 | Posted Oct 15, 2024 | 0 comments

About the Author

About the Author

Mike Cupit has been in the decorating industry since 2002 and has mostly worked as a Trade Decorator in the domestic sector (peoples’ homes). Self-proclaimed “product geek”, Mike has a passion for paint and decorating tools. Mike now spends most of his time testing paint products and tools, comparing them to similar products on the market, and blogging about the industry in general.

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