It saves a lot of time and trouble to have the right fools to hand before you start any job. The tools shown here are the ones you’ll need to prepare and paint the outside of your house — the walls, metalwork and the woodwork. Some large items which you’ll also need are a dust sheet, a large bucket and a ladder or tower platform.

1. Hot air electric stripper for stripping unsound paintwork

2. Gas blow lamp may be preferred as it saves trailing wires about

3. A selection of fine, medium and coarse grades of sandpaper for woodwork, and emery paper for metal

4. Sanding block to hold sandpaper

5. Sponge for washing down woodwork

6. Stiff brush for removing dust from masonry

1. Small trowel for repointing brickwork and repairing holes

2. Combination shavehook for scraping paint from mouldings

3. Scraper for flat areas of woodwork

4. Filling knife for filling holes and cracks

5. Narrow filling knife for tricky areas round window frames

6. Putty knife for reputtying windows

7. Wire brush for removing rust and paint from metal.

1. Long pile roller with extension handle and tray for large areas of masonry.

2. Paint kettle and hook to hold the paint when working on a ladder.

3. Masking tape and shield protect areas you want unpainted.

4. Banister brash for painting rough textured surfaces.

5. A selection of brushes for wood and metalwork.

6. Wide brush for smooth surfaces.