For example, examining paint related-products, I could not find really innovative or new products for improving paint jobs to make them easy and enjoyable. We are still using the same products and the same methods of doing paint jobs as we did a hundred years ago. In the past, whenever I did a paint job, I always found something bothering me or some inconvenience about painting and I have asked myself why better products do not exist for easy and quick paint jobs. About a year ago, I finally decided to research and develop new paint-related products that are simple to use, inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

1. Ergonomic Paint-Can Handle/Opener

Everybody knows that carrying a paint can by its wire handle is uncomfortable and causes hand and arm pain. Based on research among professional painters, I discovered there is a need for a comfort handle. The Ergonomic Paint-Can Handle/Opener is a new invention that is ergonomically designed for comfort in holding the paint can while brushing directly from the can, and eliminates hand and arm pain. It also keeps hands clean when dipping and brushing directly from the can. The Paint Can Opener conveniently provides for easy opening of any paint can lid and bottle cap instead of using a screwdriver.

2. Rapid-Pour Paint Spout

Nobody like messiness or hassle while pouring or brushing directly from the can. The rim and gutter always seem to get paint build-up that causes dripping on the floor and difficulty in resealing the lid after use. The Rapid-Pour Paint Spout is a new invention that removes the mess and inconvenience of painting. It provides drip-proof pouring, prevents paint build-up, in the can rim and gives a tighter reseal. Tighter reseal will result in less spoiled paint, keeping longer, saving money, and it’s environmentally friendly. When the paint is dried, just tap it and it will peel itself off. There is no need to use water or solvents for cleaning. This is an environmentally friendly product.

3. Rapid Paint Mixer

Mixing or stirring paint in the can causes not only discomfort when stirring with a paint stick, but can also cause hand and arm pain, which makes it takes longer and results in the paint not mixing well. The Rapid Paint Mixer is a new invention that is ergonomically designed to remove these inconveniences. The up and down plunger handle provides effortless, easy, quick and thorough mixing of any paint products. It is simple to use and reuse. When paint is dried, just tap and the paint will peel itself off. There is no need to use water or solvents for cleaning. This is an environmentally friendly product.

4. E-Zy Zip Bag for Paint Brush/Roller

It is always a difficult task to keep the paint brush/roller clean and fresh after use. The bristles/roller of even a thoroughly cleaned brush/roller will harden when it dries. Sometimes it is hard to reuse, and we end up discarding. This is simply wasting our hard-earned money. The E-Zy Bag for Paint Brush/Roller is a new invention that is designed to cover the hand while brushing/rolling. It keeps the brush/roller moist to prevent hardening after use, so it can be reused as new. Just insert the brush/roller handle through the E-Zy Bag mouth to the bottom opening until the handle is out. Remove liners from both sides of tape, and press to adhere them together to the brush/roller handle to seal the bottom opening. Fold the E-Zy Bag over to expose the brush/roller and to cover the hand while painting. This protects the hand from paint. Clean the paint brush/roller with hot water or solvent after use by holding the protected handle. Turn it inside out to cover the brush/roller, and seal the bag opening with the self-sealing plastic strip to trap air and moisture in the bag.

5. Magic Sleeve

Nobody likes cleaning the paint tray after use. It is the worst part of the paint job, and is not only inconvenient but also environmentally unfriendly. There are plastic paint tray liners on the market, but they are not only expensive to throw away after use, but do not fit into all paint trays. The Magic Sleeve is a new invention that eliminates cleaning the paint tray, keeps hands clean, avoids messiness, and makes it possible to reuse the paint tray as new. It is a plastic bag with adhesive inside. Just place the Magic Sleeve onto any paint tray, peel of the liner of the adhesive inside, and press it down onto the paint tray. It will cover and take the form of the paint tray. After the paint job, simply remove by turning it inside out and disposing in the proper recycling bin. There is no messiness, no hassle involved in cleaning the paint tray. This is environmentally friendly product.

These paint related-products are designed and developed to improve the ease of your next paint job, based on my paint job experience and gathering complaints from other painters. As an engineer, I am always curious about anything from consumer products to machinery to methods of manufacturing. It is my honest goal to improve and innovate existing or new products to provide comfort and ease of use for consumers. I have designed and developed over 20 other inventions that are patented or patent pending. Some are in the market currently. My curiosity pushes me to think and solve whatever problems I face with the existing products. It is very satisfying to know that my inventions may contribute in some way to consumers by providing comfort and convenience in this complex, stressed-out and competitive world.

Here are a few helpful hints to help you through the process.

First, determine if there is any prep work that needs to be done prior to painting. Do you have any rotted siding, window sills, hand railing, or window and door trim? Make sure you take this opportunity to correct this issue prior to painting. Often times paint companies have experience in this field and can provide a quote that includes replacing your siding and trim. However, if your project involves replacing a significant amount of siding you may want to call a siding pro. Make sure the painter or carpenter replacing your siding is using the same style and size you currently have.

Second, decide if you want to take this opportunity to change the color of your house. Updating the color can add new spice to your house. When determining what colors to use make sure that they fit into your neighborhood as well as colors that already exist. For instance you already have a roof, plants, landscaping, a foundation, and a driveway present. These all have colors that need to be taken into consideration when trying to compliment your house to its surroundings. Also note that if you are changing your house’s color your price for painting will go up. You may not be able to get away with just 1 or 2 coats to cover your old color. Each coat will cost more money.

Third, decide if you want your house hand brushed or sprayed. If you leave it to the paint company to decide you will most likely have it sprayed because it is faster and easier. However, if you have an older house, wood siding, or it has been a while since your last painting you may want to consider asking for a quote that includes painting by hand. The hand brushing application will provide a thicker coat and gets the paint deeper into the wood and crevasses, ensuring that you have protection from water penetration. Keep in mind that hand brushing is more time consuming and will cost more money.

Finally, select the paint company to do your exterior work. There is a lot of price variation for large exterior jobs, so shop your job around. However, you shouldn’t always decide based only on price. You need to consider the quality of company and your comfort level with that company. For instance do they ask for a lot of money up front? (they shouldn’t ask for more than one-third of the total price) Do they leave you a professional detailed estimate? (they should) Are they hard to get a hold of on the phone? (if they don’t answer the phone or return messages be careful) Do they have business cards? (if they are running a good business they should) These are all signs to look for to determine whether or not you are getting a professional and someone that will be easy to work with.

Good luck on with your exterior painting project!