Mark’s painting tips: 15 ways moving blankets are better than drop cloths

I’m a carpenter, so I can use all the painting tips I can get. One I’ve found that makes all my painting jobs easier is using moving blankets instead of drop cloths.

Moving blankets lay flatter than drop cloths and they—get this–stay where you put them! This alone is reason enough to use them if you paint. Even if you don’t, they’re good for other things that leave drop cloths in the dust.

Moving blankets snag less on ladder feet. And your feet!

Folded in half, they make great ‘runners’ for hallways.

Because they’re not the size of a parachute, they’re easier to ‘patchwork’ to fit a room’s shape.

The fit into corners better.

They’re less slippery.

They fold up neatly.

You can wash them in the washing machine.

They’re easier to shake out.

Moving beyond painting tips: They’re awesome for the beach, picnics, or dog bed for the back of the car.

Cute colors.

Easier to store.

Tough. You can put them under a heavy item like a crib or dresser and use them like a skid to drag the item instead of lifting it.

Oh, more painting tips that have nothing to do with painting: You can use them for moving things.

If you’ve got panting tips for us, we’re all ears. Unless we’re at the beach on our moving blankets, then we’ll get back to you.

Mark

A licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and elite Spartan Race competitor, he writes about home improvement and tools for national magazines and websites, and teaches hands-on clinics for other remodeling professionals. Check out his book, The Carpenter's Notebook.

See Full Bio