For painting irregular, hard-to-reach items such as balusters, heating radiators, or Victorian gingerbread, a painting mitt can really save time. But rather than buy them, I make them out of old terrycloth bath towels that might otherwise end up in the rag bin.
I generally make several mitts at a time, starting with 9-in. by 12-in. rectangles of towel. I fold a piece in half, rough side out, and sew one short side and the long side shut, forming a pocket. When I’m ready to paint, I put on a rubber glove and slide it into the mitt. Then I lightly dip the palm in the paint, and I’m in business. By the way, putting the paint in a roller tray or a shallow pan makes dipping easier.
R. B. Himes, Vienna, OH
