As a painter, your work is related to your everyday life. So you can do your best only when you have all you need.
If you have to carry various tools to the worksite, a tool bag is essential to finish the job. And let’s face it, carrying paintbrushes and poles with an ordinary bag is not ideal. So you’ll need a good bag made for your profession.
Painters’ tool bags come in a range of sizes and styles. Some are open, while others have zippers to close them. Some have frames, while others are soft. Some have many pockets, making it easier for you to arrange your tools.
So how do you know which bag suits you? To make your decision easier, I researched the best tool bags for painters on the market today. I then cut down the list to the best in each category to remain with my top 5 picks. Here they are.
What are the Best Tool Bags for Painters in the market?
Best Overall : McGuire-Nicholas 22015
Best Value : Dickies painters tool bag
Budget Choice : WORKPRO Close Top Storage Tool Bag
Painters bag on wheels : Husky Rolling Tool Tote
Painters canvas tool bag : CLC 1539
Comparison Chart
| Bag Name | Materials | Pockets | Color | Weight (lbs) |
| McGuire-Nicholas 22015 | Alloy Steel, Plastic | 14 | Black | 2.36 |
| Dickies Work Bag | Cotton & Polyester | 14 | White | 2.6 |
| Workpro Close Top Bag | Polyester | 13 | Black&Red | 2.44 |
| Husky Rolling Tote | Polyester | 18 | Red | 19 |
| CLC 1539 | Polyester | 50 | Tan/Black | 2.77 |
Our Top 5 Picks For Painters’ Tool Bags
1. McGuire-Nicholas 22015 15-Inch Collapsible Tote
Key Features:
• 14 exterior pockets to carry different tools
• Tapered pocket design for more space
• Tubular steel, sturdy foam padded handle for carrying comfort
• Product Dimensions (inch) 15 x 7 x 11.75
McGuire-Nicholas is a famous brand in the workwear sector. So it’s no surprise that their 15-inch collapsible tote is top of my list.
The manufacturer designed this bag with divided compartments. So you can carry all your tools in order. People who find it hard to organize their equipment can use this tool tote without hesitation.
The middle storage section is open-top, so I found it extra easy to reach my tools without having to unzip the bag. Here, you can carry paint rollers, cordless drills, and spray guns.
I didn’t find interior pockets on the bag, but they’ve attached loop stitchings around the sides. This helps you secure devices such as paint touch-up pens and stain markers.
I also found 14 various compartments on the outside. These pockets hold smaller accessories such as masking papers, paintbrushes, and paint guides.
Unlike many other tool bags with padded, soft handles, they’ve made this one with tubular steel. So it can withstand the weights of various power tools without bending or breaking. You’ll now have a firm grip when you carry it around (even for long hours).
The McGuire-Nicholas 22015 is durable. So you can repurpose it to store your household cleaning supplies. Cleaning materials are light, so even if you damage the bag, it’ll still do the job.
One of the most striking aspects of this tote is its removable bottom. It allowed me to collapse it when I wasn’t using it to conserve space in my workshop.
I chose this bag as my top pick because of its durable and sturdy padded foam handle. It has different compartments to store tools of various sizes. It’s also made with alloy steel and plastic, so it’s sturdy enough to keep your devices safe.
But, the McGuire-Nicholas 22015’s downside is the lack of a shoulder strap. It also has no zippers, and buyers have noticed that the walls become a bit flimsy after a few months.
All in all, this tool bag will help you be more productive while appearing more professional. So for its price, it’s ideal.
2. Dickies 20-Inch Durable Canvas Work Bag
Key Features:
• Constructed with rip-resistant canvas to withstand wear and tear
• A wide-mouthed main compartment for easy access to stored tools
• Removable, cushioned shoulder strap and reinforced webbing tote handle for comfort and versatility
• Product Dimensions (inch) 23 x 13 x 1
When you put the Dickies 20-Inch Durable Canvas Work Bag to the test, it won’t disappoint. It looks traditional with superior construction to serve as a painter’s tool bag.
Its widemouth after opening the zippers is appealing. It enabled me to access items such as paintbrushes or rollers with ease. It also has six spacious interior pockets allowing you to store a variety of tools.
You’ll be happy to know that the interior pockets are deep and wide enough to carry equipment such as poles and spray tips.
There are three webbing and rivet reinforced pouch pockets in the front and two on each side on the exterior. Here, you can store extra devices and accessories. There’s also a smaller slip pocket near the handles to store personal items such as watches, keys, and phones.
This Dickies bag is an excellent toughie for painting professionals. It’s constructed with durable white canvas. So it’ll serve you for an extended period before you think of replacing it.
The bag’s reinforced piping at the corners allows it to withstand further wear and tear. Also, the heavy-duty zippers are easy to pull and secures all your tools in place. The zippers’ design allows you to lock or unlock the bag without a hustle.
I found this bag’s top handle to be strong, so you can carry heavier equipment without fear of cracking.
It includes an adjustable shoulder strap for carrying all the power tools with ease. They’ve also cushioned the strap with leather so it doesn’t strain your shoulder while carrying the bag.
You’ll have three colors to choose from—white, tan or gray, and black. But I found the white one to be effective while locating specific items I needed.
The Dickies 20-Inch Durable Canvas Work Bag is one of the best.
Why?
It has a wide-mouthed main storage to access your items efficiently. It also has heavy-duty, durable zippers to secure your devices in place.
This bag will serve you for a long time because it’s constructed with a durable white canvas.
With leather-cushioned shoulder straps, you’ll carry your tools with comfort. Also, the robust top handle gives you flexibility. So you can choose to carry the bag with the handle or straps.
However, the mouth is big but not broad enough, and some users consider the shoulder straps a bit thin.
Even so, all the benefits listed above make this Dickies bag perfect for painters.
3. WORKPRO Close Top Storage Tool Bag 18-Inch W081023A
Key Features:
• Adjustable straps to easily access your tools in the bag
• Outer mesh pockets for storing personal belongings and small tools
• Rubber foam bottom to keep the bag sturdy
• Product Dimensions (inch) 18 x 9.5 x 8.5
If you regularly travel to sites for repair work, this WORKPRO’S bag will be one of your favorite carriers. It’s great for painters who prefer to carry tools like roller covers, painter’s tape, and paint rollers.
The double heavy-duty zippers create a good, wide opening to the main compartment. This allows you to find what you’re looking for without having to dig around too much.
I could store all the small to medium-sized tools in this bag. And it also has plenty of space to carry almost all the poles and brushes with ease.
There are six interior pockets with seven exteriors along two sides. The pockets are ideal for storing paint edgers, meters, paintbrushes, and tape measures. These pockets keep your bag organized, so no more searching for that one urgent tool.
The pockets are about 5 1/4 inches deep and about the same size. They’re deep enough to store accessories like knives, paint scrapers, and dripless caulk guns.
They intentionally designed this bag to be comfortable to carry around. It has an adjustable, padded shoulder strap as well as two extra padded handles.
They’ve also added a PE padded and an anti-frictional base to protect the bag. We can sometimes be in a rush and may drop the bag in the process. So this bottom feature is pretty helpful and will protect your items from any damage.
The manufacturers made the bag with rugged polyester fabric to ensure it serves you for a long time.
I love the WORKPRO Close Top Storage Tool Bag because of the rubber foam padded base to protect your tools if you drop it. The padded shoulder straps and handles also help you carry the bag with comfort.
Its tough polyester fabric ensures you don’t worry about going back to the market for another tool bag too soon.
With this bag, you can find what you’re looking for with ease. All thanks to the top that stays open for convenient access to the contents.
The 13 interior and exterior pockets allow you to store all your small to medium-sized tools. The large main compartment will also enable you to carry poles and brushes with ease.
However, after ten weeks of occasional use, a buyer noted the seam connecting the cloth to the zipper ripped. It also has single stitching all around, and the corners get holes when heavily used. So this bag may not be ideal for carrying heavy tools.
All in all, this is an excellent tool bag for painters since it has many storage options.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bag with all the benefits mentioned above, you may consider this one.
4. Husky GP-43196N13 18-Inch Rolling Tool Tote Bag with Telescoping Handle
Key Features:
• Heavy-duty telescopic handle for easy maneuvering and mobility
• 7 interior and 11 exterior pockets for organized tool storage
• A water-resistant bottom to keep your tools free from liquid spills
• Product Dimensions (inch) 18 x 10 x 17
If you’re constantly on the move, a rolling tool bag can be the ideal option for you. It’s suitable for anyone who has lots of equipment to carry back and forth.
It weighs 19 pounds (not precisely lightweight, I know). But this Husky tool bag has a reinforced metal frame and can carry up to 100 pounds. So it’s one of the most durable rolling bags you can find.
It’s also large enough for ample storage and small enough to fit in a closet.
The Husky team used double polyester fabric to make this bag. So it can withstand the beating of humid and wet climates or places that experience flooding.
The 600-denier spun tuff fabric is tough and water-resistant, keeping your tools dry. The reinforced bottom also adds to the strength of the bag’s design, making it as durable as a toolbox can be.
It has a plate-reinforced telescopic handle so I could stack extra baggage then lug it. The padded handles are very comfortable despite this bag’s 7-pound unloaded weight (remarkable!).
Another appealing aspect of the bag is its unique skid plate. The idea is to protect the handle at all times.
The bag has a set of wheels, so it’ll be a piece of cake moving in rough terrain and rain-slicked surfaces.
I found 18 well-designed pockets, one of which has a hook-and-loop closing, ideal for carrying paint scrapers and dripless caulk guns. The pockets are large enough to hold bigger equipment (I even slipped in a power drill for good measure).
The bright interior, too, allows you to locate your items with ease. You’ll no longer waste time looking for accessories in a dark bag.
I like this bag because it’s capable of handling both small items and power tools. Its sturdy 600 denier polyester construction makes it tough and water-resistant.
It also has a heavy-duty telescopic handle. So you can roll many tools and work at home or abroad.
Its black and red combination also makes it a stunning bag to have.
With that said, the wheels are difficult to maneuver in small spaces. It would also be wonderful if it had a shoulder strap for moving it up and down several flights of stairs.
Even so, this Husky tool bag is a premium product for painters who travel a lot when working.
5. CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1539 Multi-Compartment 50 Pocket Tool Bag
Key Features:
• 50 pockets to efficiently organize all your tools
• Large center compartment to carry multiple power tools
• Zippered side panels to prevent spillage of tools when carrying
• Webbing handles and Shoulder Strap for carrying comfort
• Product Dimensions (inch) 18 x 7 x 14
The Custom LeatherCraft 1539 is a large, durable tool bag that checks all boxes.
For my painting buddies with many hand tools that need some serious storage, consider this bag from CLC. It will organize and store all your tools.
It has a zippered flap on either side. Open it, and you’ll find 50 pockets for storing small painting devices that can get lost at the bottom of the bag.
I know you love it when you can see all your tools when working (because I do too). So the Custom LeatherCraft guys made some vertical pockets for us. You can now take out that paint scrapper without breaking a sweat.
The zippered side panels also secure your items, so you won’t have to worry about anything falling out.
The center compartment is large enough to carry many power tools at once. For example, you can load all the equipment in a test kit into the bag and still have space to fill more. So this bag could store twice as much gear without sacrificing organization.
They’ve made this bag with polyester. So it’s strong enough to hold all your accessories without stretching or breaking.
They also added rolled and padded nylon handles with swivel hardware (no more tangling of the straps). The padded shoulder strap prevents back and shoulder aches, especially if you often carry heavy power tools.
I like this bag because it includes zippered side panels. When you open them, you’ll notice that they’ve mounted all the pockets with vertical openings. So it’s so easy to organize your stuff. It’s also durable and can handle heavy power tools without breaking.
However, despite having sewed-on plastic feet, the bottom isn’t waterproof. The bag also splits at the zipper seam, and a consumer noted that the strap is ineffective.
Still, the design and construction are enough to justify the high price.
What to Look For in a Painter’s Tool Bag
Before buying a painter’s tool bag, it’s critical to understand how its features affect your user experience. Painters require specific types of tool bags to carry all the poles, brushes, and different-sized rollers.
So, we’ve focused on almost everything you shouldn’t miss before making a purchase.
Material and Durability
Manufacturers make tool bags with canvas, nylon, or polyester. These materials are lightweight and durable. Leather is also available, but keep in mind that it weighs significantly more than its synthetic counterparts.
Canvas is a rigid material that’s frequently double-layered to prevent wear and tear when carrying your tools.
On the other hand, nylon is a robust material that’s popular for its flexibility and durability.
While the poly fabric is less durable than canvas or nylon, it’s preferred because it dries quickly and retains its color.
A rubber or plastic solid bottom is a nice feature since it keeps moisture from the bag when it’s sitting on the floor. It also provides stability to keep the bag sitting upright.
Buckles and zippers help secure your tools in the bag. However, you should note that some tool bags have zippers or buckles that are prone to malfunction or break. So it’s critical to buy a tool bag fitted with high-quality fasteners.
Go for a bag whose material is durable and will serve you for an extended period.
Size and Storage Options
What will you be using the bag for? Do you have many small hand tools? Several power tools?
There are tool bags that are nothing more than a simple pouch. Others may include many zipped and open compartments, belts, pockets, and clips.
For example, a small tool bag is not ideal if you carry various equipment to different homes when working. Instead, a bag with side pockets, several zippers, and an added shoulder strap might be a better choice.
Before you buy a painter’s bag, consider this. How many tools do you intend to carry? How easily would you like to access them? Where will you store the pack? Answering these questions will help you make an informed decision.
All in all, your style and taste may differ from mine. So identifying your limits and needs is essential. Go for a bag whose storage and size suit the kind of tools you work with every day.
Design and Carrying Options
The how, what, and where you’ll be using the bag will determine its design. The most common is a simple zip-up bag with pockets. It’s the most versatile because it can carry a wide variety of tools and provide a means of long-term storage. It’s also lightweight.
Another type is the tote design, which is convenient for carrying and organizing your items. But, it can be challenging to move because it may tip over, and your tools fall out of the open compartments.
A tool backpack, on the other hand, resembles regular school backpacks. They have an extra protective shell, more interior space, and pockets. The idea is to hold more tools than a traditional bag would. Backpack types are the most convenient to carry, but they often have less space than standard tool bags.
The bucket bag is like the tote in that it’s a cloth bag with compartments that rest over a bucket, as the name suggests. So you can store equipment on the inside and outside. They’re a cheaper option, but carrying items with only the bucket handle may be more difficult.
Buy a bag whose design will suit your daily needs as a painter while you go about your duties.
Interior Capacity
Interior storage is helpful for more than just storing larger tools. It’s an excellent place to keep all your small accessories.
Almost all the painters’ bags on the market have plenty of interior space. A spacious interior allows you to store a cordless drill and a 14-inch roller with a half-inch nap with no hassle.
A large, spacious bag also helps you keep hand maskers, various rollers, and poles.
Painters carry both standard and angled brushes to the worksite. So the perfect painter’s tool bag should have enough space and pockets to hold all the brushes.
Constricted and deep pockets also prevent the brushes from falling. So choose a bag with plenty of space and pockets where you can keep all your canvas tools.
Comfort
Painters shuffle all over the worksite; so they must carry a comfortable bag.
The best painters’ tool bags have padded shoulder straps and handles. So, you can carry them with comfort even when they’re loaded. Carrying the bag on the shoulder is the most convenient and preferred way. So find a bag with an adjustable heavy-duty shoulder strap.
Also, if you regularly travel by air for work, you should consider air travel-friendly bags like the Husky GP-43196N13 18-Inch Rolling Tool Tote Bag with Telescoping Handle.
Go for a tool bag that’ll give you the most comfort when you carry your painting equipment.
People Also Ask About Painter’s Tool Bag
What are the most popular painter tool bag brands?
There’s a significant increase in the number of painters who’ve realized the value of having a tool bag. So, it’s no longer surprising to see various brands of painters’ bags emerge, each claiming to be the ideal brand.
It’s best to stick to brands with excellent ratings and feedback if you’re overwhelmed by the different brands. McGuire-Nicholas, Dickies, WORKPRO, Husky, and CLC are some brands that warrant your attention because of their reliability and product quality.
Are painters’ tool bags waterproof?
The primary material used in the tool bag’s construction determines this quality. Most bags are waterproof, but only if they have a robust and rigid bottom with a waterproofing feature applied to them.
If you want to protect your tools from water and moisture, this is a great option. When your bag has a waterproof base or bottom, you can rest knowing it won’t be damaged if you leave it on wet ground.
Fortunately, the majority of these bags are waterproof. But some designs, such as the bucket style, are less water-resistant than others.
With that in mind, it would be wise to select a design made of nylon, poly fabric, or plastic. They provide a high level of water resistance.
What are painters’ tool bags made of?
Manufacturers make excellent painters’ bags with high-quality canvas, poly fabric, leather, and nylon.
The bag also has other characteristics that help it function well. These include adjustable or removable straps, handles, pockets, zippers, and feet or wheels.
How do I choose the right tool bag size?
If you take into account your particular needs, you can select the appropriate size. When figuring out the ideal bag, consider the number of tools you intend to store and organize. Based on that, you can select a size that’ll match your needs.
Avoid selecting a bag that’s larger than what you need. It may just add weight, causing pain when carrying the bag. It should also not be too small to give you problems when organizing your tools.
How do I use my tool bag?
To get the most out of your tool bag, you must understand how to use it correctly.
The best approach is to ensure that all the tools you intend to carry are well-organized. Carry only what you need and store it in the right pockets.
Also, make sure that the tools you use the most are in places where you can access them with ease.
While using the bag, keep in mind to avoid carrying anything that exceeds the greatest weight it can bear.
How do I clean my tool bag?
To clean your bag correctly, you should use soap and warm water. Warm water removes soil and dirt. Choose a gentle soap and avoid using bleach and detergents. It’s best to allow the bag to soak for a few minutes first to soften the stains and dirt.
If necessary, give the bag a gentle scrubbing to remove the dirt from the surfaces. But avoid extensive scrubbing as this may damage the bag’s material.
After you’ve finished cleaning with soapy water and mild scrubbing, rinse it severally with clear water. Repeat this process to ensure you remove all the soapy remains and dirt.
Conclusion
When working on an important project, having a painter’s bag can make your life easier.
Having all your tools in one place offers a hassle-free environment when painting. You won’t have to look around for a roller or a paint scraper if you’ve kept it in the right pocket.
The best tool bags for painters provide convenient carrying options with high returns. So, we can claim that a tool bag is not only helpful but also time-saving.
Now that we’ve reached the end of our guide, I hope it has assisted you in finding a high-quality pack.
