Planning on doing some painting? The paint brush you use can make the difference between a professional looking job and a shabby looking one. You will use much less effort and have a better looking paint job if you choose the right brush.
Choose between the following categories;
• China Bristle - Natural bristle brushes designed for oil based primers, stains and clear wood finishes.
• Synthetic Bristle - Different types of plastics are used for these paint brushes with varying degrees of stiffness. Although they can be used with all types of paints and finishes it is best to use synthetic brushes with water based primers, paints and clear wood finishes.
• Specialty Brushes - These could have long odd handles for reaching or be designed for a specific function.
Brushes with natural bristles are made with animal hair. This type of brush is used only for oil based finishes for example paint, varnish, and polyurethane. They hold the paint in and create a smoother more professional looking job than other types of brushes when used with oil based applications. Using latex paint with this type of brush will make the bristles go limp making it hard to paint with.
Brushes with synthetic bristles, like polyester brushes, are best with latex but work well with any paint. They hold their shape and apply the paint evenly. A nylon polyester blend brush also works well with latex paint. These high quality brushes will last for years if taken care of properly.
Brush Size Matters
Paint brushes come in different sizes, ranging from one inch to six inches, the smaller ones are good for small trim projects, such as around mirrors or windows or any place you need fine detail. The larger ones are good for larger areas such as a place on the wall you can’t get to with a roller but don’t require much detail. The medium size ones are good for larger trim jobs, such as baseboards or trimming out the wall corners that the roller misses. Get all three sizes so you don't end up making another trip to the store.
Brush Shape
Some paint brushes are wedge shaped, angled, flat, and even oval shaped. The flat and oval shaped brushes are best for flat surfaces, but can be used elsewhere too. The angle brushes are good for uneven, beveled surfaces or areas that are hard to reach. Areas that need a lot of detail are also where the angle brush will come in handy. It’s best to get flat as well as angle ones to be sure you have what you need.
Quality Concerns
The cheaper low quality brushes will cost you less but will give you a low quality paint job and also cause you to spend more time painting. They have a tendency to leave streaks so that you have to go over what you have already painted. The bristles may fall out and you will have to replace the brush. The higher price, higher quality brush on the other hand, will give you a streak free, smooth, hairless finish. No need to worry about getting the bristles off your wet painted surface. It will also last much longer than the low quality brush, especially if it is well taken care of, saving you money in the long run.
Maintance
Be sure to clean your brushes as soon as you are done using them. Don’t allow the paint or varnish to harden as this will ruin the brush. Do not leave the brush in water or solvent too long as it may damage the bristles. Hang the brush up or lay flat, making sure the bristles are straight. If storing the brush for a long time, bag it or wrap it up to protect it from the environment.