Tips for Picking the Right Paint Brush

For many homeowners, the most challenging part of beginning a painting project is deciding what brush is best for the task at hand. For successful painting, it's important to use the correct brush to fit the job. Various manufacturers recommend a number of brush sizes and styles for specific painting projects. Outside of what this article offers, it is always good to check with your local paint representative where you purchase your paints and supplies for the brushes that are best suited for your needs.

Keep in mind that good quality brushes are generally found to be thicker at the ferrule and have smaller wood plugs or dividers in the ferrule to spread the bristle and allow for more paint-holding capacity. Inexpensive brushes have wide plugs and reduced amounts of bristle. Many of the lower quality brushes that are on the market are disposed of after they have been used. However, for the homeowner, a good quality brush will provide many years of service and is by far the best value for the money spent.

One type of bristle used in paint brushes is made up of animal hair while others are made up of synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester. Tapered polyester filaments used in paint brushes can be used for all types of paint. They do not absorb water or lose their resiliency as can natural bristles and nylon.

Natural bristles work well only with oil-based paints. Nylon can be used with latex paints or oil-based paints. Brushes that are used with oil base paints can be cleaned with paint thinner and should be dried thoroughly before being stored away

When working with interior and exterior latex paints, foam brushes work very well in restricted areas and also for quick touch-ups. As with bristle brushes that are used with latex, foam brushes can be easily cleaned with a stream of warm water, dried with a paper towel and stored away for future use.

Bristle brushes are very efficient for painting areas of all sizes and shapes and for all types of paint. For jobs that require special attention, like window sashes and trim, a bristle brush of 1" to 1-1/2" works very well. This size brush is also available with a beveled or angular tip that allows for a smooth coat in the more difficult areas.

It can be said that the quality of the finished work will be relative to the tools that are used to complete it. This is especially true when choosing the right paint brush for all the many and varied painting projects in and around the home.

Remember, always work safely.