Choose the Right Paint Brush for Better Results

Though people may spend hours pondering the right paint type and hue for their redecorating project, they often don’t devote enough time to selecting the proper brush for the job. Just as paints are available in a wide array of types, paint brushes also offer an abundance of options.

You may be tempted to make do with a less expensive brush, but the difference in price between an inferior brush and a good-quality one is far outweighed by the ease of application and the superiority of the results. Furthermore, you’ll save money in the long run with a brush that can handle project after project.

All brushes are not created alike. The type of paint used will dictate the best brush for the job. Paint brush bristles (fibers) fall into two general categories: natural bristles and synthetic bristles. Natural-bristle brushes should be used only with oil-based (solvent) products. Do not use natural-bristle brushes with latex (water-based) paint. Natural bristles will absorb the water in latex paint and soften, causing the finish coat of paint to have streaks or other noticeable defects.

Synthetic-bristle brushes are made from man-made materials such as polyester or nylon and are excellent for latex and other water-based products because they hold their shape and resiliency. They are also easy to clean, and their filaments will not soften and become limp. They can also be used for oil-based paints.

Use the right size brush.

It may seem elementary, but using the right size brush will save you time and effort and give you far better results. One-inch brushes are made for trim, shutters, and most touch-ups. Four-inch brushes are designed for painting larger surface areas such as interior walls, paneling, exterior siding, and so on. A project with sharp angles or other unusual surfaces may require an angular brush. Long handles on trim and sash brushes make it easy to reach into hard-to-get places and are good for cutting in (painting edges and corners in preparation for painting with a roller or larger brush).

Checking for quality.

Paint brushes should always be springy, and a good brush will get better with use. Cheap brushes have silky bristles that tend to break easily. On a good-quality brush, at least half the bristles will have split ends (“flags”). These hold more paint and spread it out more uniformly. 

To check for quality, hit the brush against your hand and fan the bristles to see if they come out easily. If you’ve decided to use a cheap brush, keep a pair of tweezers handy to immediately pick loose bristles off freshly painted surfaces.

#ShopRayneau for all your painting supplies. Call or visit us at our stores conveniently located in Corinth (450-7247),Vide Bouteille (450-7246),Monchy (450-7248), and Babonneau(450-5759).