Painting your walls might seem like a pretty straightforward process, but there is far more to the process than you may have previously realized. As a matter of fact, the entire look of the paint job can depend on the kind of brush that you choose.
Not all brushes are made the same. When you get the proper brush, it can create the kind of look that you are after. Additionally, those brushes can also be used over and over again. That makes your brushes arguably the most valuable tool in your arsenal.
Knowing which brush to choose can depend on a number of factors. Pick the right brush, and you will get the right look that you have been looking for.
Bristle Types
There are three different bristle types that you should concern yourself with: natural, polyester, and a polyester/nylon blend. The natural is used for most oil-based paints, polyurethane, shellac, and varnishes. You would want to avoid using natural brushes with water-based paints because they will soak the water up, leaving your brush limp and completely incapable of holding the paint.
The polyester bristle paint brushes are meant to be used with latex paints. They will hold their stiffness and shape far better than the other types. The blends are best for latex; the combined bristles provide a better shape and durability to your brush.
Brush Widths
The vast majority of your job types will require a brush anywhere from 1” to 4” in width. Your smaller brushes generally run 1” to 2” and are best for detailed jobs as well as window trimmings. Medium-sized brushes (around 3”) are best used for cabinets and doors, while the larger 4” brushes are best for big, wide areas like a section of plywood or wall.
Pick the right brush for your job to avoid paint overrun. If you have a brush that is too big for the area, it will create a sloppy look, while a smaller brush than needed will make the job take far longer than it should take under normal circumstances.
Brush Styles
This refers to the cut and shape of the head of the brush. Like the size of the brush, the style can greatly impact the job that you take on.
A wall brush is a brush that is thicker and flatter, holds a lot of paint, and is meant for painting larger surface areas. As its name states, you would want to use this on walls and cabinets. Similarly, a trim brush is flat and made for painting large, flat surfaces. It works great for painting the exterior edges of a wall more accurately than ever.
Lastly, an angled sash brush is made with bristles that are cut at an angle and are meant to get in the areas around the trim or windows. It has a much thinner profile that is used for delicate work.
Picking the right brush doesn’t have to be complicated. Get the right one and you can make the painting process easier than ever before.
Marc Poulos began his real estate and financial services career, but he soon realized that his true passion was beautifying homes. He started working with various small craftsman shops before serving an apprenticeship with the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago. His commitment to excellence won him Top Apprentice from Washburne trade school in Chicago – the country’s premier school of its kind.
