Main Criteria for Picking a Paint Brush



One of the fastest ways to ruin a room’s new paint is to use the wrong brush when applying it. Not only will the wrong brush leave the space looking streaky, but it will make the job itself much harder. For instance, try using a polyester brush with oil-based paint. You’ll find the bristles turning limp and virtually impossible to work with.

When choosing paint brushes, you’ll want to consider these tips before you decide.

1. Project Scope  

The size of the room or space is key when choosing one or many paintbrushes. Are you painting an entire wall or entryway? Does your space just need a touch-up? The area being painted will help lead you to the type of paintbrush you’ll need.

Paintbrushes can range in width from a quarter inch to five inches or larger. Choosing the right size brush is based on the size of the surface you are painting and the degree of detail on that surface. If you are painting a broad, featureless expanse like a door, paneling, or a cabinet, you will want to use a wider brush. If you are painting window trim, crown molding, or chair rails, then look for a brush just a bit narrower than the width of that trim.

2. Type of Paint

The surface you are painting will dictate the type of paint required. The brush chosen will depend on the paint used.   This is one factor that, if ignored, your paint project will not end well.  

Paintbrushes come in two main bristle types, natural and synthetic. An oil-based paint works well with natural bristle brushes. These bristles are made from animal hair.

Natural bristle brushes are used for wood stain, varnish, urethane, and enamel-based paints.

Bristles with split ends allow the brush to hold more paint and release it evenly. These brushes are the best option for oil-based paints, stains, and sealers. They readily absorb water and can quickly become limp. Natural bristle brushes are not a good choice for water-based paints.

For latex paint, a synthetic bristle brush would be the best choice.   Synthetic bristles are made from nylon, polyester, or a combination of both. They work well with water-based latex paint, acrylic, and alkyd paints. These bristles are stiffer than natural animal hair and do not absorb water. They’re best used for water-based paints and stains. They will offer great coverage and a smooth finish.

You will also find that bristles vary in their degree of softness or stiffness. Brushes are usually marked as soft or stiff. Softer bristles are a good choice for stains and varnishes.

The softness of natural bristles compared to synthetic bristles is the main reason natural bristle brushes are recommended for varnishes, urethanes, and oil-based paints in general. These paints will dry with distinct and undesirable brush ridges if stiff bristles are used in their application. However, if you are cutting around trim or painting an intricate molding, a stiffer brush will give you more control over the paint.

 

                                             


3. Detail of Painted Surfaces

Another consideration is whether the brush has bristles cut blunt, straight across and parallel to the ferrule, or cut on an angle. The shape of a brush bristle can also affect the overall look of the finished project.

Use a straight cut brush for flat surfaces without detailed molding and when you will not need to cut in close to another painted area, trim, or any other fine work. Choose an angled brush to cut around trim when preparing a wall for being painted with a roller, for moldings with details and shaping, or when you need to paint up an edge.

4. Results Desired

The quality of the tools you use is just as important as your painting technique. Good quality brushes will cost more than standard grade brushes. Higher quality paintbrushes have bristles that are flagged, meaning the end of each bristle has split ends. They are designed to grip paint better and leave fewer brush marks on your surface.  


                                             

Don’t try to save a few dollars with your paintbrushes, especially for larger areas that are noticeable. Using a top-notch brush for a project will make a huge difference. If you want a smooth finish, you’ll need to invest accordingly.   Though it may be more economical to buy cheaper brushes, great quality brushes will last longer with proper cleaning and storage.

A cheaper brush will work fine for projects that don’t require a high degree of finish. Quick touch-ups or small paint jobs may look just fine. You can even use a wide inexpensive brush to apply deck stain or sealant with good outcomes. 



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