A good brush makes painting faster and the result smoother. A cheap one sheds bristles, leaves streaks and makes cutting in a frustrating job. You do not need many brushes, but you do need the right ones.
Bristle type: match it to the paint
- Synthetic bristles (nylon, polyester or a blend): for water-based (latex and acrylic) paints. They keep their shape in water. Nylon-polyester blends are the most versatile.
- Natural bristles (usually hog hair, often called China bristle): for oil-based paints, varnishes and stains. Do not use them with water-based paint: they absorb water and go limp.
Brush shapes
Angled sash brush Bristles cut at an angle. The best tool for “cutting in” along ceilings, corners and trim, and for window frames. A 2 to 2-1/2 inch angled brush is the most useful single brush to own.
Flat brush Straight edge, wider (3 to 4 inches). Good for large flat surfaces like doors, siding boards and fences.
Thin angled or trim brush Narrow (1 to 1-1/2 inches) for window muntins, small trim and detailed work.
Round and oval brushes Hold a lot of paint and work well on rounded or uneven surfaces such as spindles and railings.
Foam brushes Cheap and disposable, good for small touch-ups, stain and smooth surfaces. Not great for cutting in.
Short-handled brushes Easier to control in tight spaces like behind radiators.
Rollers for walls and ceilings
Large surfaces are faster and smoother with a roller. The nap (thickness of the cover) depends on the surface:
- 1/4 to 3/8 inch for smooth walls, doors and cabinets.
- 1/2 inch for lightly textured walls and most drywall.
- 3/4 inch and more for rough surfaces such as stucco, brick or concrete.
Small foam or microfiber rollers give a smooth finish on cabinets and furniture. Gloss finishes, see how to choose the right paint finish, show brush marks more and benefit from finer tools.
Caring for brushes
- Load only the bottom third of the bristles with paint.
- Clean water-based paint with warm soapy water, oil-based with mineral spirits (outdoors or with ventilation, and dispose of solvents as your local rules require).
- Comb out the bristles and store brushes flat or hanging, in their original sleeve to keep the shape.
- Between coats on the same day, wrap the brush tightly in plastic instead of washing it.
A good quality brush, looked after, lasts for years. Painting projects are a good place to start building your kit, see a basic starter tool kit.
