How Do I Choose The Right Paint Brush?

Paint brushes come in a variety of sizes, end types and bristles. A high-quality brush can mean a better-looking job with less effort. Why? Because a good-quality brush holds more paint and applies it more evenly, which can save you time and help you get the results you want.

Types of Brushes

Natural-bristle brushes made with animal hairs are used for applying oil base paints, varnishes, shellac, polyurethane and other oil base finishes. The natural "flagging" (splitting or fuzzy tips) of these brushes creates split ends in the bristles that hold more paint and help assure a smooth paint release and finish. The stiffer bristles make applying thicker, more viscous products easier.

Natural Bristle Flat Paint Brush

Blended nylon/polyester brushes are easy to clean and work well with all types of latex paints. The combination of nylon's durability and polyester's shape retention is the mark of a high-quality brush - one that also produces a high-quality paint finish. What's more, these durable brushes are built to handle numerous projects. So, with proper care, nylon / polyester brushes should last for years.

Polyester brushes are best for latex paints. These brushes hold their shape and stiffness in any paint and apply paint smoothly and evenly.

Synthetic Bristles made with nylon or polyester bristles (or a nylon/polyester mix) work best with water-based latex paints and finishes. They hold their shape and stiffness, and last a long time with proper care. They are also easy to clean; often running water is all that’s required.

Synthetic Filament Angle Paint Brush

Brush Sizes

Paintbrushes are available in widths from 1 to 4 inches. The size you select is up to you, but a good rule of thumb is:

1" to 2" – window and other small trim

3" – glossy paints for doors and cabinets

4" – large, flat areas

Brush End Types

Chisel Trim Brush - slanted bristles produce a good, straight line for trimming in corners and edges.

Square Trim Brush - the ends of the bristles are cut square and used primarily for applying paint over flat areas.

Angled Brush - bristles are cut to make it easier to apply paint to window trim.

Wood Handle Angle Paint Brush

Brush Styles

Thin Angle Sash - slanted bristles and a thin profile produce a good, straight line for trimming in corners and edges.

Angle Sash - features slanted bristles and holds more paint than its thin counterpart. Excellent for cutting in at the ceiling or painting trim.

Flat Sash - bristles are straight across and used primarily for applying paint over flat areas.

Round Sash Brush- The round sash brush has a blunt, tapered tip with soft edges. It can cover a large area and is a favorite of faux and decorative finish painters, because the round shape gives greater control. Sizes, measured by the diameter of the bristle head, range from around 20 to 40 millimeters. Besides decorative painting, it’s also useful for small trim, like window muntins.

Trim - a flat brush excellent for painting large flat surfaces, especially exterior siding.

Wall - a thick flat brush that holds a larger amount of paint. Excellent for painting larger surface areas.

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