A Good Paint Brush Is Key

There are a few questions you need to consider before choosing a brush:

1. What type of paint are you applying?

• When painting with oil-based paint, use a natural bristle brush; synthetic brushes are not recommended for oil-based paint.
• When painting with water-based or latex paint, use a high quality nylon, polyester or synthetic brush, natural brushes will soak up water and go limp in water-based paint.

2. What type of surface are you painting?

Are you painting a small surface? Trim? Corners? Flat surfaces? Textured surfaces?

• Angle tipped brushes are used most often, and are recommended for small surfaces, cutting-in, and tight corners.
• Flat tipped brushes are good for broad, flat surfaces or heavily textured surfaces. These brushes are rarely used, except for decks, cabinets or other odd jobs.

Here are a couple more things to keep in mind when choosing a brush:

• A good brush will have flagged (split ends) which allows more paint capacity in the brush, and will leave fewer brush marks.
• A brush should be full and the bristles should generally be longer than the width of the brush; the bristles should also have bend recovery, meaning that the bristles snap back into place if you bend them back and let them go.
• The base (ferrule) should be tightly wrapped and securely attached so that the brush doesn't "shed".
• Generally speaking, the best brushes have wood handles. Try to get a brush that is comfortable to hold.

Remember, you get what you pay for. This stands true for almost anything in the painting industry (paint, contractors, brushes, supplies, etc). When you buy a good quality brush and take good care of it, it will serve you well and be worth the investment.