​Picking the Right Paintbrush for the Job

Photo by Clay Construction Inc.

If you’ve ever examined the work of a skilled, professional painter, you’ve probably marveled at the smooth finish and crisp, clean lines they are able to achieve. While there is no substitute for training and work experience, there is one secret that every professional painter understands and you can start using today to achieve better results.

Quality Tools Give Better Results

Professional painters would never dream of using a single type of paintbrush for every job they perform. They also learn early on that paint-hardened brushes with messy bristles make it very difficult to paint smooth, even lines. If you have a trusty paintbrush that looks anything like the kind just described, it is time to get rid of it!

A Paintbrush For Every Task

One of the first things every professional painter learns is how to pick the right brush for the the type of surface they’re painting. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of paintbrushes and when you should use them:

• Angle Sash - The bristles of this brush are angled to help you create a smooth, clean edge. This type of brush is best suited to cutting in along ceilings or painting trim
• Thin Angle Sash - Exactly the same as the regular angle sash but smaller to help you fit in narrow areas that are too tight for a larger angled brush.
• Flat Sash - The perfect brush for painting flat surfaces.
• Trim Brush - A flat brush that is perfect for painting larger areas, especially exteriors.
• Wall Brush - Similar to the trim brush only larger and capable of holding a larger amount of paint for efficient, even coverage of large, flat surfaces.

You will also want to choose a bristle material is appropriate for the type of paint you’re using. As a general rule of thumb, natural-bristle brushes are needed anytime you work with oil-based paint, varnish, shellac, or polyurethane. Polyester or nylon/polyester blend brushes are both good options when painting with latex paints.

Caring For Your Paint Brushes

Once you have a good quality brush, you’ll want to take good care of it. Water-based paint should always be washed off thoroughly. Rinse the bristles under water until it runs completely clear. Using a brush comb is a good way to ensure that no paint remains in the base of the bristles.

Oil-based paints need to be rinsed in paint thinner. A glass jar with a lid and a mouth wide enough to dip and swirl your paint brush is a safe way to store paint thinner. Just remember that paint thinner should never be dumped down the drain! Allow the paint solids to settle to the bottom of the jar, then pour off the rest of the paint thinner into a clean container. Once the solids dry dispose of them responsibly by looking into your county or local trash company’s waste guidelines.

Now that you understand how important having the right tools and maintaining them are you are ready to get a little practice in. Pick a quick painting project to complete around your and see how using the right brush makes a big difference in the final outcome!