A 3-inch brush works best for doors, cabinets, and shelving, and a 4- to 6-inch brush is designed for large, flat areas, like walls and ceilings. A 1- to 2½-inch brush is best for window areas, trim, and corners. Generally speaking, the tighter the area you’re painting, the smaller the brush should be.
Paint brushes for house painting typically come in sizes ranging from 1 to 6 inches. Both natural and synthetic brushes can last for years if cleaned and dried thoroughly after every use: Remove excess paint, wash with soapy water, rinse in fresh water, and let it dry on a flat surface. Low- and no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, most of which are acrylic latex based, are also best applied with a synthetic brush. A synthetic brush made of high-quality polyester or a blend of nylon and polyester is better suited to latex (water-based) paint because natural bristles soak up water, becoming limp and less effective.You’ll also get good results using a round, natural bristle brush to apply furniture wax. Choose a natural-bristle brush when applying oil-based paints and top coats, varnishes, shellac, decorative chalk paint (for an antique look), enamel, and polyurethane. Natural brushes are made of animal hair, like hog or badger-fibers with microscopic splits that hold more product to create a smooth finish.Materialīrush bristles come in two major categories: natural, which are recommended for oil-based paints, and synthetic, which are best for water-based paints.
#PAINT BRUSH HOW TO#
Here’s how to determine what’s right for your job. Photo: Debbie Wolfe What to Consider When Choosing the Best Paint Brushīrushes are made of different materials and come in various shapes and sizes to suit specific products and tasks.
And you’ll rely on brushes for trim and other detail work, as well as for painting furniture. It also provides more versatility, as brushes are able to create both smooth and textured finishes, depending on your technique. While many DIYers opt for rollers on large surfaces like walls, a brush provides greater precision while using less paint. Yet to achieve smooth, complete, precise coverage, you’ll need to put a bit of thought into your brushes as well. Choosing colors for your next paint project can really occupy your time as you pore over a spectrum of shade swatches.