Choosing a Paintbrush

by April Reinhardt
(last updated June 26, 2015)

Several years ago I decided to paint our living room walls. I found the color of quality latex paint I wanted on sale at my hardware store, but the synthetic paintbrushes that my salesman recommended were more expensive than the natural-bristled paintbrushes on sale. I rationalized that the natural-bristled paintbrushes had to be better than the synthetic, especially since they were on sale. Three hours into painting the living room, I had to stop for the night, washed my brushes in soapy water, and left them on paper towels to dry. Continuing to paint the next morning, I noticed that the brushes were not applying paint as smoothly as they were the day before. After visiting the hardware store again and speaking with a paint expert, I learned that the best brush to use with latex paint is a synthetic brush, since natural bristles absorb water from paint and become softer the more you use them. Choosing a paintbrush should never be based solely on cost. Consider the following when choosing paintbrushes:
  • A good quality brush will have a hardwood handle.
  • Choose brushes that have bristles that vary in length, with flagged ends. Flagged ends allow the brush to hold more paint, spread paint more evenly, and allow for a smoother surface.
  • Buy the best quality brushes that you can afford since they will do a better job than cheap brushes.
  • If you are using oil-based paints, use a paintbrush with natural bristles, such as ox hair or hog's hair.
  • Choose a paintbrush with synthetic bristles if you are using latex paints.

Consider the surface area that you are working with when choosing a paintbrush. If you are painting trim or molding, you need a small brush than the type you need for a wall. Experts agree that you will only need three types of paintbrushes for completing home painting projects. For walls, use a four-inch wall brush. For sash and trim work, use a one-and-a-half-inch sash brush and a two-inch trim brush. Angled brushes are good for trims and moldings, while flat brushes are best for painting up to the edge of corners.

If your painting project involves a large room, or several rooms, remember that you will hold a paintbrush in your hand for a long period of time, and choose a handle with which you are comfortable. While you're perusing paintbrushes at the hardware store, hold the paintbrush in your hand and imagine yourself using it for a long time. A large handle on a four-inch brush will most likely be better than a skinny handle, such as on a trim brush.

Remember to clean your paintbrushes when your project is complete. If you maintain your brushes properly, they will last for years over many home painting projects.

Author Bio

April Reinhardt

An admin­istrator for a mutual fund man­age­ment firm, April deals with the writ­ten word daily. She loves to write and plans to author a memoir in the near future. April attend­ed More­head State Uni­ver­sity to pursue a BA degree in Ele­men­tary Edu­ca­tion. ...

MORE FROM APRIL

Chicken Noodle Casserole with Glazed Carrots

This dinner menu is well balanced since it contains meat, starch, and plenty of vegetables. You could easily adjust the ...

Discover More

Baked Pork Chops with Asparagus Casserole

If you want to save time, cook your pork chops for 15 minutes at 350 degrees, and then reduce the heat to 325 degrees and ...

Discover More

Silicone Cookware

Unlike metal bake ware that rusts, and glass cookware that breaks, silicone cookware is lightweight, easy to handle, and ...

Discover More

Cordless, Compact, and Powerful! DeWalt's 18-volt drill-driver kit packs a big punch in a small package, with a powerful high-performance motor tucked away inside a compact design. A great addition to the tool chest of any professional or DIYer! Check out DeWalt 18-Volt Drill/Driver Kit today!

More Home Improvement Tips

Protecting Painted Floors

Painting floors has long been a method for protecting them from damage and dirt, and other forms of wear and tear. ...

Discover More

Mixing Paint

Have you ever noticed how expensive a painting project can be? There are several different methods you can use to save ...

Discover More

Disposing of Paint Properly

After having painted a room or house, there is a better than average chance that you will have some paint left over. The ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured home improvement tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five less than 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured home improvement tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2018 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.