How To Choose The Right Paint Brush In 3 Steps
The minute you step inside a local hardware store to purchase a paintbrush, you’re faced with an infinite number of options. Standing in the aisle and asking for an assorted box of paintbrushes is not as simple as asking for an assorted box of Timbits! Based on the paint type and finish you’re using, the type of surface and the size of the project, you’ll have to get a set of paintbrushes of the right bristle, size and shape. This article will help you get the right set of brushes for your upcoming paint project. Of course, you can always skip buying your own brushes and simply hire a professional painter who will already own all the brushes needed for your project. Read on to make the right choice for your home.
Bristle
- Bristles are the hairy side of a paintbrush. They are made of natural animal hair or synthetic material like nylon or polyester. Synthetic bristle brushes are commonly used for residential painting projects. They are also cheaper compared to natural bristle brushes. Based on the type and finish of paint, varnish and primer, you can choose a specific type of bristle brush.
| Natural Bristle Brush | Synthetic Bristle Brush | |
| Made of | Animal hair: hog, badger, horse, or ox hair | Polyester, nylon or a combination of both |
| Best used for | Oil-based varnish and paint | Water-based finishes and latex paint |
Size
- Based on the size of the surface you want to paint and the attention to detail it requires, you will have to choose a specific size of the brush. If you’re not sure at all, we recommend you purchase a set of basic sash and straight brushes, to begin with. Once you have the surface area prepped and the paint can open, you can make a decision on which specific size of the brush to choose from. Visit a local store or go online to get your beginner’s paintbrush kit, including:
| Sash Brushes | Straight Brushes |
| 1-½ inch 2-½ inch 3 inch | 1 inch 2 inch 3 inch 4 inch |
Shape
- Choosing a brush with the right tip is important to give those finishing non-drippy touches to your prepped painting surfaces. You will find two main shapes in painting brushes: angle-tipped brush and square-tipped brush.
- Angled tip brushes, also known as cutting brushes, are perfect if you’re painting close to a specific surface. They help achieve a clean straight line when painting window and door trims, cabinets, furniture, crown moulding or anything with a groove.
- Square tip brushes are perfect if you’re painting long strokes on bigger surfaces. They come in a variety of sizes and provide a better grip if you’re painting walls, doors or big pieces of furniture.
When you’re purchasing a new brush make sure you consider all these aspects to achieve the desired look and texture for your walls, door or window trims. Choosing the wrong brush will have an adverse effect on painting surfaces and you may have to re-do your hard work. You can avoid expensive painting touch-ups or purchase multiple paintbrushes that you may never use again by hiring a painting contractor who already has an arsenal of brushes. Painters know which brush to use for which type of paint, primer, varnish and surface.
Choosing the right painting pro on HomeStars is easier compared to choosing the right paintbrush by yourself. Enjoy your assorted Timbits and a cup of dark roast coffee as you simply put in a service request, compare quotes and contractor profiles to hire a pro for your home’s painting project.
