Choosing a suitable paint brush is more important than it seems if we want to apply the paint professionally. We tend to think that any roller or brush is suitable for painting. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In many moments of our life we have to paint some space as our home or office, either from scratch or to improve a work that was already done. And although it is a relatively simple job, it also has the technique to achieve a good finish and get the result you expect.
When you have to paint, you may go to the market and end up buying a paintbrush that won't be the best solution.
Before you start painting, you should take your time to choose the brush that best suits the place you want to remodel.
It doesn't seem very necessary, but in the end it will save you time and you will obtain excellent results, since the quality of the finish also depends on the type of brush you use and the technique you apply.
Wall paint brushes are easy to use and extremely practical. With them you can paint any kind of surfaces, which makes them indispensable when painting.
See analysis of Harris paintbrushes
They have a plastic or wooden handle and a group of bristles at the end. Apart from brushes, there is a roller, which can make the painting process even easier as it takes up much more space. However, the finishing is not always the one we expect the most, as there are usually small holes left without covering.
Table of Contents
Selecting the right paint brush
Wall paint brushes can be found on the market in a variety of sizes and shapes. Each type is designed for a particular painting project. It all depends on the type of surface you need to paint. A proper brush will help you save time and paint.
It's important that you choose a brush, whatever it is, and pass it through the back of your hand and if you notice that it opens and is soft, then it can be a good brush. Also, make sure that the metal bushing is firm, strong and that the bristles do not fall off.
Types of paint brushes
Small sized brushes are used to work in smaller areas and work with small details.
Large brushes are ideal when you have to paint a larger area.
Flat tip brushes are generally used for any kind of work because they cover a lot of work in less time.
Chiselled brushes can be used to paint corners or windows.
Round brushes are ideal and practical for painting mouldings and recesses. They can also be used on metal furniture that has rounded or fretwork shapes.
There are also the brushes, which we will deal with in a separate article. Although they are used more for pictures, brushes can be found in many sizes, there are round, flat, and numbered depending on their size. Choosing a brush also depends on the surface to be painted. The best thing is that because there are smaller models than conventional brushes, you can use them to reach hard-to-reach places.
Brushes by type of bristles
Paintbrushes can also be classified by their type of bristles. There are the natural and synthetic bristle brushes.
Each one gives a better result depending on the type of paint you use and the surfaces on which you are going to paint.
Natural bristle brushes are made of animal hairs, mainly from pigs or horses. You can use them with oil-based paint, alkyd paints, dyes and varnishes.
It is not recommended that you use them with water-based paints because the bristles absorb it and lose their shape. They are damaged if used on very rough surfaces. They are usually more expensive, but of better quality.
See analysis of Harris paintbrushes
Synthetic bristle brushes are made of nylon, polyester, and in some cases both materials. They are used very well to paint rough surfaces and you can use them with almost any type of paint, as they retain their shape better than any other type of brush. They usually have medium flexibility and are applied for general use. In addition, they are easy to clean and can last if properly cared for.
Professional painters tend to use them more because they can work with denser paints.
Tips for using wall paint brushes
- If you are going to paint walls, it is recommended that you use a 4 “and a 2” brush to give the details you need, such as decorations or corners and for corners where the flat brushes can not reach, you can use round brushes.
- If the new color does not hide the previous color, then apply a second coat to make the paint thicker.
- In case you take a few minutes to rest, a good solution is to put the brush in a plastic bag and store it in the freezer. When you come back, take it out, wait for it to thaw and that's it, you can continue your work where you left off.
- You don't have to force the brush against the wall. You'll lose more time and energy and you can damage your brush.
- Whenever you can and it fits your budget, buy the best wall paintbrushes you get on the market.
- It is preferable that you pour a little paint in another container and do not soak directly on the original bottle in which it comes. It will make it easier to fill the brush without loading it, thus avoiding dripping.
- Make long strokes, avoid giving short strokes or in small areas, as this will leave marks. Do not leave the paint for too long without spreading it, as soon as the appliques begin to spread it all over the surface.
- Adjust where you go to work. Move away from nearby equipment and furniture and try placing newsprint on the floor in case some paint leaks, to avoid staining the floor and save extra work.
Basic handling of a paint brush
Although the handling of a brush is easy, it is essential that you know how to master it to achieve perfect finishes in the works. Hold the brush like a pencil, just between your thumb and index fingertips, with the rest we will hold the metal edge.
Keep in mind that you must move the paint every time you use it, but don't shake it too much, which can generate bubbles that will damage the finish.
When you are going to paint, it is not advisable that you overload the paint, but it should not be missed either. Each time you paint, remember to remove excess paint on the edge of the can or shake it inside to unload. Avoid filling the surface or handle with paint, so you will not drip the surface you are working on.
Apply the material with vertical movements of the brush and then finish with horizontal movements to cover small holes and finally return to perform vertical movements. It is important that you do not take too long to apply the paint because it can dry and could leave lumps and imperfections in the painted area.
For painting soft surfaces, natural bristles are recommended because they are more flexible and smoother. On the other hand, if you are going to paint rustic surfaces, choose a synthetic bristle because its resistance is greater for abrasion.
When you're going to paint borders or, if so, if you have to paint a two-colour wall, we recommend using tape to prevent the paints from mixing. To use a paint brush to paint walls you must be clear that you should not make so much effort, and when the brush starts to harden, it is loaded with paint again.
Maintenance and care of a paint brush
- Before washing or dipping it in solvent, try to remove excess paint on a piece of paper. Cleaning it this way first will make the rest of the job much easier.
- It mainly uses a good quality paint. You must remove the paint residue so that it does not dry and damage, so you can keep your set of brushes in good condition.
- Never leave a brush soaked in water for so long. If you can help it, much better. Leaving it soaking in water causes the wood to expand, so the metal that holds the bristles will also expand and these will loosen and fall.
- Do not store your collection of brushes in an upright position on their bristles, no matter what, because this will damage it. Keep them with the bristles facing up. You can choose to wrap them in newspaper.
- If you used water-based paint, just wash it with plenty of water until the material is completely removed. When using an oil-based paint, clean them with the indicated solvent, there will be no problem if you reuse a solvent that you have already used.
- Gently move it back and forth until the paint comes out.
- If you're not sure what type of paint you're using, then read the product features and you'll see recommendations on which solvent to use.
- Do not leave the brush wet. When you have finished cleaning it, wipe it down again with a piece of paper or cloth.
- You can choose to mix lukewarm water with fabric softener, this preparation will help you to remove the paint easily from the brush.
Take into account all the advice and recommendations that we show you in this article to make your experience more pleasant and comfortable, and get a professional finish. You can buy and use the paintbrushes that best suit your needs and the surface you are going to work on.
Remember that it is important to have clear what type of brush you can use depending on the type of paint, it is not plan that you lose these tools without giving it a proper use.
Are you the ones to use a single paintbrush all types of surface? If so, I hope this article has worked for you. Tell us about your experience.
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