Select Brush
- Choose a flat-bristle brush for spraying large surfaces. Brushes for painting larger surfaces such as walls, shelves, dressers, and cabinets come in all different shapes and sizes. They range in width from 1 to 5 inches (2.5-13 cm). Generally, a four-inch (10-cm) flat-bristle brush is best for large, flat surfaces.
- Use a corner or sash brush for corners and intricate details. The bristles are cut at an angle for easier access to hard-to-reach places. For more intricate details, you should choose a width slightly smaller than the edge you want to draw.
- Use synthetic bristles. Synthetic bristles are usually made of nylon, polyester, or a combination of the two. They are versatile and can be used with latex paints as well as oil-based paints.
- Try natural bristles and oil-based paint. Natural bristles are usually made from the hair of animals such as pigs, minks, weasels, or other small rodents. These brushes should only be used with oil-based paints. This is because the natural bristles will absorb the water used in the latex paint and the bristles will become soft.
- Shop for a variety of brushes. Depending on your project, you may need to use several different brushes. For example, if you’re painting the walls at home, you might want a 4-inch (10-centimeter) flat brush, and a smaller angled brush for corners and window ledges.To save money, you can buy a set of brushes. These are usually lower quality, but for beginners, it’s a great way to learn how different brushes feel before investing a lot of money.
- Choose a brush with a comfortable handle. Paint brush handles can be made of wood or plastic, and they usually have some kind of curvature so they fit in your hand. Choose a comfortable brush. You’ll probably be painting for a long time, and comfort is very important. For art brushes, the length of the handle determines how the stroke is drawn. Shorter handles are used for close up detail work, while longer handles allow for distance and large movements.
Paint Brush Maintenance
- Clean and rinse brushes immediately after use. The way you clean your brushes depends on the type of paint you are using. Read and follow the cleaning instructions provided on the paint. After each use, be sure to wash the brush thoroughly and clean it immediately. The sooner the bristles are cleaned, the less likely paint will stick to the brush. To clean, push the bristles down on a flat surface. This will cause the bristles to spread out and allow you to flush all the paint from the center of the brush.
- Dry the brush. Absorb some excess water with a clean towel. Then place the brush over the edge of your sink or workstation and let the bristles hang over the edge. This will circulate air around the bristles and help the brush dry faster. You don’t want to wet the ferrule as this could cause the bristles to loosen and fall out over time.
- Store brushes in a darker container. Place the handle of the brush into the hard container with the bristles facing up. You can also place the plastic or cardboard covering that came with the brush over the bristles to help keep the bristles in shape. Alternatively, you can hang the large brush upside down. Typically, large paintbrushes will have a hole in the handle. Hang the brush on the nail.
