Hey, aspiring DIY-er! You’ve come to the right place when you’re looking for information about painting and renovation. Planning on glamming up an old cabinet? Wanting to paint your room with an accent wall? Retouching window railings succumbing to rust? Wonderful! But don’t just head to a hardware store and buy whatever’s available. If you don’t have brushes with you yet, choose one that’s appropriate for the job. Read on to know what to look for in a paint brush that will fit your needs.
Synthetic or Natural Bristles?
Not all brushes are the same. The bristles of a brush can be made of different materials, with one more suited to specific types of paint than the other.
Synthetic brushes, usually made of plastic or nylon, are best for water-based paints like Boysen Permacoat Latex. On the other hand, natural brushes are made of animal hair. They are best for solvent-based paints like Boysen Epoxy Enamel, or oil-based paints like Boysen Quick Drying Enamel.
Natural-bristled brushes soak up water-based paints, removing its shape by making it limp. This can make application more difficult. Meanwhile, some synthetic bristles (usually cheaper ones) may not hold up to the strong chemical of solvent-based paints and their thinners.
Choose the material of the bristles that is compatible with the paint you’d be using. It helps with the applicability of the paint and makes your tools last longer.
Does Size Matter?
Why, of course! This may seem obvious until you find yourself using a four-inch brush to paint a tight corner because you didn’t have the right brush size for the job.
The size of your brush affects your control of the application of paint on the surface. Smaller brushes (up to one and a half inches in size) are for narrow crevices, handrails, and cornices. Brushes that are two to three inches in size are appropriate for cabinets, baseboards, beams, and gutters. For painting floors, ceilings and walls, you have to use brushes that are around four inches in size.
Ensure to have multiple tools when working with different kinds of surfaces. This will make your painting process quicker and less prone to error.
Are Quality Brushes Worth It?
When doing renovation, work around your budget but know that high-quality brushes are good investments. Brushes of poor quality shed their bristles more frequently, with some even ending up on the finish you’re working on. You may eventually buy brushes again for your next project which may be more costly in the long run.
Prioritize the type of brushes you’ll need for your project and choose one within your means. When possible, go for those that are durable and dependable.
Related Info: Tips for Longevity
A good-quality brush can go a long way if you also know how to take care of it. Read up what to do with your tools after every project here.
Conducting repaints and renovations by yourself can be a rewarding experience, as well as save you money. The process is not daunting at all, as long as you have the knowledge to do it right.
Got questions for painting projects you might have? Send us an email at [email protected] or call (02) 8363-9738 local 413 to 418 during office hours for one-on-one consultations. Our technical team will be happy to help.
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