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How Do I... Choose and Care For Paintbrushes?
Good-quality brushes are a must if you want a professional-looking paint finish – an expert reveals what to look for
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and garden questions. Here, Christina Storer, trade marketing programs manager at Wattyl, gives you the lowdown on choosing the right brushes for your next paint job… plus some handy tips to help them look and perform their best.
A good paintbrush will not only help you finish a painting job faster, but it will make it more comfortable and give you a better-looking result with even coverage, no brush marks and precise lines – even in tight areas. Choose quality brushes and care for them well and they will give you many years of service.
Image of Purdy brushes at Wattyl
What are the main bristle materials?
There are two main types:
What are the main bristle materials?
There are two main types:
- Natural bristle: These usually have hog, badger or oxen bristles. Natural bristles are excellent for oil-based paint. They’re not so good for water-based paint as the bristles absorb water from the paint and become limp. For a thicker coating of paint, choose stiffer natural bristles.
- Synthetic bristles: These are usually made from nylon or polyester, or a mixture of both. Synthetic-bristle brushes are extremely durable and long-lasting. They work well with both oil-based and acrylic or water-based paint and finishes. They can hold more paint than a natural-bristle brush.
What shapes and sizes do brushes come in?
Tip: It is better to choose a brush that is slightly narrower than the surface to be painted so there are no overlaps of paint. So, if you are painting a 60-millimetre-wide window trim, look to choose a 50-millimetre-wide brush.
- Small: From 38 to 76 millimetres in width. Suitable for detailed work in small spaces. They hold less paint than wider brushes, resulting in shorter strokes and better control.
- Large: From 76 to 100 millimetres in width. Use for painting large areas where a roller isn’t ideal, such as fences or curved surfaces.
- Angular: Suitable for tight corners and cutting in. They measure 50 to 76 millimetres in width.
- Flat: Choose these for laying off paint (where you use gentle brushstrokes to redistribute existing brush strokes between two areas for a uniform finish). Flat brushes measure 88 to 100 millimetres in width.
Tip: It is better to choose a brush that is slightly narrower than the surface to be painted so there are no overlaps of paint. So, if you are painting a 60-millimetre-wide window trim, look to choose a 50-millimetre-wide brush.
How do I choose between the different handle shapes?
Handles come in four main shapes and what you choose depends on personal preference and the job you’re undertaking.
Handles come in four main shapes and what you choose depends on personal preference and the job you’re undertaking.
- Rat-tail: Long and skinny and held similar to a pencil.
- Fluted: Square with cut-off corners that allow it to rest more easily in the hand.
- Beaver-tail: Thick and round for a comfortable fit in the hand.
- Short: Its short length lets you paint tight spots where a longer handle would get in the way.
Image of Purdy brushes at Wattyl
What are the main signs of quality to look for in-store?
What are the main signs of quality to look for in-store?
- A brand recognised for quality.
- Ergonomics – the paintbrush should sit comfortably in your hand.
- Straight bristles that are firmly held in place – no loose or curled bristles.
- The highest-quality brushes are generally hand-made.
- Better-quality brushes have bristles with flagged or split ends. These allow the brush to hold more paint and spread it smoothy.
- Some better-quality brushes also come with tipped ends that meet at a point (rather than being cut flat or straight). These are favoured by professional painters because they allow for greater control and a more precise paint stroke.
- The best-quality handles are made from natural timber. This makes the brush light, durable and manoeuvrable. Timber handles also absorb moisture to help keep hands dry while you’re painting.
What are the signs of poor quality?
- Bristles that don’t lie perfectly flat and straight.
- Bristles that fall out easily.
- A handle with a rough finish
- A paintbrush that does not feel balanced in the hand.
- A loose or poor-fitting ferrule (the metal band that connects the bristles to the handle).
How should I care for paintbrushes?
- Clean paintbrushes immediately after use. Do not soak them as this can damage or curl the bristles.
- For water-based paints and finishes, dip paintbrushes into a container of warm soapy water and work through the bristles. Rinse with clean water and repeat if necessary. Remove excess water by spinning the brush (or using a mechanical paint-brush spinner).
- For oil-based paints and finishes, choose the correct cleaning solvent by reading the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Pour solvent into a container, dip the brush in and work it through the bristles. Dip up and down several times. Spin paintbrush in a waste area to remove excess solvent, then repeat with a clean container and thinner.
- Both water and solvent clean-ups should be done away from drains.
- Ideally, use a paintbrush comb to clean through the centre of the brush thoroughly as paint residue can harden in the brush and set the bristles.
- Once brushes are clean and dry, store them away.
How should I store my paintbrushes?
- Once clean, place brushes in a paintbrush keeper or holder to prevent them from being damaged and aim to store them in a hanging position.
- Good-quality brushes will come with a paintbrush keeper – store them in there once they are clean. This will help maintain the bristles’ shape and extend their lifespan.
- A wax-covered keeper is ideal as it will prevent water from penetrating the brushes, increase air flow and prevent mould from developing.
- Store paintbrushes in a hanging position. Never stand them up with the bristles facing downwards as this will result in bristle curl.
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Prefer to leave the house painting to the professionals? Find a local painter who can do it for you here
Do you have a paint project lined up for the holidays? Tell us in the Comments below, save and like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Prefer to leave the house painting to the professionals? Find a local painter who can do it for you here