

Generally speaking, the tighter the area you’re painting, the smaller the brush should be. Paint brushes for house painting typically come in sizes ranging from 1 to 6 inches. Both natural and synthetic brushes can last for years if cleaned and dried thoroughly after every use: Remove excess paint, wash with soapy water, rinse in fresh water, and let it dry on a flat surface. Low- and no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, most of which are acrylic latex based, are also best applied with a synthetic brush. A synthetic brush made of high-quality polyester or a blend of nylon and polyester is better suited to latex (water-based) paint because natural bristles soak up water, becoming limp and less effective.You’ll also get good results using a round, natural bristle brush to apply furniture wax. Choose a natural-bristle brush when applying oil-based paints and top coats, varnishes, shellac, decorative chalk paint (for an antique look), enamel, and polyurethane. Natural brushes are made of animal hair, like hog or badger-fibers with microscopic splits that hold more product to create a smooth finish.Materialīrush bristles come in two major categories: natural, which are recommended for oil-based paints, and synthetic, which are best for water-based paints.
BEST PAINT BRUSH TO CUT IN CEILING HOW TO
Here’s how to determine what’s right for your job. Photo: Debbie Wolfe What to Consider When Choosing the Best Paint Brushīrushes are made of different materials and come in various shapes and sizes to suit specific products and tasks. BEST FOR OIL-BASED PAINTS: Purdy White China Bristle Sprig 2″ Flat Paint Brush.


These crescents will start slightly away from the line, move over and track along the line for a few inches, then gradually pull away from the "danger zone" (glass, trim, or whatever that is not getting painted) and toward yourself. The outermost bristles are actually drawing the line, not the entire bristle surface.Īs you learn the cutting in technique, start by drawing flat crescent shapes with the paint. As you begin moving the brush, let the bristles press into a fan shape. Draw the bristles along the line you want to paint. Use the sharp end of the wedge to start the paint line. Place the bristles on the surface, forming a wedge shape with the bristles. Grip the brush loosely near the bristles, similarly to the way you grip a pencil. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
