How to Choose the Right Brush for Your Next DIY Project
Painting interior walls is an easy and popular way to personalize your space . Anyone can do this, but results may vary depending on the type of brush you are using. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right brush for your next DIY painting project.
Good brushes can be used over and over again with the right care. Above all, ditch cheap brushes if you want reusable and high quality results. You know them: they sell at a very low price, or they sell super cheap in packs of 3. It might be tempting to save some money on a cheap brush, but a good quality brush is almost as important as a quality paint. A good brush will hold more paint and apply it evenly.
Next, the most important factor in choosing the right brush for your job is how you plan to use it. Are you painting large cabinet fronts (where it makes sense to use a 3 “long bristle brush) or cutting around the windowsill (where a 1 1/2” brush works best)? There is always a trade-off between precision and coverage, and it is best to invest in multiple brushes to get the job done for which they were designed.
Bristle types
Natural bristle brushes are best for oil paints, varnishes, polyurethane and shellac. Never use natural bristle brushes on water-based paints. They will absorb water and your brush will become soft and unable to hold the paint.
Polyester bristled brushes are used for latex paint and retain their shape and stiffness well.
Polyester and nylon brush mixes are ideal for latex paints, and the combination bristles give the brush strength and shape.
Brush width
Most of your paint jobs will require a brush that is 1 to 4 inches wide. Smaller 1–2 ”brushes are best for window and detail trims. Medium 3 “brushes are suitable for doors and cabinets, while large 4” brushes are best for any large and wide surface such as sections of wall or plywood.
Brush Styles
The “style” of your brush refers to the cut and shape of the bit itself. As with other brushes, which one is here depends on the type of work you are doing.
The clipping brush is a flat brush designed for painting large, flat surfaces.
A wall brush is a thicker, flat brush that holds a lot of paint and is used to paint large surfaces.
The tilting brush has bristles that are cut at an angle and are used to paint the trim and around windows. A brush with a thin, curved edge has a thinner profile and is ideal for more delicate work. The flat-belt brush maintains a thin profile, but the bristles are cut straight.
Once you have your brushes, make sure they are properly cleaned , and they are tools that you can use over and over for multiple projects. Just memorize these tips and definitions before you go shopping and you will make the best buy for your next DIY painting project.