Six Tips to Choosing the Right Paintbrush
Not all paintbrushes are created equal. In fact, there are many types, sizes, and bristles to choose from – and you also need to consider the type of surfaces you will be painting. Avoid the frustration of walking down the painting aisle in your local home improvement store, completely clueless by educating yourself on paintbrushes. Or let our professionals in commercial painting in Winter Springs educate you. These are a few tips on choosing the right paintbrush for your job.
Understand Bristle Types
Bristles come in two different types: natural and synthetic. It is recommended to use natural bristles when you are using oil-based paints. These brushes are typically made from animal hair. Synthetic brushes, on the other hand, are made from nylon or polyester, or a combination of both of these materials. Synthetic brushes are best suited for water-based latex paints, giving the ultimate coverage.
Consider Width
Paintbrushes come in many widths to offer different levels of coverage for all types of jobs. Typically, the larger the area you are painting, the larger width your brush should be. However, when you are working with small spaces, such as corners or edges, you may opt for a small width brush that gives you more control over the painting space.
As a rule of thumb, follow this chart to choose the best width for your job:
- Small trim or window ledges: 1-2 inch width
- Doors and cabinets: 3 inch width
- Large, flat surfaces: 4-5 inch width
Note the Bristle Shape
The shape of your paintbrush bristles can also impact the overall appearance of the paint job. Square cut bristles are often the most common, but they are not the always the best. They are often sloppy when painting corners or narrow strips. Instead, you should opt for sash or angled bristles when painting doorways, trim, and other small areas.
Pick the Right Tip
Flagged or split tips are often best for full coverage, as they can hold more paint. However, these paintbrushes are often expensive. If you want a less expensive version, choose a pointed paintbrush for these types of jobs. They still hold a lot of paint, offer a smooth coverage, and also provide great control for your painting job.
Consider Your Surfaces
The type of surfaces also matters when choosing your paintbrush. Smooth surfaces often require synthetic paintbrushes to provide smooth coverage. When you have more rugged surfaces, like exterior materials, you can opt for paintbrushes with thicker bristles.
Trust the Pros
When you are unsure of how to approach your painting project, or you need some help choosing the best brush, trust the professionals. Professional painters have all the equipment, brushes, and paint types to handle all painting jobs with detail and cleanliness.