A Simple Guide to Choosing A Paintbrush
Choosing the right paint brush plays an important role in the speed and quality of your work, as the results will vary depending on the type of paint brush you use.
It is important to remember that a good paint brush can be used again and again if it is properly maintained.
You are a professional and you want to keep your clients happy and leave wonderful reviews for you and even recommend them to their friends and family. It can be tempting to choose budget options, but a good paint brush can hold more paint and apply it more evenly.
The Pipeline Paint Brush Long Handle
What size paint brushes do you actually need for different types of paint applications? We’ve put together a quick guide to help you fill your decorating kit with all the quality paint brushes you need to work successfully.
Most paint brushes range in size from 1" to 4" and can have bevelled or flat/straight edges. The edge of the brush is essentially a matter of user preference, but it is important to consider different sizes depending on the surface you are painting.
Larger brushes (3" to 4") will hold more paint and cover a larger surface area, which helps you to complete your project faster. These brushes are perfect for exterior siding, decks, doors or walls.
Smaller brushes (1" to 1½") are recommended when you are painting tight, detailed areas. Adding a corner window sash will also help you get into those hard-to-reach crevices. Small brushes are perfect for hobbies and crafts, vertical window frames and tight corners.
The 2" to 2½" paint brushes are a good middle ground. They are often the most popular and versatile brushes because they can be used for such a wide range of projects. Flat brushes of this size are ideal for skirting boards, cabinets, furniture, trim strips, railings, blinds and gutters, while corner window frame brushes of the same size are suitable for window frames, casings, door trim strips and wall edge cuts, ceilings and skirtings.
It is a common belief that smaller paint brushes are easier to control. This is not always true! If you choose a high quality brush in a slightly larger size (2" instead of 1.5"), it can paint more accurately than a lower quality, smaller brush. Paint projects will be quicker and the finish will be smoother.
It is important to note, however, that care is needed if you are a beginner. Trying to trim woodwork without taping can be tricky, so consider starting with a thin corner window style brush rather than a corner window. This will help you control the amount of paint you want to bring to the wall and avoid the possibility of damaging the woodwork.
How to clean your paintbrush?
Proper cleaning is essential to ensure that your paintbrush lasts more than a few jobs. This can drain your wallet if you have to spend your hard earned cash on new paint every fortnight. Quality paint brushes improve with use, which is the case with most bristle brushes.
There are some quick steps you can take to extend the life of your paint brushes.
Clean the paint brush thoroughly with warm soapy water after use (for water-based paints). If you are using oil-based paints, you will need a special solvent remover.
Apply the correct cleaning solution through the bristles until the paint is loose, then spray in the brush to remove as much liquid as possible.
Once dry, put the paint brush back into its original packaging to retain its shape.