Paint Brush Tips
Brush knowledge is an essential aspect of painting
We hope you'll find these paint brush tips helpful, after all the paint brush is your most important tool when painting. What sort of brush you purchase is based on your preference and the brushes job. Expect to pay $20 or $30 for a quality brush; a good brush will make your job much easier.
Paint Brush Tips #1 - Purchasing a brush
If you are painting with latex buy a brush with synthetic filaments. If you are painting with oil based paint pick up a natural filament brush, incidentally this brush can also be used for latex paint but has a different feel to it. Buy a 3" angular brush for cutting in walls, for more detailed woodwork such as decorative trimming and door-casings a smaller brush can make the job easier.
Paint Brush Tips #2 - Breaking it in
Your new brush will need some breaking in. Remove the brush from it's packaging and vigorously brush the filaments against your hand (being careful you don't hurt yourself on the ferrule), this will loosen up the filaments and allow them to relax into their natural position. It can help to wet the brush but don't return the brush to it's packaging damp!
Paint Brush Tips #3 - Cleaning your brush
Properly cleaning your brush is extremely important. Purchase a 'brush comb' at your local paint shop, this tool will help you clean your brush. If you've got some rubber gloves it's not a bad idea to wear them, they'll save you from cleaning yourself up.
Paint Brush Tips #4 - Cleaning latex paint
If you are working with latex cleaning is really easy using just soap and water (and you can usually get by with just water). Use the 'brush comb' to comb the brush under running water, comb from the ferrule towards the tip of the brush, this will comb your brushes filaments straight and also give the brush a better clean. Watch you don't scratch your hand or sink with the comb!
Paint Brush Tips #5 - Cleaning oil paint
Use mineral spirits or turpentine to clean oil based paints. Pour your spirits or turpentine in a small container (a wide jar works welL) and soak your brush in it, you'll want to make sure your brush gets good and saturated, sometimes you'll have to empty the container and give it another refill. Once you've done a good job with the spirits, you can rinse your brush with some water.
Paint Brush Tips #6 - Clean often!
Not only should you wash your brush at the end of the day but also during painting. If you see paint saturating and/or drying near the ferrule give it a clean. Always allow your brush to dry before returning it to it's package, this will reduce the wear and tear on the package and prolong the life of your brush.
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