Picking the Right Paint Brush for the Job

Applicators Make A Difference to Complete a Satisfying Paint Project

You can buy the most expensive paints available, have the colors mixed accurately, prepare the surfaces perfectly and still end up with a disappointing painted surface because you used the wrong brushes or rollers to apply the paint.

While proper paints and preparation are important, a real secret to a good paint job is the paintbrush, according to Darrell Parsons, Paint Manager of JS West Lumber & Ace Hardware.

“There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all brush. You need some variety,” Parsons said. “Good paint brushes have bristles that are firmly attached to a metal holder, called the ferrule. The more expensive the brush, the more bristles it has and the more tenaciously they will stay in place.”

Paintbrushes come in two major varieties and each has a place in your toolbox, according to Parsons:

• Natural-fiber bristle brushes are made from animal hair. The most common is hog hair, which is labeled “China bristle.” These are used for oil paint and solvent-thinned finishes only, since water-based paints will absorb into the bristles and leave them limp and mop like.
• Synthetic-fiber bristles are the choice for latex paint and water-based finishes. These contain fibers made of nylon or polyester. Generally, they are less expensive than natural fibers. The fibers are hollow, which is why after cleaning they continue to leak paint-tinged liquid.

Some brushes contain blends of both natural and synthetic fibers and those can be used with any type of paint, Parsons said. You should own at least one of each of the three basic shapes of brushes, HE said:

• Flat brushes have bristles that are perpendicular to the ferrule. For painting exterior siding or decks, a 4-inch plat brush with either natural or synthetic bristles is the applicator to use. It covers large areas quickly, yet still is light enough to maneuver easily.
• Trim brushes are cut at an angle that makes it possible to paint crisp lines on trim, molding and windows and glass doors. They range in width between one and two inches. Chisel trim brushes are angles on both sides for extra precision.
• Stain brushes have flat bristles that are shorter and wider than a normal flat brush. This gives them less of a tendency to drip, which is ideal for using with stains.

Roll That Wall

“If you are painting a wall, a roller works much better than a paintbrush,” Parsons said. “Painting walls or ceilings with a roller is faster and leaves a smooth matte finish in its wake rather than a bunch of brush strokes.” Rollers come in two styles based on their cores:

• Cardboard core rollers are less expensive. They begin to compress and give way when dampened from the paint. The more you roll, the more the fibers glued to the core tend to pull out and stick to the wall.
• Hard core rollers are more expensive, but also more durable and can be cleaned and reused, so the added cost really balances out in the long run.

Parsons also recommends buying a sturdy metal rolling pan. “The low-cost plastic pans make it seem appealing, but when you try to pick one up filled with paint it invariable will bend, spilling paint,” he said.

For more painting tips and home improvement advice, visit JS West Lumber & Ace Hardware Sonora, Ca., call us at 209 532 7446 or visit www.acehardware.com and click on the Answers@Ace icon. Answers@Ace is an online resource with information for do-it-yourselfers about hardware and home improvement projects. The Everyday Projects section has pictures and detailed, step-by-step instructions for this and many more home improvement projects.