How to Paint Your House’s Interior Part 2 – Choosing the Right Brush

Choosing the Right Brush

Paint brushes come in a variety of sizes, end types and bristles. A high-quality brush can mean a better-looking job with less effort. Why? Because a good-quality brush holds more paint and applies it more evenly, which can save you time and help you get the results you want.

Types of Brushes

• Natural-bristle brushes made with animal hairs are used for applying oil base paints, varnishes, shellac, polyurethane and other oil base finishes. The natural “flagging” (splitting or fuzzy tips) of these brushes creates split ends in the bristles that hold more paint and help assure a smooth paint release and finish.
• Blended nylon/polyester brushes are easy to clean and work well with all types of latex paints. The combination of nylon’s durability and polyester’s shape retention is the mark of a high-quality brush – one that also produces a high-quality paint finish. What’s more, these durable brushes are built to handle numerous projects. So, with proper care, nylon / polyester brushes should last for years.
• Polyester brushes are best for latex paints. These brushes hold their shape and stiffness in any paint and apply paint smoothly and evenly.

Brush Sizes

Paintbrushes are available in widths from 1 to 4 inches. The size you select is up to you, but a good rule of thumb is:

• 1″ to 2″ – window and other small trim
• 3″ – glossy paints for doors and cabinets
• 4″ – large, flat areas

Brush End Types

• Chisel Trim Brush – slanted bristles produce a good, straight line for trimming in corners and edges.
• Square Trim Brush – the ends of the bristles are cut square and used primarily for applying paint over flat areas.
• Angled Brush – bristles are cut to make it easier to apply paint to window trim.

Brush Styles

• Thin Angle Sash – slanted bristles and a thin profile produce a good, straight line for trimming in corners and edges.
• Angle Sash – features slanted bristles and holds more paint than its thin counterpart. Excellent for cutting in at the ceiling or painting trim.
• Flat Sash – bristles are straight across and used primarily for applying paint over flat areas.
• Trim – a flat brush excellent for painting large flat surfaces, especially exterior siding.
• Wall – a thick flat brush that holds a larger amount of paint. Excellent for painting larger surface areas.

Choosing the Right Roller Cover

Rollers can be used to paint large, flat surfaces in much less time than it would take using a brush. Selecting a roller cover depends on the type of paint (latex or oil) and the surface you’re painting (smooth, rough or textured). Roller Covers are available in multiple fabric types (synthetic, natural or blend) to match the type of paint used and in several pile depths appropriate for different surfaces.

Fabric Types

• Synthetic covers (nylon, dacron or polyester) – ideal for most latex paints.
• Natural covers (mohair or sheepskin) – should be used with oil-based paints. If used with latex paints, the water in the paint may swell the fibers, causing them to become matted.
• Blended covers (polyester / wool blend) – combines the extra pickup of wool with polyester for longer life. Can be used with all paints.

Pile Depth

Pile depth refers to the thickness of the roller cover’s fiber nap. It’s essential to choose the right pile depth for the surface you’re painting. Usually there are six pile depths to meet almost any painting project:

• Very Smooth – for metal doors and plaster
• Smooth – for drywall
• Semi-Smooth – for drywall
• Semi-Rough – for rough wood and acoustic tile
• Rough – for textured ceilings and stucco finishes
• Very Rough – for concrete block, brick and fences

Pad Applicators

• Pad applicators are versatile enough for use inside or outside your home. These painting tools are ideal for exterior siding, concrete block, shakes, shingles and fences. They also work well on interior walls, ceilings, floors and doors.          Pad applicators are perfect for latex or oil base paints, stains, sealers or wallpaper paste. Pads produce a smooth paint finish without the spatter that rollers sometimes cause.
• Paint edgers are a version of pad applicators that eliminate the need for masking. They’re designed for use on ceilings, doors, windows and baseboards.

Continue to Part 3

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