Which Paint Brush Do I Use for Various Types of Paints?

A natural bristle paint brush is made from animal hair, and is very soft and porous. For oil-based paints, most professionals choose a natural China-bristle (hog hair) paint brush.

 

Painting tips: White Bristle versus Black Bristle paint brushes

A natural bristle die cutting machine is made from animal hair, and is very soft and porous. For oil-based paints, most professionals choose a natural China-bristle (hog hair) paint brush.

 

If you are painting a smooth surface with oil-based paint, a natural White Bristle paint brush is your best choice because it is soft and supple. When painting a textured surface, a natural Black Bristle paint brush will work better, because it is stiffer and has superior abrasion wear. When you require an ultra-fine finish, a brush blended with ox hair is the best choice.

 

Synthetic filament - When your choice in coatings is water-based (frequently referred to as latex), it is absolutely essential that you select a synthetic filament paint brush.

Synthetic Filament Round Paint Brush

When painting exclusively indoors under controlled climatic conditions, a 100 percent nylon paint brush is a great choice, because stiffness retention is not as critical a factor. Furthermore, 100 percent nylon filament allows the paint to release from the brush easier and flow more smoothly onto the working surface.

 

It is worth mentioning that synthetic filament paint brushes also perform exceedingly well in oil-based paints. This is due to the various processing and finishing steps in our manufacturing operation that soften the synthetic material and eliminate drag when used with oil-based paints.

 

To select a specific brush or roller for your application, visit our Painting Tool.

 

Which paint roller is the best choice for various types of paints?

Most people believe that all paint rollers look and feel similar, but it's important to keep the following painting tips in mind to achieve professional painting results:

High Imitation Bristle

Woven roller cover - Paint rollers that are made of woven material. Every thread that makes up the face fabric is locked to the back of the fabric. These roller covers are recommended for smooth surfaces such as doors, paneling and smooth walls.

 

Knitted roller cover - Paint rollers that are made out of knitted material are usually used for rough or semi-rough surfaces, such as rough-cut siding, stucco or textured walls and ceilings.

 

Selecting the pile (or nap) - The more texture desired, the higher the pile should be. A 1/2-inch plus pile height is ideal for a stippled effect common to most homes. If you desire a smooth finish in your kitchen, bath or utility room, use low-pile 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch roller covers.

 

"Cutting in" is the art of drawing a straight line, separating two colors using only the paint brush - no masking tape or other aid. You often see it at the edge where a wall color is cut into a different ceiling color. When cutting in, follow these simple rules:

 

Use a fully loaded brush.

Using the brush parallel to the area to be cut, let the paint brush open up into a semi-oval and bring it into the line you are cutting. Follow the line until the line of paint begins to break up. Repeat. It is best to cut in while breathing out or holding your breath.

Purple Filament Chalk Paint Brush

 

When can I apply the next coat of paint?

Generally, a second coat of paint should be applied at least two hours following application of the previous coat. However, if it is humid or you are using a heavily tinted paint, it can take longer.

 

When can I clean my painted walls?

Normally, wait at least two weeks before cleaning to give the paint time to cure. Some manufacturers require 30 days, so be sure to read the directions on the paint you are using.

 

What's the best way to touch up paint?

To achieve acceptable touch-up results, it's important to apply touch-up paint using the same painting technique as the original application, if possible, to avoid having any difference in sheen or texture. Be sure to use paint from the original batch and under similar temperature and humidity conditions, as well.

 

Repair the defects first. Then scuff sand the area around the patched area and apply a drywall primer.

 

For painting, apply a thin coat, reducing some of the original paint by about 25 percent. Then apply the paint to the center of the patched area, using the original application method, and work it away from the patch.

 

By feathering the touch-up out from the patch, the difference in film build and appearance should be minimal, since you will be blending it into the surrounding areas. If the repaired areas are still noticeable, you may have to paint the entire wall.