Paintbrush 101: Choose the Right Paint Applicator

When to Use a Paintbrush

Paintbrushes are the go-to paint applicator, as they have been used for eons. They are easy to use and easy to clean (especially so with latex paint). Most jobs can be accomplished with a large brush (4”+) and a small brush (2”), making paintbrushes a good general-purpose choice for applying paint on both interior and exterior surfaces.

Paintbrushes come in a variety of sizes, styles and bristle types and each plays a part in the end result of your paint job. Small-sized brushes are ideal for working in smaller areas and for detail work, whereas large brushes are better when painting a larger surface. Use square or flat-tipped brushes for general painting projects because they can cover a large area in less time. Angular, or chiseled, brushes are ideal for cutting into corners and painting trim, molding and windows.

Bristle Types

Paintbrushes are made with either natural bristles or synthetic bristles, and each type works better with particular paint types and on particular surfaces. Choose wisely for the project at hand.

Use natural-bristle brushes with oil-based, alkyd paints, stains and varnishes. They don’t work well with water-based paints because the bristles get wet the same way hair does, and so become limp and less effective. Natural-bristle brushes also don’t work well on rough surfaces, which can break the bristles’ flagged ends.

Artificial-filament brushes, made from nylon or polyester or both, work well on rough surfaces and with any kind of paint. Nylon-filament brushes are durable and generally less expensive than natural bristle brushes. Polyester filaments are popular with DIYers because of their low price. They retain their stiffness better than any other kind of brush. The drawback is that because they are a stiffer-type brush they have less flex and leave more brush marks on surfaces. Also, they are not as easy to clean as nylon.

Nylon/polyester blends are the most popular synthetic paintbrushes since they combine the best qualities of both for great performance. The polyester bristles are used in shorter lengths for stiffness when using water-based paints; nylon bristles are used in longer lengths for precise tipping and durability during use.

Brush Quality

Better brushes hold more paint and therefore let you apply more paint with each stroke, plus they do it in a smoother fashion. They don’t leave brush marks and they hold on to their bristles. A first-time painter with high-quality brushes and rollers can do as fine a job as an experienced painter with cheap ones.

When looking for high-quality brushes, don’t rely solely on price. When in the store, check to make sure the brushes have:

• Flagged (split) ends. These provide a finer, more even finish.
• Flex. They should have a definite flex at their tips and spring back into shape.
• “Chiseled” bristles. They should have shorter bristles on the outside and longer bristles in the center, with a tapered appearance.
• Bristles 1-1/2 times as long as the width. The bristles on a quality 2″ wide brush will be at least 3″ long.

There should be no gaps in the bristles. When the bristles are pulled, no more than a few should come loose. If bristles pull out easily, the brush is probably poorly constructed.

Check brush ferrule quality (the ferrule is the metal part that attaches the bristles to the handle). Look at the way the ferrule is attached. The more securely it is attached, the better. Nailed-on ferrules are more secure than crimped ones. Also, look at the size. The wider the ferrule, the better. Check the ferrule’s type of metal. Tin ones usually rust quickly and are used on low-end, disposable brushes. Nickel-plated tin will rust, but does so more slowly than regular tin. These are used on good-quality brushes designed for extended use. Copper and stainless steel ferrules will never rust and last forever if properly taken care of.

Handles are either made of plastic or wood. Unvarnished, wooden handles are usually considered most comfortable because a painter’s hands don’t sweat as much when using them. And since wood is more textured, these handles don’t have to be gripped as hard. Check the handle shape as well. Flat handles have no contouring and so are not as comfortable for extended use. Kaiser handles are better because they are shaped to be more comfortable during a long paint job. Beaver-tail handles are best because the handles are thicker and better shaped for extended use.

What to Use a Paint Roller

Roller applicators are ideal for painting most walls and ceilings. They provide speedy and efficient application of paint over a large area, covering a surface much quicker than even the largest brush and often with a smoother finish. Roller frames come in many sizes, generally anywhere from around 3” to 18” in width. Rollers for specific tasks can come in sizes, anywhere from 1” to 18”, and some are designed for painting into small spaces such as corners and around objects, such as light fixtures.

When selecting a roller cover, choose a shorter nap (3/16″ or 3/8″) for painting smooth indoor surfaces, such as plaster, wood or metal. Longer naps (3/4″ or 1-1/4″) should be used for rougher surfaces including textured walls, masonry and stucco because they provide the ability to get into cracks and crevices. When using higher-gloss finishes use a cover with a shorter nap. Also consider the roller material. Natural fibers, such as lambs’ wool or mohair, work most effectively with oil-based paints. Synthetic roller materials, such as nylon or polyester, work optimally with latex paints.

HELPFUL TIP
Buy high-quality roller frames. They are set apart by their steel frame, a metal cage and a threaded handle that can hold an extension pole.

When applying paint with a roller, start at the top and paint in a “W”, “X” or “N” pattern and then fill in the spaces. Continue this until you are at the bottom of the wall. Once you reach the bottom load your roller with paint and starting at the top roll all the way to the bottom then go back next to where you just rolled and roll to the bottom again. This should be done until all of the area you had just painted has been rolled in the same direction. This ensures good hide and durability from your paint job.

When to Use a Paint Pad

Foam-pad applicators consist of an absorbent pad with a handle and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Providing a convenient alternative to brushes, foam pads are ideal for edging, cutting in and painting flat trim. Because they’re flat, they leave less surface texture in the paint and they tend not to drip or spatter. Their flexibility makes them ideal for reaching inside tight areas (like vents or heat registers).

When to Use a Paint Sprayer

Sprayer applicators are a perfect choice for exterior painting of large surfaces, as they apply paint much faster than a brush or roller. Ideal for painting siding, decks, and fencing, sprayers also provide a more even coating with fewer drips and no brush marks. They can be used with paint, stains and other coatings, such as waterproofing sealants.

Most consumer-model sprayers are airless, meaning that they don’t use air to expel paint onto a surface. Professional painters often use compressed-air sprayers. You can find a number of different sprayer models to suit your needs. Just ask someone at your local True Value hardware store which one has the power you need and which one will work best with the kind of finish you’re using (paint or stain, etc.).

SAFETY ALERT
A sprayer’s stream can be powerful enough to inject into your skin. Be careful that you don’t spray any part of your body, and wear gloves and safety glasses when you’re using one.

Sprayers are not ideal for small jobs where more precision painting is in order. As sprayers can cover a lot of area quickly, overspray can be an unwanted consequence if there are surfaces that you don’t want painted. For this reason, sprayers are not the best choice for interior painting projects unless you’re painting a large area without numerous fixtures or other items that could be adversely affected by errant paint spray.

HELPFUL TIPS

• When using a sprayer, either indoors or out, be sure to remove or cover with painter’s tape any light fixtures, shutters and other items to keep them safe from over-spraying.
• If you do use a sprayer indoors, be sure to seal off the area from the rest of the house with plastic sheeting and masking tape so that paint doesn’t find its way into other rooms.
• Hold the sprayer parallel to the surface you’re painting for the best results.

Congratulations! Knowing which applicators to use and when to use them is a surefire way to ensure a successful paint project.

How to Clean Your Paintbrushes and Rollers

Considering the cost of good paintbrushes and rollers, it’s worth the effort to clean them properly. Below are some tools and tricks that make cleaning brushes and rollers easier and more effective.

Remove Excess Paint

Wipe brushes repeatedly on the edge of the paint can to remove excess paint from the bristles. Scrape rollers with the curved portion of a paint stick or with a 5-in-1 painter’s tool.

HELPFUL TIP
If taking a break and planning to paint again in a few hours or the next day, wrap a brush or roller sleeve in plastic wrap to keep it moist; or suspend a brush in a container of water or solvent (depending on the type of paint). To keep brush bristles off the bottom of the container so they don’t bend, insert a length of coat hanger wire or a skewer through the hole in the end of the handle so it supports the brush on the rim of the container.

Clean with Water

If you used latex paint, rinse brushes and rollers under running water as you scrape and squeeze out the paint. It also helps to wipe brushes on the bottom of the sink under the water and comb out the bristles with a brush comb. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Spin Out Liquid

Place the brush or roller onto a brush/roller spinner and lower it into a large bucket or trash can (line the can with a plastic bag if you like). Pump the spinner like an old-fashioned top to remove all liquid. Rinse the brush or roller and repeat spinning. This same process is used for alkyd- and alcohol-based paints after they are cleaned.

Clean with Solvent

Brushes used with oil-based paint must be cleaned with the appropriate solvent. To avoid waste and avoid harming the environment, use a three-container approach. Partially fill three containers with solvent. Rinse most of the paint out in the first container, blot it on newsprint, and then spin the brush in a spinner. Next, rinse it in the second container, blot, and repeat spinning. Repeat the process using the third container. Then pour all the thinner into a sealable container and allow the paint to settle out for a few days at least. When the thinner is clear pour it off into another container marked “used thinner” for reuse.

Wrap and Store

Dry the bristles with a rag and wrap them tightly in a piece of butcher paper to help them keep their shape – otherwise they’ll fan out over time and become useless for any detail work. Wrap the original cardboard sleeve over the brush, or use brown paper and tie it with string or a rubber band. Hang the brush by the hole in the handle over a nail or hook. When a cleaned roller sleeve is thoroughly dry, store it in a plastic bag to keep it clean.

That’s it! You’re on your way to becoming a paint applicator expert and, thus, a better painter.

Project Shopping List

Here’s what you’ll need to complete this project successfully.