A simple guide to choosing a paint brush

A job is only as easy as you make it and it’s important that you have the right tools for the job.


Choosing the right paint brush plays a big part in the speed and quality of completing a job as the results do vary based on the type of brush you use. There’s a famous saying ‘a poor workman always blames his tool’ but in this case, the job would look pretty poor without high-quality paint brushes to hand.


It’s important to remember that good paint brushes, when properly cared for, can be used over and over again. You’ll want to keep your paint brushes in tip-top condition because constantly buying new ones will eat away at your bottom line.


First of all, skip out all the cheap brushes. You are a professional, and you want to leave your customers happy and to leave you a shining review, or even a recommendation to their friends and family. It may be tempting to go for the budget option, but a good paint brush will hold more paint and apply it more evenly. You don’t want to be brushing off criticism because you opted for a cheaper paint brush.  

But what size paintbrush do you actually need for different types of paint application? We’ve put together a quick guide to help you fill your decorating tool kit with all the quality brushes you need for a successful job.

 

 

Best paintbrush for cutting in and painting edges


Cutting in and painting edges requires a more specialist paint brush. You need to select a high-quality angled bristle paint brush which is better for cutting in, rather than trying to cut in with a flat brush.


A 35 mm paintbrush is the perfect size to work into those small tricky areas and will allow you to maneuver the brush a lot better.


Click here to pick up your professional 35 mm paint brush.





Best paint brush for wide trims and sashes

If you’re painting sashes, any wide trims or piece of furniture, a 3-inch bristle paint brush will provide a smooth finish. A strong bristle brush will provide more shape retention and a more precise finish.



Click here to pick up your 3-inch professional paint brush.




Best Paint Brush for painting walls and ceilings


For larger areas, such as walls and ceiling, you’ll want to pick up a high-quality 6-inch bristle paint brush. Whilst rollers have there uses when covering larger areas in a short amount of time, a brush will give you a smoother and better finish. Having both a roller and a quality 6-inch paint brush in your decorator’s tool kit is the way to be ready for all types of jobs.


Click here to pick up your 6-inch professional paint brush.

 

 

 

How to clean your paint brush


Proper cleaning is essential to ensure that your paint brushes last longer than a couple of jobs. It can be a drain on your wallet if you keep having to fork out your hard earned cash for new paint brushed every couple of weeks. Quality paint brushes improve with use and this is the case for most bristle brushes. Synthetic brushes will not last as long and will start to leave you with a rough and untidy finish.


Here are some quick steps you can take to make your paint brushes last longer:


  • Clean your paint brushes thoroughly after use with warm soapy water (for water-based paints). If you’re using oil-based paints it will require purpose-made solvent remover

  • Work the correct cleaning liquid through the bristles until the paint has become loose then sp[in the brush to remove as much liquid as possible

  • Once dry, place the brush back in its original packaging so that it keeps its shape.


If you’re ready to get started and to kit out your decorating kit, click here to find your nearest Crown Decorating Centre.