Paint Brushes Explained
Just like each tool in construction has a purpose, so does each style of paintbrush. You need to know what brush to have depending on the kind of paint you are using and what you are applying the paint to.
What paint brush to use?
Top Tip! When you are walking down the paint brush aisle at your local decorating centre, try to avoid cheap brushes that are likely to cause bristles to come detached, leave thick brush marks, and have less precision. Some personal favourite brands of mine are Purdy, Hamilton, and Ice Fusion from Pro-Dec, each of these brands supply all the brushes you need to complete any job so lets guide you through the basic differences.
Synthetic Brushes
Ideal for any water based interior paints due to the springless smooth texture of the bristles creating even and accurate finish. As water based paint is quite loose you need a synthetic brush to hold its shape.
Natural Bristle Brush
Can be used for water based paints to hold more paint although this will reduce in accuracy of application. The natural bristles are actually made from hog hair and this is ideal for oil based paints as the bristles do not stick or stiffen up.
Chinex / polyester brush
I think of this brush as a hybrid paint brush due to its versatility to apply water and oil based paints with accuracy and speed by laying off more paint than any other paint brush.
Masonry Brush
A masonry brush has generous long bristles with a firm texture made from natural bristle to encourage better control of the paint, and get a more even spreed on textured surfaces.
Cutting In Brush
Some painters and decorators may prefer this angled styled brush or a straight edge brush. For DIY I would definitely suggest using one of these brushes to encourage straighter lines when cutting in.
Fitch Brush
Always handy to have these kind of brushes available for them hard to reach, niggly, or precise places. They come in flat or rounded shapes and an array of different sizes, you just need to find the suitable fitch brush for the job.
