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Paintbrush Guide
Paintbrush Handle Style
Sash
Long, thin handles in regular, rat-tail, and pencil styles provide extra control.
Varnish
Medium, contoured "beavertail" handles are designed for a comfortable feel.
Dowel
Round, thin pencil-style varnish handles make the brush easy to rotate.
Wall
Large, thick beavertail style allows a good, firm grip and balances a large brush head.
Paintbrush Bristle / Filament Type
Ox Hair
Natural | Price: $
Natural bristle material obtained from the ears of oxen. Extremely thin, soft and expensive. Tips come to a natural point for super-fine finishing and flow. Always blended with china bristle. Perfect for lacquer, enamels, marine paints, clears and varnishes.
Chinex
Synthetic | Price: $
Maintains stiffness for control, and resists heat and humidity. Excellent paint pickup, smooth release. Cleans completely and easily. Can be used with oil-based/alkyd and high-grade acrylic/water-based paints and stains.
Bristle Blends
Natural | Price: $
Combines positive qualities from nylon or polyester and bristle. Add durability and stiffness to a standard bristle brush. Can be used with oil-based/alkyd and high-grade acrylic/water-based paints and stains.
Nylon
Synthetic | Price: $
Very durable and resists wear on rough surfaces. Tipped very precisely for smooth, professional finish. Cleans completely and easily. Softens in hot weather or prolonged use in latex.
Nylon / Polyester
Synthetic | Price: $
Combines positive qualities of nylon and polyester. Polyester adds stiffness and control to the brush. Nylon delivers precise tipping, smooth finish. Takes some time to clean.
Polyester
Synthetic | Price: $
Does not absorb water, and resists heat and softening. Lasts 2 1/2 times longer than natural bristle.
White (China) Bristle
Natural | Price: $
Softer and more flexible than black bristle. Thin, feather-like flags on the tips. Excellent for fine finishing. Best for varnish, urethanes, stains and marine coatings.
Black (China) Bristle
Natural | Price: $
Slightly stiffer than white bristle. Thicker flags on the tips than white bristle. Excellent for high-productivity or exterior. Best for oil-based/alkyd trim paints and enamels.
Paintbrush Style
Larger brushes hold more paint and help you finish faster (less refill). Angled sash vs flat/straight is just a matter of user preference. Angle sash is typically more popular overall and more effective on vertical surfaces.
1/2 in. to 1-1/2 in. : Hobbies and Crafts, window mullions, tight corners, very detailed areas.
2 in. to 3 in. : Baseboards, cabinets, furniture, window frames, casings, moldings, cutting-in edges of walls, and ceilings. (2 1/2" most common brush size)
3-1/2 in. and up : Exterior siding, decks, fences, walls, ceilings, doors.
Paint Brush Brands
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