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 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.
Paintbrush Bristle / Filament Type








Things to Keep in Mind
Typically use a synthetic-bristle brush for water-based paint and natural bristles for oil-based paint.
Clean your brushes in warm, soapy water, thinner or specified cleaner as soon as you're finished painting, but do not leave them soaking. Store brushes in their packaging to help them retain their shape when not in use.
A common problem known as "hatbanding" occurs when painters use a Paintbrush for cutting in and a roller to apply the rest of the paint, thus producing a different texture along the ceiling and trim. To prevent hatbanding, roll the paint as close to the cut-in areas as possible.
How to Load a Brush
Dip the brush no more than a third of the way into the paint. To avoid dripping and keep your fingers clean, do not sink the brush up to its metal ferrule!
Lightly tap both sides of the brush against the interior wall of the can or bucket.
Make sure to keep a wet edge and continue to paint from that point forward. Use long, smooth strokes and refill the brush as soon as the paint starts to break in coverage.

Paintbrush Degrees of Stiffness

Great for fine-finish painting and interiors. Extra flex and smoothness for a softer touch.
Clears, stains and lightweight paints and primers. Slow-drying coatings

Designed for all-purpose painting. Interior and exterior. Just-right taper for even coverage with a stable touch and balanced flex.
Standard paints like acrylics and enamels.

Durable for exterior use and rough surfaces. Sharp edge with a solid feel and superior stiffness.
Thicker paints and primers. Low VOC and high build coatings.