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.

1/2" to 1 1/2"

Hobbies and Crafts, window mullions, tight corners, very detailed areas.

2" to 3"

Baseboards, cabinets, furniture, window frames, casings, moldings, cutting-in edges of walls and ceilings. (2 1/2" most common brush size)

3 1/2" and up

Exterior siding, decks, fences, walls, ceilings, doors.

Paintbrush Bristle / Filament Type

Ox Hair

Natural

Grade: A+

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

Grade: A+

Price: $$$

Maintains stiffness for control, 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

Grade: A

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

Grade: A

Price: $$

Very durable, 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

Grade: A-

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.

Black (China) Bristle

Natural

Grade: B

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.

White (China) Bristle

Natural

Grade: B

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.

Polyester

Synthetic

Grade: B

Price: $

Does not absorb water, resists heat and softening. Lasts 2 1/2 times longer than natural bristle.

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.