How to Pick the Right Paintbrush for the Job

Choose a 3 or 4-inch brush for large areas.

You spent hours studying the paint chips to select the perfect color for your rooms. Then there was the debate over the finish – high gloss or matte. Now take the time to make sure the paint hits the wall perfectly. Sprayers and rollers do a great job, but when it comes to nailing the details, it takes the right paintbrush.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Match the bristle to the type of paint you’re using. Choose a natural bristle – such as hog hair – for oil-based paints, lacquers and shellacs. The soft bristles distribute the paint evenly along the stroke. Choose a nylon or nylon and polyester blend brush to use with latex and water-based paints because it will hold its shape and is resilient and easy to clean.

2. Size up the job and pick the right paintbrush. For large patches when a roller isn’t appropriate, have a 4-inch brush ready. Cut-in around the room and paint trim and molding with a 2-inch brush. Use a 1-inch brush for tight spaces and detail work.

3. Paint in awkward spaces, make precise corners or lay down shellac without a brush mark with a specialty brush. Make a precise edge around molding with an angle brush; get into hard to reach areas with a long handled brush. Use a feathery finishing brush for a smooth finish.

Tips & Warnings

• One inch brushes are made for trim, shutters & touchups

• Four inch brushes are designed for painting larger surfaces like your interior walls, exterior siding, etc.

• A brush with a long handle works on those hard to reach areas, like trim.

• Keep paints away from children & pets

• Use proper ventilation when painting

References

• Seattle PI; Choose the Right Paintbrush; Anna Wallner, Kristina Matisic
• This Old House; Paint Brushes; Harry Sawyers