How to Load a Paint Brush

Load a paint brush to make painting easier and more effective with each stroke against various surfaces.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2.5" brush
• paint
• empty can

1. 
    
   Loaded paint brush

   Start by wetting the paint brush and squeeze out the water. Pour no more than 2” of paint in a can. Somewhat forcefully dunk or jab the brush into the paint several times making swift jabs until the brush becomes loaded.

2. 
    
   Wipe paint from one side

   Use the rim of the can to gently remove paint from the side visible to you, leave some paint on the bottom. This is the side that will glide against the edge of a door casing or ceiling line. Experiment with how much paint you leave on the brush to paint further with each load.

3. 
    
   Leave paint on this side

   Flip the brush over and do the same on this side but leave more paint near the bottom 3/4" of the brush. This is the load of paint that you will spread a desired distance while the other side will be clean to cut close to objects.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid mashing the brush on the bottom of the can as this can bend the brush filaments over time.
• Experiment with distance by the amount of paint you leave on one side of the brush leaving the other side relatively clean.
• When cutting inside corners, or against taped surfaces, leave paint on both sides equally.
• Remove most paint from both sides when cutting tight or intricate areas.

Resources

• Paint brush reviews and tips on using brushes