Which Paint Brush ? Does it really matter which brush I use it is only paint, will it make any difference to my paint finish ?
It’s just a brush isn’t it ?? Not Quite
Traditional Bristle Paint Brush V Synthetic Paint Brush
Essentially they do the same thing, they get paint from the tin to the substrate and apply it. The basic rule of thumb is would be a Traditional Bristle paint brush for applying solvent based paint and Synthetic brushes are best for water based paint. Bristles are held in the stock of the handle, handles traditionally were wooden with a steel ferrule and riveted, better quality brushes would be copper bound. More modern brushes maybe plastic handles, stainless steel ferrule.
Traditional bristle are a bi-product of hog farming essentially the bristles are the hair from the pigs back, sorted and sized for different brush types. Hog bristle holds its shape, resistant and durable which can load and hold a large amount of paint.
Bristle Paint Brush suitable with :
- Oil-based paint
- Varnish
- Shellac
- Shellac-based primer
- Alkyd enamels
- Stain
- Polyurethane
Good Quality Synthetic Brushes are made from 100% solid polyester filaments. To ensure the highest quality possible, the filaments used are chemically tipped and flagged, rather than mechanically. This is done to avoid damaging and blunting the tips. They are much better at picking up and applying water based paints. It is important to consider that synthetic brushes require a different working approach than natural bristle. Not only is the paint drying quicker (when using water-based), but the slippery synthetic filaments are not able to offer the same exceptional paint hold and spreading rate as a natural bristle brush. Though a synthetic brush will require you to work in smaller areas, the slippery surface means you aren’t needing to squeeze the paint out of the brush as much with your strokes.
Synthetic Paint Brush best for :
- Water-based latex paints
- Water-based primers
- Gloss Paint
- Acrylic paint
- Water-based wood finishes
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO CLEAN BRUSHES WITH APPROPRIATE CLEANING PRODUCT. A GOOD BRUSH SHOULD LAST A DIYER A LIFETIME.