Brushes are great for smaller projects and detailed areas. Their
smaller size makes them useful for trim, ceilings, and cutting in along
corners. The other big reason for using a brush is if you’re staining a
surface. The bristles on a brush do a better job of working the stain
deep into a surface, meaning you’ll get a better look and better
durability.
Your other option is a roller. Most jobs will require a 9″ roller
cover – they’re designed to hold more paint and cover more area, so they
work great for larger surface areas such as walls and ceilings.
WHICH BRUSH? WHICH ROLLER?
Brushes come in several shapes and sizes, and each is good for different
scenarios. An easy way to pick a brush is by determining the type of
coating you’re using.
For water-based coatings,
Latex paints are the most common type of paint on the market.
Synthetic brushes are recommended for latex and acrylic paints and
water-based wood finishes. Synthetic brushes are available in a variety
of filaments including Chinex®, nylon, nylon/polyester blend and polyester. Chinex®
and nylon brushes are designed for today’s paints and offer superior
paint pick up and production with a smooth, professional finish and easy
cleanup.
Chinex® brushes are the most durable and will maintain their stiffness for control even when exposed to heat and humidity. Nylon brushes
are very durable but will soften in hot weather or after prolonged use
in latex paint. Polyester brushes will maintain their shape and control
when exposed to heat but have lower paint pick up and production meaning
you will spend more time loading your brush.
Also, today’s paints contain more acrylic resins and fast-drying
solids which stick to polyester making them difficult to clean and limit
the life of the brush. A nylon/polyester blend brush combines all the positive qualities of nylon (precise tipping,
excellent paint pick up and smooth finish) and polyester (added
stiffness and control) and is the most popular professional paintbrush
choice due to their all-around versatility.
For oil-based coatings,
Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes,
shellac, alkyd enamels, oil stains and oil-based polyurethanes. The
highest quality bristles come from mainland China. Experienced,
traditional painters will say there’s nothing like the finish that a
China bristle can provide for oil-based coatings. If you’re painting a
smooth surface, use a White China Bristle for a super-smooth finish.
When painting a textured surface, a Black China Bristle
will work best because it’s slightly stiffer, more durable, and is
excellent for high-productivity applications. If you need to paint a
rough surface, natural bristle brushes are not recommended. Rough
surfaces will break the tips off of natural bristle and will ruin the
brush. A synthetic, nylon brush
is best for this application even when using oil-based coatings because
of its high durability and resistance to wear on rough surfaces.
The Wooster Brush Company offers quality brushes
for every variety of coating available, but different brushes excel in
specific applications. If you have additional questions or need more
information, please contact our Sales Desk.
If you’re opting for a roller, there’s a few different kinds of
roller covers, so you’ll want to figure out which one is right for you.
Always try to use a top-quality roller cover. There’s a reason
they’re top quality – they carry more paint to the surface, which means
you’ll be done sooner and with less effort. They’re also made from
materials that give you a smooth, lint-free finish. A quality roller can
also play a critical role in terms of paint-hiding capability. Luckily
for you, Valspar has high-quality roller covers in a number of materials
and nap sizes.
WHAT ROLLER COVER DO I NEED?
First, you’ll need to figure out what nap size is right for your project. The general rule of thumb is:
For all brushes and rollers, see the application instructions on
the back panel of Valspar paint products, or check with your
store associate to make sure that you choose the proper applicator.
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