How To Pick A Paint Brush

As I have mentioned before, I have been in the paint industry for 17 years. In this time I have seen many brush manufacturers come and go. There are 2 that stand out in my head as being all about the quality of the product rather than the profit.

Before you start your painting project, you need to select the type of paint you want to use. Will it be oil-base or water-base(latex). Now comes the question, "What type of paint brush should I use to get the best results?"

To make the proper choice in paint brushes, it is important that you understand the distinctions between the various material used to create the the brush. The material generally comes in two forms: natural bristle and synthetic filament.

Typically you use a synthetic brush for latex paints and a natural bristle brush for oil (alkyd). You can use a synthetic brush for oil if you want, but you should not use a natural bristle brush with latex, because water based paints can damage and swell the bristles.

synthetic brushes usually polyester, nylon, or a blend of both. The good quality brushes will retain the right balance of stiffness and flexibility. In other words, it won't turn into a broom (too stiff) or a mop (too loose). Nor will it have a "bad hair day" after one cleanup.

Natural bristle tend to be made from hog or ox bristle.

Purdy produces only the highest quality paint brushes and have been the choice of professionals for over 75 years. Each Purdy brush is an individually built instrument designed, formulated, and handcrafted for maximum painting performance. Their attention to detail in the manufacturing processes makes Purdy brushes the industry standard among paint tool manufacturers.

The Wooster Brush Company is known as one of the most innovative manufacturers of paint equipment. The company has been producing paint brushes in the US for over 150 years. These brushes are my personal favourite.