Choosing the right brush is an important step in any project. Picking a high-quality brush can make the difference between an okay job and a great one.
Spend some time choosing the right brush
Ever wonder why your stain looks so uneven and the finish feels so rough? When you invest your time and money into a new DIY project, opt for a good quality brush. Remember a finish is only as good as its brush.
Here’s a handy guide to help you select the right brush for your project. Remember the basic rule: synthetic bristles for water-based products, and natural bristles are used for oil-based products. If you use a natural bristle brush in a water-based stain or finish, the bristles will absorb the water and will lose its shape.
Tips on how to preserve your paint brushes
Taking care of your paint brushes will save you time and money. Here are some tips to keep your brushes in tip-top shape.
First, pick the right cleaner: water for water-based products, and mineral spirits or paint thinner for oil-based products.
Second, never hold a brush upside down under running water, the water forces the stain or finish deeper into the bristles, making it harder to clean out.
Third, never leave a brush sitting for hours in a jar of solvent. This will permanently bend the bristles.
Finally, use the hole in the handle and the cardboard sleeve to properly store your brush after cleaning. The hole at the top insures any solvent will slide down and off the tips of the bristles, and the sleeve keeps the wet bristles in shape as they dry.
Until next time,
Bruce
