Professional Paint Tips For The Homeowner

I have a question for you, just how much time have you spent at the home store trying to figure out which, (if any) of the “handy dandy” paint accessories actually will save you time and money? I’ll bet you’ve even tried a couple of them and been discouraged.

You are not alone……

In the next 3 articles, I’ll explain honestly what has worked for me over the years and why it well worth the small amount of extra time and money in order to have the finished product you truly want and deserve.

Painting is a lot like cooking….really! When you follow a recipe; you gather all the ingredients first, before you begin. A painting project is no different. Gather all your tools, drops, tape, ladders and paint before you start. This way you won’t have to stop in the middle of the project to go to the store or hunt for something you forgot.

And probably more importantly, buy the highest quality tools and paint you can afford. You will be rewarded in the long run, by durability of the paint and lasting quality of the tools.

Let’s Talk About Tools:  Brushes

Generally speaking there are three categories of brushes;

Natural Bristle, Synthetic, and Craft. While I’m sure you know the difference, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen folks go cheap, and reach for the craft brush and wonder why they can’t get good coverage, let alone a great finish. Don’t DO that!!!

Natural brushes (animal hair) are primarily for oil based paints, varnishes and stains. They hold more paint for a smooth finish. Must be cleaned with solvents, mineral spirits etc.

Synthetic (nylon, polyester) brushes work well with oil and water based paints. High quality synthetic brushes hold their shape and last quite some time if well cared for. These brushes are cleanable with warm water and mild soap.

Craft brushes are for crafts. This is important to remember, I must say it again, Do Not use a cheap craft brush and think you will get a professional result on your walls, it simply will not happen. Craft brushes are wonderful for CRAFTS.

Now let’s talk about size and shape.  

There are square and angled, and sizes from 1″ up to 5″. The one I use almost 100% of the time is a 4″ angled brush.

(Yes, it’s synthetic as I use almost exclusively water based paints) I like the 4″ because it holds a lot of paint and will go almost anywhere. I do use the smaller 2″ angled one for trim work. The only time I use a square brush is on paneled doors.

Here’s a Trick: When you are “cutting in” load the brush and paint a few strokes perpendicular to the edge and then smooth out in a single long stroke.

Here’s a Real Tip: Hold the brush in a fixed position and move the brush along the edge area by moving at the elbow, not the wrist.

Care and cleaning of your brushes.

Ok, you’ve spent good money on good brushes, now take the time to clean them properly and they’ll last you years. Here’s how; Always wash the bristles as soon as possible after use in warm soapy water. I sometimes use a tool that has widely spaced metal teeth to comb through the bristles to remove paint all the way to the place where the bristles join the handle.

Once the brush is clean, gently shape the bristles to the original form and let dry. If you are unable to wash as soon as you finish painting, tightly wrap the brush in a plastic bag, and then wash as soon as you can.