Paint brushes: overview, features, types and recommendations

Repair is a long and very troublesome business, but also expensive. Today, the choice of materials in construction stores is huge, which means that the scope for imagination has no boundaries. Despite this, the paint never loses its relevance. Radiator batteries and pipes, wall panels - all this requires an annual update. Therefore, you will have to stay a bit and a house painter as well. To do the job quickly and efficiently, you need good paint brushes. Well, of course, you need to decide on the material. It can be varnish or enamel.

paint brushes




Products for the painter

It can be difficult for an average person to imagine how many of them actually happen. Paint brushes differ not only in size. And if so far you have used the one and only one to perform all types of work, then after reading the material everything will change. So:

  • Fly (KM) - huge and fluffy, made from natural fiber with the addition of synthetics. I have a round shape and are widely used on large surfaces and for whitewashing. The diameter is approximately 60 cm, and the length of the hairs reaches 180 mm. They transfer contact with any solvents, they withstand temperature extremes and are not afraid of hot water.
  • Macklower (KMA) - they are often used to paint the floor. These are wide, rectangular paint brushes based on natural horsehair and nylon. This allows you to evenly apply a coating layer. Hair length 100 mm, used for applying adhesive or casein material.
  • Handbrake (KR). Small and round, they are great for covering windows or pipes. Consist of clean bristles and horsehair. The middle is empty so that you can accumulate paint.
  • Panel - very similar to the paint brushes that we used in childhood, in painting lessons. Diameter 6-8 mm, they are used to outline the contours.
  • Radiator.
  • Painting flute (CF) - wide and flat, made of nylon and badger hair, it is used to eliminate smudges.
  • Synthetic flat (KP) - artificial. Inexpensive and functional, it is perfect as a repair assistant. They will ideally apply formulations diluted with water. A universal option to paint any surface, and sizes can be selected.

Using different nap

Synthetics, at first glance, is an ideal option. It is cheap, works great on all surfaces, wear-resistant. In fact, painters know that quite a lot depends on the chosen material. Bristle made of natural materials well absorbs the composition and evenly distributes it on the surface. It’s a little rough to the touch. But on some surfaces it will leave villi, and also the brush wears out quickly.





Synthetic painting tools are made of polymers and have a small thickness. They are great for applying water-based paints, since such hairs do not absorb material. It is justified from the point of view of profitability.

acrylic paint brushes




What do you need to know about?

High-quality brushes have a number of properties, but the main functional element is the pile. The greater its length, the more composition the tool absorbs. Therefore, the less often you will need to dunk it in a jar. The hairs are not always located directly, which makes it even better to absorb and evenly treat the surface.

It is important not only the length, but also the elasticity of the hairs. If they are not flexible enough, then a large amount of material will remain on the pile. Another rule - the larger the surface area, the larger the brush. For ceilings and walls, wide, rectangular copies are needed, and for tables and windows - small, with a variety of handles.

what are the paint brushes












So same and different

At first glance it is very difficult to choose the best paint brushes. What are, we have listed, but this did not become easier. But a professional consultant is sure to help. Today for each type of work there is a special tool. There are kits for working with varnish based on synthetic resins, for painting with liquid wax or working with compositions based on a water-based emulsion.

The main recommendations regarding the choice of brushes are as follows. You need to attach to the material with which you will work. Later, among the varieties with the desired pile, you will select those that are suitable in size. If you plan to engage in varnishing, then it is better to purchase a tool not with synthetic, but with natural hairs. It will be ideal for formulations that include a solvent. The secret is that these hairs have a porous structure and can absorb much more composition.

If you have to work with water-based compounds, then natural pile, on the contrary, is not recommended. She will lose shape after the first application. Synthetics absorb less paint, but manufacturers are doing everything to bring its functionality closer to natural.

brushes for oil paints




How to wash a brush from paint?

After you have finished work, you need to take care of the tools used. Someone thinks that they only need to be thrown out. But this is too wasteful. It is much better to wash and save them. To do this, thoroughly wipe the brush on a paper or cloth towel. The more makeup you can remove, the better the washing process will go.

The second step is to use a solvent. Do not forget that the choice should be in accordance with the characteristics of the composition used.

  • Brushes for acrylics, watercolors and latex, that is, all that are available on a water basis, are perfectly washed with ordinary water. The only rule: they must not be allowed to dry.
  • White spirit allows you to cope with oil compounds.
  • Denatured alcohol is suitable for shellac.

The third step is to rinse again in water and pat it dry with a towel.

paint brushes




For interior decoration and as a hobby

Not always they are used only to cover the panel with an even layer. If you want to decorate your room with a bright image, then you need to choose the right brushes for painting with paints. A nylon tool is the best solution for artists who prefer acrylic. It is synthetic and has a huge number of different shapes and sizes. The main advantages are:

  • Elasticity - the material from which the bristles are made does not break and is very flexible. This allows you to apply smooth and clear strokes. It is very convenient and perfect even for a beginner.
  • Durability - if you take a brush made of natural pile, you will quickly understand what the problem is. Drawing and coating surfaces with acrylic implies the need to immerse the tool in water. Therefore, the pile spoils and falls out. But the artificial continues to serve.
  • Easy care - the nylon tool is very easy to clean from acrylic, which dries and crumbles. But a brush with natural bristles has a porous structure and it is much more difficult to clean it.

Rich choice

But what brushes for acrylic paints to choose for a specific job, you have to decide already on the spot. Flat, synthetic tools allow you to apply wide strokes due to the thick and long pile. Round - are used for painting and painting. Oval synthetic are more often used in painting. They are close to flat in functionality, but easier to change the line thickness. Contour brushes are flat, with shortened bristles. They are needed for applying fine details and drawing.

how to wash a brush from paint




Oil paint brushes

The main requirement for them is increased rigidity, which is due to the specifics of working with oil. A column pile tool is considered the best choice. The cost of brushes from the column is the highest of all, but the costs are offset by high performance properties. It is made from natural materials and pile. As a result, the brushes listen well, with their help you can not only apply an even layer, but also perform a pattern or drawing. Unfortunately, the product from the column is very delicate. Even portrait painters note that not all canvases can be used. Flax, for example, will very quickly erase its delicate villi. Therefore, when carrying out repairs, most often for combined oil paints take combined brushes made of natural and synthetic bristles.

what brushes for acrylic paints




Instead of a conclusion

As you can see, the choice is not as simple as it might seem. You will have to take into account the nature of the work that needs to be done, their scale, as well as the coverage that needs to be updated. The material chosen as a coating will also play an important role. Therefore, first think over all the details, and then go to the store. Then success in a difficult task will definitely be ensured for you.




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