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Paint Brushes

There is a huge variety of paint brushes available, each with their own pros and cons. It is impossible to create an exhaustive list of all types and applications, but the guidelines below should help get you started.

Cheap versus Expensive

Cheap paint brushes are available just about everywhere (hardware stores, $2 shops, and even supermarkets). They are often sold in multi-packs or bargain bins.

Cheap paint brushes tend to have a synthetic bristle which is may be thicker or less flexible than natural bristle. As a result they can be harder to work with and give a poorer finish. Cheap paint brushes are ideal for small or one off jobs as they are cheap enough to dispose of at the end of the job rather than going to the effort of cleaning them.

More expensive paint brushes tend to be made from natural bristle which is easier to work with, cleans up better, and gives a better finish. Such brushes are ideal for larger jobs, or jobs where a high quality of finish is required. The more expensive brushes tend to have a long lifespan, and can be sourced from quality paint suppliers (e.g. Resene, Local hardware stores, and DIY chain stores).

Oil versus water based

Most paint brushes can be used for either oil based or water based paints, however some do have specific applications so it is worth checking carefully you have the right brush to the right type of paint.

Oil based paint requires mineral turpentine for clean-up whereas water based paint can be cleaned off in water. See Painting Cleanup for more information.

Storage

Brushes with water based paints can be wrapped in Gladwrap (clingfilm) for temporary storage. This means you don't have to clean out the brush at the end of every day, or between coats if you need to give the paint drying time. The Gladwrap seals air out so the paint is unable to dry.

Note that doing this too often or for too long at once may have adverse effects:

• Small bits of dry paint may build up in the bristle which will affect its performance (a Bristle Brush can help clean out dry paint)
• The paint on the brush may begin to separate leaving you with different parts of the tint on different parts of the bristle

Once cleaned brushes should be allowed to dry thoroughly before being stored.