Brushing up

Becoming accurate and fast with a paintbrush takes time and a little practice. How to offers some tips and hints that will have you up and running in no time. Follow our plan and you will speed up your work and add quality at the same time- a real professional look can be yours.

Select your brush:

First check what type of surface you are planning to paint and what type of paint you will use; talk to your mitre 10 paint department to help . once this has been established, it’s time to choose the brushes you will need for project. It is normally best to purchase a selection of brushes, as you will get Bette result in different areas:

• Use a 88mm-100mm wide x18mm-25mm thick flat brush for large exterior.
• Use a 75mm wide flat brush for interior walls and ceilings.
• Use a tapered brush for cutting in corners.
• Use a 25mm- 63mm brush for trim and joinery.

When you have purchased your brushes, run them back and forth across your fingers to remove dust, dirt and loose bristles. Lightly moisten the brush before using waterborne paints, as this helps apply the paint more evenly.

Technique:

Hold the paintbrush the same way would a pencil near the base of the bristles, for a comfortable, controlled grip. Dip the brush into paint up to one third or half the length of the bristles- remove and tap (don’t wipe) the brush on the edge of the can.

If you’re working with a full can of paint, pour half into a second container and close the original can. This will make it easier to apply the paint and tap the brush to remove any excess.

Always paint with the tips of the paintbrush, not with the sides, and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the surface. Avoid working the brush with your arms and shoulders: use your wrist to apply long vertical strikes on walls and ceilings. This technique will allow you to provide a smooth and uniform appearance, while avoiding lap marks.

If your brush becomes stiff or sticky, you may need to thin the paint a little with a thinner recommended on your paint tin. Should you need to take a break, warp the bristles with glad wrap and cover the paint container.

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