SAN ANTONIO – If you've done some remodeling, you know it's not cheap.
To trim costs, a lot of people choose to do some of the painting themselves. Having the right paintbrush can make a big difference.
Whether you're painting inside or outside, on wood or metal, using the right brush will help you get the best possible results.
The experts at Consumer Reports say you should first match your brush to the paint you plan to use.
For latex paint, they say to choose a synthetic brush made with nylon.
Don't use natural bristles, because they can soak up too much water and turn mushy.
Natural bristles are the perfect choice for oil-based paint.
"The bristles should be nice and stiff to make sure they spread the paint evenly, and then you want to tug at it to make sure the bristles don't fall off, because you don't want to find bristles in your paint," Enrique de Pax, with Consumer Reports, said.
Some more expensive brushes have bristles of varied lengths, with a tapered edge for detailed work. Some brushes have little split ends, which are called flagged. That helps spread the paint even more smoothly.
As for width, small angled brushes from 1-2 1/2 inches are best for trim.
For cutting in and around doorways and ceilings, you need a 2 1/2-inch angled sash brush. The angle lets you make a sharp line and get to corners.
For painting walls or siding, a 3-4-inch flat brush will do the best job.
The thicker the brush, the more paint it will hold, meaning less work for you.
Size and material are important, but so is comfort.
"Pick them up and use them like you were painting," de Paz said. "You want to find out if it's well balanced and what's easiest for you to control."
The right brush has everything to do with helping you paint like a pro.
To take care of your brushes, keep paint out of the metal part. It will be easier to clean.
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