subject: Paint Brush And Roller Advice [print this page] Brushes:For most interior applications with Acrylic (latex ) paint the most effective option is really a nylon/polyester blended brush. For house windows, doors and woodwork trim a square cut two and a half inch trim brush works well for all interior work including "cutting in" the ceiling and walls. You should not use a 100% nylon paint brush, even though it is sometimes labeled "for latex paint". Nylon will become limp ( and useless ) after several hours of painting.
You may think about buying a one and a half or two inch sash brush to paint around window panes. The bristles on a sash paint brush are cut at an angle to allow for simpler painting into the corners and around the glass. Stick to using nylon/polyester blend. You should not use this brush on doors or flat work.
In the event you decide to paint your interior trim with Alkyd ( oil based ) paint or polyurethane, your best choice is a china bristle brush. China Bristle is the product of hog hair on the Chinese long haired swine. The white bristle paint brush is softer than the black bristle and seems to apply a smoother finish. NOTE: Water cleaning swells the bristles so limit this brush to solvent based paints, stains or clear coats.
A good paint brush will be tapered at the end of the bristles. The tips on the bristles need to be flagged and soft. The bristles should be firm but not stiff. The best indicator of a good paint brush is price. Don't skimp when buying brushes, a cheap brush is harder to make use of and can also ruin the appearance of the finish.
Rollers:For residential purposes a standard nine inch roller frame is a good choice. Select a high quality roller frame, the sort that grips the roller cover at the ends generally roll out smoother than the tension (wire) birdcage style of roller frame.
Select a top notch quality roller cover. For latex paint a synthetic fiber 3/8 or 1/2 inch nap gives the best all around performance for painting the smooth or semi-smooth surfaces of walls and ceilings.
Don't use a roller paint tray, buy a five gallon bucket and a roller grid. The grid hangs on the inside rim on the bucket, this allows for rolling off excess paint from the roller.
Use a roller extension pole. A home owner need not invest in a top quality extension pole, however, a roller pole is an effective time and back saving investment. Consider the height of your walls and ceiling, generally a four foot extension pole should be adequate.
A shed resistant mohair or wool blended 3/16 to 1/4 inch nap roller cover ought to be used for Alkyd ( oil based ) paints.
Do not buy cheap roller covers despite the fact that you may throw them away at the end of the paint job. Cheap covers fail to hold or release paint well and can shed fuzz onto the wall.
