Synthetic
These days most people opt for a water-based latex paint making synthetic bristles the best bet. Natural paint brush bristles are made from animal hair such as the Chinese hog and they naturally absorb the water making the brush heavier and more difficult to work with. A 100% polyester brush is good for fine varnish work, but for other jobs a brush made from nylon or a nylon-polyester blend will work much better – and last you a lot longer.

Weight & Balance
Given you might be painting for several hours, finding a brush that isn’t too heavy and is well balanced in your hand will make the job at least a little easier. You can check for how balanced the brush is by resting the metal part where the bristles fit in (ferrule) on your forefinger.

Size & Shape

• You’ll get more coverage with a larger brush; most big jobs (where you’re not using a roller) can be done using a 4 inch brush.
• For trim work and cutting around corners a 2 inch brush will be more precise.
• Angled or sash brushes are designed for painting around windows or smaller areas.

Natural Bristles

• Brushes made from animal hair – usually hog.
• Meant for oil-based/alkyd paint.

Synthetic Bristles

• Made from either nylon, polyester or a combination of both.
• Can be used on oil or latex, but better used with a latex or water-based paint.

We tried out four different brands of paint brushes - all of them 2½ inches and synthetic. One brush for each of four colours so we could bring new life to some otherwise tired furniture. As a couple of amateur painters, we wanted to see if there was any difference in how the paint went on using the various brushes. We also invited some professional painters who really value a quality paint brush to join us in our work project.

Benjamin Moore
Cost: $16.99

Color Place
Cost: $3.28

Performance Plus
Cost: $10.58

Purdy
Cost: $19.99

Test Results

• We really liked the Benjamin Moore brush; it was really precise and easy to work with and it felt comfortable to hold.
• Our professional painters preferred the Purdy brush because it seemed to hold more paint – less dipping in the bucket, hence a quicker job.
• It definitely seemed that spending a little more on your brush meant for a faster and better job.

Thanks To Our Experts…

College instructor David Lick specializes in painting and industrial finishing. He made sure we were all brushed up on the different types of paint brushes.

Maintenance & Care

• If you want your brush to last, you need to take proper care of it.
• When you’ve finished with it, wash it immediately in warm soapy water; then spin it over a bucket to remove excess water.
• When it’s dry you can put it back in the wrap it came in, or wrap it in paper and either leave it flat or hang it up.
• If you’ll be using it again (say after a break or even the next day) you can wrap it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer until you’re ready to continue painting.