the painted surface

How To Choose a Paint Brush

Types of Bristles or Filaments

Nylon

generic term for a synthetic filament used for bristles

Polyester

generic term for a synthetic filament used for bristles

China bristle

natural bristles of hog hair, may be black or tan, the tan are usually thinner and softer than the black, not the same as "Chinex®"

Ox Hair

natural bristle of ox hair, they are extra soft and supple, softer and thinner than China bristles

Dupont™ Tynex®

solid round tapered (SRT) filament, continuously tapered filament, highest quality filament for paint brush, good wet stiffness and excellent bend recovery, excellent abrasion resistance, durable, easily cleaned filament

Dupont™ OREL®

solid round tapered (SRT) filament, continuously tapered filament, stiffer than Dupont™ Tynex®, maintains stiffness in water, good bend recovery

Dupont™ Chinex®

all purpose tapered filament, unique design for improved performance, round tapered filament, continuously tapered filament, for use in all paints, used in premium paint brushes, easy to clean, durable

Dupont™ Tynex® Q

Quadrilobal cross-section, continuously tapered filament, 20% lighter than solid filament, reduced weight in brushes, easier to flag, adequate stiffness and flexibility

Dupont™Tynex® T

smooth surface, hollow tapered filament, unique trilocular hollow cross-section, continuously tapered filament, filament for consumer brush, tapered but 40% lighter than solid filament, flags easily for good paint application, improved stiffness and bend recovery

Dupont™ Chinex® QUAD

Quadrilobal cross section, continuously tapered filament, easy to flag tips, quality for consumer brushes

Dupont™ OREL® T

smooth surface, hollow tapered filament, unique trilocular hollow cross section, continuously tapered filament, stiffer than standard hollow filament, easily cleaned filament, durable, economical option for quality paint brushes, improved stiffness and bend recovery

Dupont™ OREL® Q

smooth surface, hollow tapered filament, quadrilobal cross section, economical option for consumer paint brushes

Brushes For Oil-based Coatings

• Use either natural or synthetic bristle brushes.
• The China or Ox hair natural bristle brush has been the traditional choice. They provide a smooth, even finish, with minimal brush marks. They are ideal for clear finishes, furniture work and marine varnishes.
• The synthetic blends of nylon and polyester work very well. Look for the Dupont™ trademarks, Chinex®, Tynex® or OREL® and the acronym "SRT" or "solid-rounded-tapered". These filaments are known to be the very best.
• The synthetic blends are more durable and longer-lasting than natural bristle brushes.
• Softness and stiffness varies in synthetic bristles. If the viscosity of the coating is thin, a softer brush can be used, a thick viscosity will be better applied using a stiffer bristle.

Brushes For Water-based Coatings

• Use only synthetic bristle or filament type paint brushes.
• Some 100% nylon bristle brushes will become softer and more pliable in warmer temperatures. This is not a problem with quality brushes but the affect might be noticed.
• Nylon/Polyester blended brushes provide the softness of nylon and the stiffness of polyester, they are very durable and probably the best all-around brush. They can be used with oil, water or alcohol-based paints and coatings.
• The synthetic blends of nylon and polyester work very well. Look for the Dupont™ trademarks, Chinex®, Tynex® or OREL® and the acronym "SRT" or "solid-rounded-tapered". These filaments are known to be the very best.

Brushes For Alcohol-based Coatings

• These coatings include shellac and some primers or sealers.
• Use the nylon/polyester blends as described for water-based coatings.
• These finishes dry very fast. The brush should be cleaned immediately after its use.

Brush Sizes and Shapes

• Paint brushes come in many sizes, typically from 1 to 6 inches wide.
• Use the brush size most appropriate for the job.
• Brushes are cut straight across at the tips or angle cut. The angle cut are known as angle sash brushes. They are very convenient. This type brush can be used anywhere and are especially useful for painting fine lines, in close to window glass and cutting-in next to mouldings.
• Two sizes of brush are worth mentioning. The 1 inch nylon/polyester blend brush can be used with any paint and its small size can reach into tight spaces. The 2 or 2 1/2 inch angle sash nylon/polyester blend is a great all-around brush. It is good for cutting-in walls, painting doors, windows, mouldings, cabinets and more. It should be a part of every paint toolbox.

The use of a professional quality paint brush cannot be over emphasized. Even cheap paint when applied properly will look better. The best paint cannot be made to look good with a cheap brush. A professional paint brush will be easier to use, save time and give results pleasing to all.

These steps should make choosing a paint brush a simpler task. More details about specific painting subjects are covered in the additional articles. In those will be found details, tips and techniques gathered from over 20 years of painting experience. Here is a list of links to the articles: