Paint Brushes

The quality of a paint job is highly dependent on the tools used. The consistency of the paint film and its final finish are dependent upon the condition and quality of the brushes. If the brushes are stubby and inflexible, the work will be marred. Brushes of an inferior quality are a continuous source of frustration and not worth the money saved. The bristles on cheap brushes tend to loosen and stick to the wall. Good brushes, although more expensive at first, will prove economical and satisfactory, in that they will last longer, aid considerably in producing a better finish, and save time and effort.

With a comparatively small number of brushes, it is possible to do nearly all ordinary painting jobs. Common wooden furniture like a bathroom cabinet, cupboard, or bathroom vanity can be painted with basic tools. Bathroom cabinets are simple enough to sand and paint, though bigger and more complex projects most likely require a wider array of brushes. Taking good care of your brushes is essential in saving money and getting the best quality work from them.

Before dipping a new brush in paint, tap it gently across the hand to remove dust and the loose bristles, which were left in the brush when it was finished. Brushes that are to be used again the following day may be kept fresh by placing them flat on a paint-can cover, and pouring a small amount of linseed oil over them. Do not bend the bristles. Another method is to wrap them in wax paper, or in several thicknesses of newspaper. Varnish brushes should be kept apart from paint brushes. Never keep brushes in water.

This practice is to be severely condemned. Water will ruin the bristles and the brush will lose its flexibility. Thus, when cleaning your brushes, do not leave them overnight to soak in water from the bathtub. even if you were using bathtub paint. Brushes that are not to be used for some time should be washed well in benzine or turpentine (benzine is much cheaper), then washed with soap and warm water. Do not use hot water. Stipple brushes should be washed in benzine or turpentine, and then washed with soap and water, even if they are to be used the next day.

Shellac brushes may be cleaned in alcohol or in dilute ammonia. If cleaned in ammonia, they should be rinsed in clear water. Wash calcimine brushes thoroughly in cold water, rinse well, and hang to dry. Do not put calcimine brushes in hot calcimine. Dry brushes, if not too far gone, may be reclaimed by placing them in hot kerosene. Place the brush container in a pail of hot water away from fire and let brushes soak until softened. Wash in benzine and shake out well. Brushes, especially new ones, should not be kept in a hot place. The bristles are held in place by the handle.

Heat will cause shrinkage of the base of the handle and consequent loosening of the bristles. This is one reason why people do not often paint while taking a steam bath or a hot steam shower, even if it is enclosed in a steam shower unit. One method of removing water or other liquids from a brush is to place the brush in a container wide enough so that the sides are free, and then to twirl the brush between the hands. This method will remove most of the liquid without injury to the brush.