Selecting the Right Paint Applicator for Your Project

Trim Brush

• Also called a sash brush, it is generally available in 1” to 3” widths.
• Available in natural bristles (generally used for applying oil-based coatings) and synthetic filaments (for water-based paints).
• Used to paint trim and smaller, detailed work.
• End of bristles or filaments (called the sash) can be square (flat) or cut at an angle (angular) for cutting in delicate trim work.
• With square trim brushes, the end of the brush is trimmed flat or horizontal. With chisel trim, the end of the brush is cut to a dome-like shape, which increases taper and cutting-in properties

Paint Brush/Wall Brush

• Also called a flattening brush.
  
• Generally comes in 3” to 5” widths.
• Used for painting larger surfaces, such as ceilings, floors, chimneys, etc.
• Available in natural bristles (generally used for applying oil-based coatings) and synthetic filaments (for water-based paints)

Varnish & Enamel Brush

• Commonly used by professional painters for applying a wide variety of paints and stains.
• Known for holding and delivering more paint than other types of brushes.
• Some have satin-edge finishes on bristles for enhanced performance.
• Recommended for both interior and exterior painting. Available in natural bristles (generally used for applying oil-based coatings) and synthetic filaments (for water-based paints

Stain Brush

• A wider brush generally available in 4” to 6” widths.
• Many types feature natural white China bristles for working with oil-based stains, sealers and wood toners.
• Also available in synthetic filaments

Radiator Brush

• Also called hockey stick due to shape.
• Used to paint hard-to-reach areas.
• Sash positioned at 45-degree angle to long handle

Foam Brush

• Foam brushes have handles like regular brushes, but a foam pad replaces the bristles.
• Considered disposable because they are inexpensive, but most are durable enough to be cleaned and reused.
• Ideal for clear finishes, however, most brands are not recommended for use with lacquer or shellac, which have chemical formulas that destroy the foam.

Paint Roller

• A tool consisting of a handle with an extension socket on the end to allow the user to add an extension pole and a frame that holds the roller cover.
• Great for speed of application.
• Standard wall rollers are 7" to 12" wide.
• Some rollers have shields incorporated into the structure of the tool to combat spatter and drizzle.
• Smaller rollers, called trim rollers or mini rollers work well on woodwork and other small areas that cannot be painted with standard rollers. They are available in many different sizes and shapes, depending on the area for which they are designed.
• An advanced roller is the paint stick, which pumps paint straight from the handle or the can to the wall, where it can be rolled on with the attached roller. The advantage is that the user does not have to deal with drips or messy trays

Roller Cover

• Available in natural or synthetic fibers.
• The density of the fiber determines the roller’s ability to hold paint and spread it evenly. Inexpensive rollers that become matted or fail to spread the paint will produce a mottled finish, regardless of the quality of paint used. They may also leave lint on the painted surface.
• Mohair covers are especially good for applying enamel, while lambs wool covers are excellent for alkyd paints, but not latex.
• Synthetic fibers make good all-purpose covers. In fact, about 95 percent of all roller covers are synthetic.
• Smooth roller covers (with a 3/16" or 1/4" nap) are used for painting walls, floors and fine finishing.
• Medium rollers covers (with a 3/8" or 1/2" nap) are used for for sand-textured walls.
• Rough rollers covers (with a 3/4" or 1" nap) are used for light stucco walls and masonry floors.
• Extra rough covers (with a 1-1/4" nap) are used to paint brick, block, masonry and stucco.
• Texture roller covers are designed specifically for the applying texture paints. Some are foam with patterns etched into the surface. Others have deep, looped material. Texture roller covers have large diameters to accommodate the heavier consistency of texture paints.

Extension Pole

• Makes roller painting both faster and easier for hard-to-reach areas.
• Generally range from 1' to 16' in length.
• Some poles are adjustable, or telescoping, to handle a multitude of painting situations.
• They also enable the user to stand on the floor instead of a ladder when painting high walls or ceilings.
  
• Some include quick-release adaptors for easy tool changes.
• Usually extends in 6” increments

Paint Pad

• Lies flat on the surface, allowing the user to avoid spattering.
• Most pads are made of mohair or foam and can apply either latex or oil-based paints.
• Some models have guide wheels or trim tabs that guarantee a straight line at the point of intersection.
• Paint pads are also an excellent way to apply waterproof coating to a deck or fence. Attached to a long handle, they eliminate bending and stooping and can be washed and re-used

Corner Pad

• A corner pad is a paint pad shaped in a 90 degree angle to allow for easy painting of corners.

Airless Paint Sprayer

• Used when painting large areas with the same color or painting intricate surfaces such as furniture or grillwork where other tools will not reach all surfaces.
• Airless sprayers eject paint at high pressure. An electric airless paint system consists of a paint container, high-pressure pump, motor, handle and housing and pressure regulator. Extension nozzles, longer suction tubes, extra nozzles and viscosity measuring cups are optional accessories.
• Choice of spraying tip depends on paint consistency, but generally the thinner the paint, the smaller the tip needed. Paint consistency also governs pump pressure. Thinner materials such as stains, lacquers, enamels and sealers require less pressure than heavier materials such as house and wall paint.
• Paints that have been formulated for brush or roller application may be too thick for spraying. They should be tested first and thinned if necessary.

Paint Applicator Proper Tool Care

Brushes

1. Clean brush immediately after each use, before the paint has a chance to harden. Use proper solvent for oil-base paint. For latex-base paints, clean with warm, soap or detergent water solution. If brush does not clean thoroughly, clean in paint thinner and rewash in warm detergent solution.
2. Comb wet bristles with a metal comb.
3. If brush is to be stored for long periods, return to pouch supplied with brush or wrap in foil or heavy paper, with bristles smooth and flat.
4. Always store fiat or suspended from a nail or hook so that bristles are straight and the brush is not resting on bristles.
5. Do not allow any brush to stand on end in either paint or water.
6. Do not soak a brush in water; it will damage either the filament or the epoxy setting and cause the ferrule to rust.

Rollers and Pads

1. Clean after every use, removing excess paint by rolling or pressing on a newspaper, then washing in proper solvent or water.
2. Dry and wrap to store.

Courtsey of NRHA.org