How to select the right paintbrush for your next home project

How to Choose the Best Paintbrush | Ask This Old House · 3:45 · Video: This Old House · Watch at the source

In short: Painter Mauro Henrique explains how to choose between natural, synthetic, and foam brushes. Learn how brush material, angle, and size affect your finish to ensure a professional result.

Selecting the right tool depends on the paint type and the surface area. Natural hair, or China bristle, brushes are suited for oil-based paints, while synthetic hair brushes are ideal for water-based latex paints and are versatile enough for most other applications. For quick, one-time touchups, foam brushes are the preferred choice.

The shape of the brush is equally vital: angled brushes help with precision cutting around doors and windows, whereas flat brushes are designed for large, flat surfaces. To prevent visible stroke marks, choose a brush size that most closely matches the dimensions of your work area. While higher-quality brushes carry a higher price tag, they offer better longevity and avoid leaving stray hairs in your paint, a common issue with lower-quality options.

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