Paintbrushes
A paintbrush is a versatile tool for applying primers, undercoats, varnishes and topcoats to a variety of surfaces.
Use one for applying gloss to wood and metalwork, and for where colours or surfaces meet – around windows and doors, for example.
HOLDING A BRUSH
Hold the handle between the thumb and first finger, resting the fingertips at the top of the handle.
Dip the brush in the paint so it reaches halfway up the bristles then wipe it on the side of the can to remove the excess. Use short, even strokes to apply the paint using both sides of the bristles.
USING A BRUSH
1.Stir the paint – unless it is non-drip. Make sure any liquid on the surface is thoroughly mixed into the paint by lifting the stick as you stir.
2.Choose a brush which is the right size. As a rough guide, paint window frames with a 25 mm brush, door panels with a 75 mm brush, and walls and other large surfaces with a 100 mm brush. Grip large brushes around the handle and hold smaller brushes more like a pencil.
3.Flick the bristles against your hand to remove dust, old paint and loose bristles.
4.Dip the brush into a paint pot, to about one half of the bristle depth
5.Press the brush against the pot wall to remove surplus paint. Do not scrape the brush over the rim of the pot because too much paint will come off.
6.After you have applied the paint, wipe the brush on the edge of the pot to remove paint that works up the handle.
