Budget brushes
Trying to save money by buying a cheap brush will cost you more time and frustration than it is worth. Also, completing your image can look unpretentious and unprofessional.

Cheap paintbrushes can still be used for glue application and some painting projects that do not require a fine surface.

Cheap brushes are probably synthetic (nylon) and if you spread them, they will not stick to the blunt tip. This type of brush tip does not retain enough color and may result in striped paint. Foam brushes also give poor results for serious painting - they are suitable for small touches and spreading adhesives.

For cheap brushes, the sleeve (the metal strap that holds the brushes) is not tight and does not slip. This brush does not hold the brushes firmly and some brushes will inevitably damage your paint.

Quality brushes
Good quality brushes are highly recommended for interior painting. The type of brush and brush style will depend on what type of paint is applied and what you paint. Make painting easier and look more professional.

Wall, lined and scarf edging are the three main types of brush design. Wall brushes are usually flat low and wide, about three to six inches. The trimming brushes are flatter at the bottom, but thinner and narrower - usually one to two. The decorative wing brushes are cut at an angle and are usually two inches or less wide. The Sash-Trim brush is the best choice for cutting or trimming.

Quality bristles can be made from natural synthetic animal hair, as a mixture of both. Natural brushes should only be used with oil-based paints. Do not use water-based paints. You can also use synthetic brushes with oil-based paints. Quality bristles are made in many different lengths, they should taper to the end and have split ends like hair with split ends. This will keep the tip sufficiently painted and should result in a smooth surface.

The quality brush sleeve is usually made of stainless steel, holds the brush firmly and securely on the brush handle.

Breaking-in new paintbrushes

If you want to "get" with the new brush, here are some tips:

strike the brush several times with your hands or feet and then against a hard object such as the edge of the table to release the brushes
rotate the brush handle to easily rub your hands back and forth and rotate the loose brushes
dip the brush (about 1/3 of the length of the brush) into the paint and paint an "X" (on a newspaper or similar object) several times to break the brushes
remove any brushes that are bent or compressed
The natural bristle brush should be soaked in linseed oil for several hours before use.

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