Although we predominantly specialise in fixing and fastening products, our product catalogue has expanded throughout the years to supply other industries, including the decorating market. Whether you’re a professional or DIY enthusiast looking to freshen up your home, we offer an extensive range of decorating tools and supplies.

Reapplying paint is one of the simplest ways to spruce up an area, even if you’re just looking to apply the same colour! It is very common for paint to become dull, chipped, and marked over time, so it is important to take some time to revamp the area. You’ll be surprised at how a fresh lick of paint can make a difference.

When decorating, there is one essential product that will help you in your project, and that is a high-quality paintbrush.

Even though paintbrushes appear straightforward, the choice of brush can significantly impact the painting process and the quality of the finished result. Not only can the right brush produce a professional and high-quality finish, but it can also make the painting task a lot easier and enjoyable. With the correct paintbrush, you will be able to finish your job in no time! If you’re currently on the hunt for a new set of brushes, we have listed below some features to look out for to help you narrow it down.

The Correct Brush vs The Wrong Brush

High-quality

Poor-quality
·         Efficient

·         Quick and easy

·         Smooth finish

·         Strong handle

·         Dense bristles

·         Flexible brush

 ·         Inefficient

·         Time-consuming

·         Streaks

·         Drips

·         Loose bristles

·         Stiff brush

·         Handle may break

Features to Consider

Type of bristles

To complement different paint emulsions, such as water-based, oil-based, and varnishes, paintbrushes are available with natural and synthetic bristles. Generally, natural or combined bristles are more suitable for oil-based paints, and synthetic bristles are great for water-based.

  • Synthetic – synthetic bristles are less absorbent than natural brushes and are therefore perfect for water-based paints as they don’t draw moisture out, leading to a smooth finish with no visible tramlines. They tend to be manufactured out of nylon and polyester, as these materials offer a good balance of softness and stiffness.
  • Natural – natural bristles are commonly made out of animal hair, which are stronger and more absorbent. They are appropriate for oil-based paints and varnishes, as the bristles have better chemical resistance. Natural brushes are created with flagged or split bristle tips, to produce a smooth finish on walls, doors, and skirting boards.
  • Mixed – brushes with a combination of both materials are ideal for all paints.

The shape of the brush

Depending on your project, the shape of the bristles can have a huge impact on your outcome.

  • Angled – if you’re painting along skirting boards and crevices, angled tips work great for cutting straight lines, particularly along edges. Thin angled brushes offer greater control when producing a nice, crisp line, whereas thick angled brushes are better suited to ceilings and wall corners.
  • Flat – square/flat brushes are perfect for large and flat surfaces, as they cover the area a lot quicker.
  • Shed/Fence – these types of brushes are thick and dense, suitable for woodwork and outdoor decking. The density and strength of the bristles hold a lot of paint, to cover large surfaces.

 

Brush size

Now that we have covered the bristle type and shape, the final feature to consider is the brush size. Both the width of the brush and the thickness of the bristles can affect your painting application. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re looking to paint areas which require a more precise finish, a smaller/thinner brush will offer more control. If you’re painting a large surface area, a bigger/thicker paintbrush will spread paint more easily.

  • 1-1.5 inches (25mm) – suitable for woodwork and cutting around windows.
  • 2-2.5 inches (50mm) – ideal for larger cutting work, such as skirting boards, door frames, and architraves.
  • 3 inches (75mm) – doors and panelling.
  • 4-6 inches (100-150mm) – for walls, ceilings, fencing, and decking.

Here at BS Fixings, we stock a variety of high-quality decorating products from one of the UK’s leading paintbrush manufacturers, Harris. We are incredibly proud to supply many of their tools, to deliver our customers products that will offer outstanding results. Please feel free to browse their range on our website or take a look at our other decorating supplies. If you require further information, contact us today on 03330 117818 or email info@bsfixings.co.uk, and we will be more than happy to help!