BRUSHES
ROLLERS
SPRAYERS
THE PREPARED PAINTER'S MATERIALS LIST

When you select quality tools, materials and products for your paint job, the benefits they offer far outweigh the additional up front cost. Your job takes less time, the finished product is more attractive, and re-painting isn't required for years.

BRUSHES

High quality brushes generally have longer bristles and a divider inside to provide a larger paint reservoir for more efficient application of paint, compared with lower quality economy brushes. The ends of the bristles are flagged or split at the tips and the brush is tapered with longer bristles at the center and shorter bristles to the outside. This means the paint will go on smoother and more evenly. Look for a bare wood handle rather than plastic or painted wood; you'll get a better grip. And a rust-resistant metal ferrule that is nailed on instead of crimped to the handle means that you'll shed fewer bristles.

Brushes are available with polyester, nylon or natural bristles. Synthetic bristles are preferred with acrylic paints since natural bristles tend to absorb the water in acrylic products and lose their shape. Some synthetic brushes are recommended for oil-based products as well as for water-based coatings. Natural bristle brushes are recommended for oil-based coatings and coatings made with alcohol, paint thinner or lacquer thinner. Brushes should be pre-primed before use. For acrylic painting, prime the brush with water. For oil-bases coatings, prime the brush with paint thinner. All excess should be removed before dipping the brush into the paint.

Quality brushes give you a thicker, more uniform paint film for better hiding and durability. And a smooth application will be more resistant to dirt and mildew than the same paint with brush marks.

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ROLLERS

Quality rollers tend to be thicker and fluffier for greater paint capacity and less dripping and spattering. They also apply the paint thicker and smoother. A higher quality roller will not crack, holds its shape better, does not shed fibres, and is reusable.

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SPRAYERS

If your job is appropriate for a paint sprayer choose a good one. Better sprayers offer excellent uniformity of spray for smooth, drip-free application and are generally more reliable in their performance.

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THE PREPARED PAINTER'S MATERIALS LIST

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