Watercolor Brush Reviews #1. Da Vinci Maestro Watercolor Set You’ll get four classic round brushes (sizes 4, 6, 10) in a leather case in this set, with collapsible handles. Paint Saint, Paint Brush in a Can, Use with Water Based Paints Only, Fill with Your Own New or Matching Paint, Does Not Come with Paint, Touch Up with No Clean Up (5 Pack) Brand: My Paint Saint 4.5 out of 5 stars178 ratings.

Choosing the right paintbrush can make all the difference in your next project. Hardware store shelves are lined with a multitude of options; so how do you know which brush to pick? The most important factor in determining which paintbrush is best for your project depends on the type of coating you’re using.

OIL-BASED COATINGS

Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, stains, and polyurethanes. The highest quality bristles come from mainland China. Experienced, traditional painters will say there’s nothing like the finish that a China bristle paintbrush can provide for oil-based coatings. If you’re painting a smooth surface, use a white China bristle for a smooth finish or, if you need to achieve an even finer finish, a China bristle blended with ox hair is recommended. When painting a textured surface, a black China bristle will work best because it’s slightly stiffer and is excellent for high-productivity applications. If you need to paint a rough surface, natural bristle brushes are not recommended. Rough surfaces will break the tips off of natural bristle and will ruin the brush. A synthetic, firm brush is best for this application even when using oil-based coatings because it’s very durable and will resist wear on the rough surface.

WATER-BASED COATINGS

Synthetic brushes are recommended for latex and acrylic paints and water-based wood finishes. Synthetic brushes are available in a variety of filaments including Chinex®, nylon, nylon/polyester blend, and polyester. Chinex® FTP® brushes are designed for today’s paints and offer excellent paint pickup and production with a smooth, professional finish and easy cleanup. Chinex FTP brushes will maintain their stiffness for control even when exposed to heat and humidity. Nylon brushes are very durable but may soften in hot weather or after prolonged use in latex paint. Polyester brushes will maintain their shape and control when exposed to heat but have lower paint pickup and production meaning you will spend more time loading your brush than the wall. Also, today’s paints contain more acrylic resins and fast-drying solids which stick to polyester making them difficult to clean and limit the life of the brush. A nylon/polyester blend brush combines all the positive qualities of nylon (precise tipping, excellent paint pickup, and smooth finish) and polyester (added stiffness and control) and is, by far, the most popular professional paintbrush choice due to their versatility.

The Wooster Brush Company offers quality brushes for every variety of coating available, but different brushes excel in specific applications. To help you select the perfect brush for your next project, visit our Paint Brush Advisor. If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact our Customer Service Department.

It’s a joy to live in the country, isn’t it? Um, except when you’ve just completed a painting project and it’s time for clean up.

Because the delicate balance of biological elements in your septic tank can be severely upset by paint, cleaning your brushes, rollers and even your hands in the sink is a no-no

Why Can’t I Do This?

Both latex- and oil-based paints have chemicals in them that won’t break down in your septic tank. Those chemicals will also “stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place” in your tank, according to the EPA.

What Could Happen?

Surface and ground water could become contaminated. Not good. Your septic tank could get seriously damaged and need replacement. Also not good.

What Should I Do Instead?

Sometimes it’s a toss up. If you use disposable paintbrushes and rollers, you’re adding to the landfill. But reusable eco-friendly painting supplies need to be cleaned before being used again.

Maybe you could take that stuff to your mom (who lives in the city, of course) and have her give it a good cleaning.

Or not.

Probably the best, and greenest, method is to cut back on the amount of clean up required. Squeeze every last drop from your paintbrush and roller tray. Use disposable liners for that tray. Try to get paint on the walls, instead of all over yourself.

The less clean up you need to do, the less hassle it is.

Best Way To Clean Water Based Paint Brushes

You may even need to think twice before repainting. Does it truly need to be done? Make a decision that’s environmentally responsible and still satisfies your redecorating tastes.

How To Clean Water Based Paint Brushes