It's almost comical to see how some people treat their paint brushes. However, when you are paying $25 to $50 dollars for a quality paint brush, then brush abuse is no laughing matter. When improperly cared for you drastically shorten the life of a paint brush.
So what simple procedures should a house painter or homeowner follow when using, cleaning and storing paint brushes.
First you need to consider the type of paint brush you are using. Is it Nylon, Nylon Polyester mix, or China Bristle. Always use the right brush for the type of paint you are going to use. I only use a Nylon brush in latex paint. If you use a Nylon brush in oil paint, the oils and chemicals in the paint will permanently change how the brush bristles feel. Once you are through using it in oil then you will need to clean the Nylon brush in mineral spirits. After cleaning the brush in mineral spirits you will find it doesn't have the same spring to its bristles. They become limp.
The Nylon Polyester mix brush is often used in latex or oil paints and is usually advertised that way. It's a pretty good choice for a all purpose brush, but as most contractors will agree it doesn't have quite the feel and properties in latex and oil as you get from high quality Nylon brush used specifically for latex. The same holds true for the China Bristle brush in oil paint. There are two qualities the Nylon Polyester brush has going for it: You need to buy only one brush and the balance between stiffness and softness is good with your higher quality Nylon Polyester mix brushes.
What you will also find is that China Bristle always cleans easier and more throughly than Nylon or Nylon Polyester after using in oil paint. This will save you time at the end of your project. The Same holds true for Nylon in latex paint. Nylon always cleans better when used in latex than China Bristle in latex paint.
Never use China Bristle in latex. It will ruin the brush. Never us Nylon Bristle in oil. It will also ruin the brush. Some Nylon Polyester brushes can be used in both.
Don't leave a brush sitting in paint for an extended time. Paint begins to harden around the bristles of the brush next to the metal retainer and will make it much harder to clean. Paint will wick up the bristles of the brush only so far. Beyond that, the paint will start to harden if left an hour or two in paint. If you need to leave it longer than an hour, then wrap the brush in clear plastic and tape the plastic to the end of the brush handle. this will prevent air infiltration and slow down the drying process of the paint. If you are going to leave the paint brush longer than five or six hours, then you need to clean the paint brush.
How well you clean a brush is very important. Always clean the brush until the water is clear. With China Bristle clean until the mineral spirits turns clear. This will mean you will need to empty and refill the bottom of your pail multiple times to make sure the brush is thoroughly clean. Do not leave paint in the bristles near the metal bristle retainer. You may need to use your fingers to work out the paint in these areas. Between cleanings bump the brush on the sole of your shoe. This will force more diluted paint out from deep in the bristles and bring it closer to the surface to be washed away with fresh water (or spirits). Continue this process until the brush is completely free of paint.
Next you need to comb the brush bristles with a brush comb. This will realign the bristles so that they do not dry in the wrong position. A misshaped brush is a horrible brush to be painting with.
Be sure and store the brush back in the cardboard packaging called the "keeper". Most paint brushes come with a keeper. It's important because it will allow the brush to dry and hold its shape. Brushes stored in the keeper have a longer life than those stored unprotected. House painters understand the importance of keeping the paint brush aligned properly.
Most house painters take pride in their paint brushes. This is the primary tool of the trade. Buy quality tools and take care of them. They will give you back lots of good service that you can be proud of. Low quality brushes and low quality care usually reflects in the quality of work.
Nicky Taylor Homeowners First Choice Painting Inc.
