Ultimate Paint Brush Guide Choosing the Right Brush
The right brush not only feels comfortable in your hand but also makes your painting go faster and look more professional! But with so many options, how do you choose?! With this guide, you’ll confidently navigate brush options and choose the perfect tool for your next project!
Brush Types & Their Uses
Selecting the right brush depends on your project size, desired finish, and comfort. Experiment with options to find your perfect match!
With so many brushes to choose from it can be hard to make the right choice. This example guide will help you choose the right brush for your project.
Choose by Brush Shape
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FLAT BRUSHES
SHOP NOWIdeal for large, flat surfaces like tables or cabinets. Perfect for base coats and topcoats, offering smooth, even coverage. Great for beginners.
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ROUND BRUSHES
SHOP NOWBest for detailed work, textured finishes, and curved surfaces like spindles and legs. Ideal for stippling, dry brushing, or intricate designs.
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OVAL BRUSHES
SHOP NOWA hybrid of flat and round brushes, excellent for blending and working on both flat and curved surfaces. Versatile and ergonomic for comfort during longer projects.
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POINTED SASH BRUSHES
SHOP NOWPerfect for tight corners, detailed woodwork, or intricate carvings on furniture or cabinetry.
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ANGLED BRUSHES
SHOP NOWDesigned for cutting in around edges, mouldings, and corners with precision. Great for trim work and tricky spaces.
Choose by Bristle Type
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NATURAL BRISTLES
SHOP NATURAL BRISTLE BRUSHESBest for waxes, stains, and creating textured, vintage looks.
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BLENDED BRISTLES
SHOP BLENDED BRISTLE BRUSHESA mix of natural and synthetic, providing smooth finishes and versatility.
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SYNTHETIC BRISTLES
SHOP SYNTHETIC BRISTLE BRUSHESIdeal for water-based paints like Fusion™ Mineral Paint, offering smooth, brushstroke-free finishes.
Choose the right Brush Size
- Large Projects: Use wider brushes (2.5” or 3”) for efficient coverage on large surfaces like tables or cabinets.
- Detailed Work: Use smaller or angled brushes for intricate designs and tight spaces.
Pro Tips
- For smooth, modern finishes, use synthetic bristle brushes.
- For a textured, vintage look, opt for natural bristle brushes.
- When painting large flat surfaces, finish with a Staalmeester® Roller or Spalter for a flawless finish.
Why Fusion™ Mineral Paint Recommends Staalmeester® Brushes
At Fusion, we have tested almost every brush on the market, and through our extensive testing, we firmly believe that Staalmeester® brushes provide the best results with our paints. Does this mean you can’t use other brushes? Absolutely not! If you’re aiming to create lots of texture, an old round bristle brush would work great. Or if you love the hand-painted look, any brush you have on hand will do the job. If you only intend to paint one piece, we have economical options for you. However, the reason most painters are drawn to Fusion is for the smooth, sleek, modern finish it can easily achieve, and for that, Staalmeester® brushes are by far the superior option. Staalmeester® has been developing premium painting products of the highest quality for contemporary Dutch masters since 1948.
Consider Your Desired Finish
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Textured Finish
Natural bristle brushes might be your choice. They’re great at holding more paint and can create those desired brush strokes for a rustic feel. However, it’s important to remember that Fusion™ Mineral Paint is water-based, so controlling the amount of texture will require a bit of practice with natural bristles.
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Smooth Finish
Synthetic bristle brushes are recommended. They have the resilience to maintain a stiff form, allowing for even application and minimizing brush marks. Pairing synthetic brushes with Fusion™ Mineral Paint ensures a sleek, contemporary look.
Proper care keeps your brushes soft, well-shaped, and ready for the next project!
How to Care for Your Brushes Between Projects
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse Thoroughly: Wash under running water until it runs clear.
Remove Dried Paint
Remove Dried Paint: Gently rub out any dried paint from the bristles.
Clean & Condition
Clean & Condition:
- Use a pea-sized amount of Fusion Brush Soap (made with linseed oil).
- Massage it into wet bristles to condition and soften.
- Rinse and repeat if necessary.
Reshape Bristles
Reshape Bristles: Shape the bristles while wet for best results.
Dry Properly
Dry Properly: Hang the brush to dry, ensuring water drips off and the ferrule stays dry.
Consider Using Fusion Mineral Paint Brush Soap
Watch how easy it is to maintain your brushes with Fusion™ Mineral Paint brush soap
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mcpNVwVniyg?feature=share
