Choosing Between Natural & Synthetic Paintbrushes

Which Paint Brush to Choose?

Paint brushes can be found in a multitude of shapes, sizes, bristle types and prices. To make sure you pick the best brush for your next project, it is important to understand the distinction between natural and synthetic bristles. 

Natural Bristles

Natural brushes are made from animal hair such as hog, sable or badger fur.
​WHEN TO USE NATURAL BRISTLE BRUSHES
Natural bristle brushes work well when using the following:
Oil-based paint

• Varnish
• Shellac
• Shellac-based primer
• Alkyd enamels
• Stain
• Polyurethane
• Chalk-based paint
• Milk paint
• Clay-based paint

Natural Bristle Pros

​Natural Bristle brushes have a natural split which facilitates the collection, storage and distribution of natural paints and increases the speed of painting. The softness of these brushes helps to apply a thin, even layer of paint which reduces streakiness and evenly distributes it. When using them with organic paints (such as chalk/milk/clay-based), there is less chance of streaking than when using synthetic brushes.

Natural Bristle Cons

​However, Natural bristle paint brushes may not be suitable for precision painting They may also shed the first few times you use them. To stop the shedding, ensure you purchase good quality ones.  These ones tend to stop shedding after a couple of uses

Synthetic Bristles

Synthetic bristle brushes are manufactured with materials such as nylon, polyester, or a combination of both.
WHEN TO USE SYNTHETIC BRISTLE BRUSHES
Synthetic bristle brushes are great when you are using:

• Water-based latex paints
• Water-based primers
• Gloss Paint
• Acrylic paint
• Water-based wood finishes

Synthetic Bristle Pros

Nylon brushes have a sturdy construction and smoothly pick up and dispense paint, while polyester brushes retain their shape well and allow for precision in detailing. For those who want the best of both worlds, a blend of nylon and polyester is the most popular choice; its bristles boast an even texture with bounciness that is perfect for painting wooden furniture using water-based satin, eggshell, or gloss finishes. Compared to natural hair varieties, modern synthetic brushes are also more affordable yet still highly effective.

Synthetic Bristles Cons

​Nylon brushes may become less effective at providing a fine, even finish when exposed to heat or used frequently with latex paint. Polyester brushes hold less paint, so the brush must be reloaded more frequently. Paint containing quick-drying elements tends to adhere to polyester bristles, making them difficult to clean; however, if cared for properly these brushes can remain in good condition for an extended period of time.

Results of Using the "Wrong" Paint Brush

​If you attempt to use a natural-bristle brush to spread latex paint, the bristles will become soft and limp from absorbing the water in the paint, making it difficult to achieve a consistent coating. If you use a synthetic brush for chalk/clay-based paints, there may be numerous brush marks that require extra effort to make the surface appear even.

Size of Paint Brush

​The size of brush that should be used when painting will depend on the project. Here is a guide to help you choose the right one. It is common for brush manufacturers to indicate which projects their brushes are best suited for.
4 - 6 inches brush is good for painting large, flat surfaces;
2 - 3 inches are ideal for smaller flat surfaces;
1 – 1.5 inches works well on more detailed tasks, such as trimming doors and walls.

Shape of Paint Brush

​The type of brush you use can influence the ease with which you paint. Brushes with a flat tip are ideal for painting large, even surfaces since they can hold a good amount of paint. Brushes that have an angled shape are better suited for details such as trim and edges as they enable more control and help to create straight lines

Paying for a Quality Paint Brush

Professional Painters will tell you that quality brushes produce the best results.  Yes, they may be more costly but the results that you get from using one over a cheaper one can be visible once you are done.  Paint brushes are one of their tools in getting the results wanted for their clients.  So, this is one area that they recommend you invest in when doing a DIY painting project.

Don't Skip the Prep Work!

The Pros will also tell you that brushes alone don’t produce the beautiful finished product.  Choosing the right paint for the job and prepping the area to be painted all play a huge contributing factor in a successful DIY painting project.  Painters Enterprise has been helping achieve outstanding results on both residential painting and commercial painting projects across Edmonton.  Contact them for your next painting project.  You will be glad you did!

Learn about cleaning and caring for your paint brush here.