When you invest in premium brushes, you want to keep them in great shape for multiple projects. Proper care and storage will ensure your brushes are ready to go when you need them. 21st Century Paints carries premium products for all your painting needs near Holland, Ohio.

Tips for Caring for Paintbrushes

Cleaning paintbrushes is the first step to keeping them as good as new. Start by wiping your brush on the can or paint tray lid to remove excess paint. If you use water-based paint, wash your brush with warm, soapy water. You must soak brushes with oil-based paint on them in solvent to break down the paint before washing with soap and water. Once your paintbrushes are clean, reshape them with a brush comb or your fingers to prevent them from drying out or fraying.

How to Store Paintbrushes

After your brushes are completely dry, return them to their original packaging to maintain the brush shape and store them with the bristles upright. If you threw the package away, no worries! You can wrap the brush in a paper towel or newspaper and place it between two pieces of cardboard secured with a rubber band. If you have the space, you can also hang your brushes.

To prevent the paint from drying between coats or overnight, place it in a plastic bag or wrap the head with foil or plastic wrap. If you are taking a short break, leave the edge of the brush in the paint so you can easily pick up where you left off.

Common Types of Paintbrushes

When painting walls or ceilings, you’ll primarily use flat and angled brushes. Flat brushes have a squared edge that provides complete contact on the wall and are great for large, uninterrupted areas. The average flat brush is between three and six inches across. You’ll also use angled brushes between two and three inches wide for cutting in and painting trim and around edges.

Natural vs. Synthetic Paintbrushes

Natural paintbrushes use animal hair to create bristles, while synthetic brushes use a combination of polyester and nylon. If you’re using water-based paint, steer clear of natural brushes. The animal hair will absorb moisture from the paint, causing the brush head to become less stiff and making it impossible to spread paint evenly. You can use synthetic brushes for all paint types, including acrylic, making them versatile and cost-efficient.

Why Paintbrush Quality Matters

Grabbing the cheapest brush option at the store is tempting, but it’s never a good idea. Premium brushes hold more paint and distribute it more consistently, reducing the number of strokes and brush marks. They glide smoothly over surfaces for fast, accurate painting and maintain their shape and stiffness longer than budget-brand brushes.

Learn Proper Paintbrush Care Near Holland, Ohio

The experts at 21st Century Paints can help you choose the best products for a professional-looking paint job. Our knowledge of residential, commercial, and industrial projects and specialty products is unrivaled.

Visit us at 7615 Airport Hwy to shop our selection in person or contact us online.

21st Century Paints proudly serves Holland, Toledo, Bowling Green, Findlay, Sandusky, Ohio, and Monroe, Michigan.