What Are the Different Types of Paintbrushes?

Like the art world has several paintbrushes for detailing and paint types, your home or business may need specific paintbrushes to get that professional look on your walls, ceilings, trim, and more.

At Hoover Paint, with locations throughout Central Tennessee, we carry everything you need for your painting jobs, including various supplies, Benjamin Moore paint, and paintbrushes. Our expert team put together this guide to help you learn more about the different types of paintbrushes you need to complete your next project.

Choosing the Right All-Purpose Paintbrushes

The best-quality brush leaves the fewest brush marks, provides better coverage, and won't shed onto the wall. Choosing the right filament, or bristles, will improve your DIY or professional painting project. The bristles on paintbrushes hold varying amounts of paint and can be used with different paint types.

For your all-purpose paintbrush, consider a brush made from a synthetic material, like nylon and polyester blends. It's a good option for water-based and oil-based paints, and the bristles hold a lot of paint, so you can get the job done faster.

Larger brushes hold more paint, so they're better for wide, uninterrupted surfaces like walls. Smaller brushes hold less paint and give you more control, so they're better for trim, corners, edges, and other detailed work.

Different Types of Paintbrushes and How to Use Them

Here are some common types of paintbrushes with a brief overview so you know when and how to use them:

• Foam Brushes: Foam paintbrushes can help you apply a smooth, even finish for stain or oil-based paint. Many painters use this brush once and then dispose of it.
  
• Nylon Brushes: These are best for water-based paints, but you can use them in oil-based paints. It’s best to avoid lacquer and shellac with these brushes.
  
• Angle Brushes: With bristles at an angle, they’re best for corner work, molding, trim, and other fine details. They’re also excellent for thick coatings like exterior paint and projects in hot and humid climates.
  
• Painter's Combs: A two-sided tool that helps you clean paint from your brush so you can use it again.
  
• Masonry Brushes: A large exterior paintbrush for painting masonry with thick masonry paint.
  
• Varnish Brushes: For little brush marks left behind, these paintbrushes usually have an angle for better control and a smoother finish.

If you’re giving a space an entire makeover, from ceilings to trim, consider a pack of paintbrushes with different widths and angles for the range of surfaces you'll encounter.

Shop Quality Paintbrushes Near Central TN

We know how important it is for your painting job to look polished. Whether you represent a professional painting company or are a DIYer, we can help you find the correct paintbrush for your next job. Since 1956, we’ve been dedicated to professional service, quality products, and competitive prices.

Contact us today to learn more about our paintbrushes and other offerings, including Somerset Stain, wallpaper, and more. Hoover Paint has several locations throughout Central Tennessee, including Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Cool Springs, Shelbyville, Cookeville, Green Hills, Manchester, Mt. Juliet, Clarksville, Pleasant View, and West Nashville.