Quite frankly, refinishing furniture is hard work. The more we do to enhance the beauty of a project -the more time we invest, the more tools and accessories we use and the more creative we become! The last thing I want to do is spend time sanding out paint strokes or pulling stray bristles in the process. Choosing the right brush for your project is as important as choosing the right paint - together, they will not only make painting easier, more enjoyable and more efficient - they will affect the final result and in turn - your bottom line.
And, I'll be honest - cleaning brushes is not my favorite past time. With the number of brushes I use in the run of a day, the last thing I want to do is stand at the sink separating bristles, soaking and scrubbing them to ensure they are free from evidence of the days projects.
So, Here’s The Thing……
When I first started painting furniture years ago I was literally shocked at the price of paint brushes. They were, and still are, a huge investment - but one I am willing to make every time - for the betterment of my work.
I am sure there are brushes out there that I haven't tried. However, in my quest for the perfect paint brush I can assure you, after years of testing brushes from various home improvement centre and speciality paint manufacturer claiming their brushes are the best, I am confident in recommending three brands that never fail to impress.
Here are my favorite paint brushes – covering issues of shedding, cleaning, price points, why
I use them and how I care for these amazing tools.
CLING ON BRUSHES
I get a lot of questions about the Cling On Paint Brushes and what makes them so superior to other synthetic furniture brushes. Here are but a few reason why the Cling On is so wonderful.
ZERO SHEDDING - As a synthetic brush, you will not lose one bristle from your Cling On brush, nor will they split or come loose from the ferrule. No picking bristles out of paint - from the container or the project - that is a total win right there!
NO BRUSH STROKES - It's silky smooth bristles make for a flawless application eliminating or at least reducing the need for sanding to remove brush strokes.
DURABILITY - These brushes are built to last. With proper care the Cling On brushes will last for years.
SELF CLEANING - Cling On brushes are meant to be self cleaning - AMAZING, right? After use, simply place the brush in water, making sure the bristles are not touching the bottom of your container, and just leave it until you are ready to paint again. When you are ready to get to work, simply rinse the brush off in warm water and you are good to go.
HELPFUL HINTS - Do not remove the string around the base of the brush - they serve a purpose. Do not wrap in plastic or paper for drying or storage. Cling On works best when the brush is slightly damp. This prevents the paint from drying on the bristles when in use. They hold a ton of paint which allows for a flawless application which means you use less paint. Another win!
PRICE POINT - Cling On brushes come in so many shapes and sizes. From the oval series to the round, flat and angular series. These brushes will cost between CAD$15.00-$36.00 depending on the size and shape you choose.
MY FAVORITE - I love the 045 oval brush for painting pretty much anything, but the size of the brush depends on what I am painting. I like the medium or large round for chairs - think spindles and detail areas. Flat medium brushes are perfect for projects such as tables, armoires and kitchen cupboards. The angular Cling On is smaller with an angular handle which is perfect for those hard to get at places.
FINAL WORD - You won't be disappointed if you chose to purchase a Cling On Brush. Strong, flexible, sturdy. Easy to clean and maintain. Perfect for clean, classic, contemporary, smooth finishes. A variety of sizes and shapes to match your preference. An investment - absolutely, but one that will last for years to come - and it will be a sad day when you have to part with your Cling On Brush.
ANNIE SLOAN PAINT BRUSHES
AND.....
FUSHION MINERAL PAINT BRUSHES
I am really torn between Annie Sloan and Fusion Mineral Paint Brushes. I have been using Annie Sloan "everything" since I discovered her line years ago. At that time I was a newbie and felt Annie was the only way to go - from brushes to paint and wax. Well, fast forward 15 years and not much has changed - until Fusion! I still love Annie's brushes and have quite a collection of them in my studio but, depending on the project, I am just as likely to reach for a Fusion brush. That's how fantastic they both are!
Both lines offer pretty much the same deal. Pure bristle and synthetic brushes in varying sizes. It really boils down to what I am looking for in my finished piece. For ease of reference, I have combined both lines into one category as the maintenance and attributes are basically similar but I will point out my favorites - and why.
SHEDDING - As a pure bristle brush both Annie Sloan and Fusion are excellent, there is minimal shedding. To prevent shedding I highly recommend washing the brush prior to your first use which will encourage removal of those loosened bristles before you begin your project.
BRUSHES - For a ton of texture and paint strokes - this is the beauty of the pure bristle brush. Both Annie Sloan and Fusion have fantastic choices. Strong and flexible either line allows for an expressive, textured finishes. Because the bristles are long they hold a lot of paint and allow for a nice flow and coverage.
Both lines also offer synthetic brushes - Annie Sloan's are a beautiful blue bristle and Fusion a gorgeous shade of green. Both are designed to achieve a smooth, contemporary finish. The handles are different - Annie has long handles, Fusion has short. The difference comes down to personal preference.
Both Annie Sloan and Fusion state that their pure bristle paint brushes can be used for waxing, making them even more appealing! However, when it comes to waxing, I will choose the Annie Sloan waxing brush every time. The ergonomically shaped handles allow for easy application of wax to any painted project. And, as the wax brushes are shaped to a point using the pure bristles with natural split ends, you can get into those hard to reach places for complete coverage.
DURABILITY - Strong, flexible and made of pure bristles, these brushes will last a long time.
CLEANING - Clean your brush after use. I use Murphy's Oil to remove any build up on the brush followed by Dawn dish detergent. A small amount in the palm of your hand moving the brush in a circular motion to remove any paint or wax. Warm water rinse and then remove any excess water. Hang the brush, bristles down, to dry and it is ready for your next project. If you do have dried on paint, my favorite tool to remove those bits is an old fingernail brush. Brushing from the base of the bristles to the tip, these handy little personal care brushes are the bomb!
PRICE POINT - Annie offers three sizes of paint brushes with the pure bristles, small, medium and large as well as the two sizes for waxing. Also offered are two synthetic, blue bristle brushes. Annie's brushes will set you back anywhere between CAD$15.00-$75.00. Fusion offers four sizes of pure bristle brushes and one synthetic with green bristles. They will run between CAD$18.00-CAD$35.00.
MY FAVORITE -
MY FAVORITE -
My go-to brushes when looking for a textured, creative, layered look are Annie's and Fusion's medium and large oval pure bristle brushes. There is not a product out there, that I have found, that can match the beauty, durability and creativity created when working with either line.
For those clean, contemporary, smooth finishes - the sheer joy of loading my Cling On brush for those smooth broad, bristle free paint strokes - Cling On is one superior brush.
For those clean, contemporary, smooth finishes - the sheer joy of loading my Cling On brush for those smooth broad, bristle free paint strokes - Cling On is one superior brush.
FINAL WORD - The first time you pick up an Annie Sloan, Fusion or Cling On brush you will understand why I cannot say enough good things about them. Working with either a pure bristle brush with natural split ends or a zero shedding synthetic brush is heaven. All three recommendations are strong, sturdy and flexible. Easily cleaned and maintained. Perfection! From pure bristle to enhanced synthetic brushes in varying sizes, you are sure to find one that meets your needs. Purchasing an Annie, Fusion or the Cling on Brush is an investment - but they are purchases that will last for years - and you will never regret it!
Can I have a bottom line here? Okay - let's face it - searching and experimenting with every brush is a daunting task. The next time you are out shopping for a new brush may I suggest you hold it in your hand. Bend it, twist it - get a feel for its flexibility - or stability because, after all, it is you who will be working your magic on that next project. Think about a pure bristle or synthetic type brush and what you will be using this brush for - what is the look you are trying to achieve? Consider the length and size of the handle and the length of the bristles. You need to feel comfortable when you have it in your hand - or I can guarantee you - it will end up on your shelf, never seeing the light of day. Been there - done that and have learned from costly investment mistakes.
Find the right brush that work for you and helps create the vision you have of transforming that throw away piece into a piece of art. The right brush along with the right paint will make all the difference between your success and your disappointment.
What is your go-to paint brush? What is it you love about the brand you have chosen? Have you made hasty decisions and ended up regretting the purchase? Let's talk!
"I don't have to lay on the couch and see a therapist because my therapist is in my paint brushes."
- Abbey Lincoln
Until
Next Time – Live Simply!
- Mary
Elizabeth
DISCLAIMER - The comments and opinions expressed in my blogs are my own and are based on my research, tests, time and costs. I am not paid to promote any of the products mentioned. Thanks! :)
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