To get the most out of quality paint, it is important to apply the materials with high-quality tools. High-quality brushes and rollers apply paint in a thicker and more even layer than cheap tools, which determines the excellent appearance and long service life of the coating. High-quality tools make the work easier and faster. The main working part of a paint brush is the bristles, which are fixed in the bandage with the help of an adhesive composition. The bandage with bristles is attached to the handle. The bristles in the bandage of the paint brush are separated by special inserts (wedges), which create a working chamber for the paint. The size and number of inserts in the holder of the paint brush depends on its thickness, and also greatly affects the cost of the brush and the quality of painting the surface. For example, if we have a paint brush with a disproportionate number or size of inserts, then the density of the bristles of the paint brush will be lower, therefore, the paint and varnish material will be held worse and the paint-transfer properties of the paint brush will be underestimated.
BRISTLE COMPOSITION
NATURAL BRISTLE BRUSHES
For brushes with natural bristles, pig bristles are usually used. It is distinguished by the fact that it has a natural split at the ends, which allows it to absorb and hold paint well. In addition, the surface of the bristles itself is rough and slightly scaly, which further increases the ability of the paint to be absorbed and held. Natural bristles are ideal for oil paints, varnishes and antiseptics. They are also resistant to strong solvents. It is not recommended for use with water-soluble paints, since with prolonged contact with water, the bristles swell, eventually become stiff and lose elasticity. Pig bristles can have different colors (black, white or gray), length and quality.
ARTIFICIAL BRISTLE BRUSHES
Artificial bristles are polymer fibers of very small thickness. Depending on the type of polymer material, artificial bristles can be obtained with different stiffness, wear resistance, and the degree of recovery after deformation. Synthetic bristles do not absorb water like natural ones, so they can be used for both water-based and oil-based and alkyd paints. Artificial bristles have one significant drawback - low paint transfer properties, due to the fact that the surface of artificial bristles, unlike natural ones, does not have microscopic scales on which the paint and varnish material is held. Therefore, artificial bristles are made with different cross-section profiles to improve paint transfer performance. Synthetic bristles resist wear well and, accordingly, have a long service life.
MIXED BRISTLE BRUSHES
Mixed bristle brushes combine the best properties of natural and synthetic bristle brushes: good paint pick-up and high wear resistance. Mixed bristles are suitable for all types of paint, both water-based and oil-based, and are most often used for outdoor work. By selecting different percentages of natural and synthetic bristles, you can achieve high paint transfer rates, as well as elasticity and wear resistance of the paint brush.
BRUSH SHAPE
ROUND BRUSHES – the base of the bristle holder is a circle. Perfect for working on surfaces with curved, round or oval shapes. However, it is difficult to achieve a perfectly smooth contour line with a round brush.
FLAT (FLAT) BRUSHES – are a classic straight brush with a rectangular base. They are used when applying paint and varnish to walls, floors, windows, doors, etc.
RADIATOR BRUSHES – designed for working in hard-to-reach places, and also suitable for painting corners, especially convenient for painting joints of vertical and horizontal surfaces (e.g. ceilings and walls).
MACLOVITSY - used for processing large surfaces. Maklovitsy provide increased material intake and its uniform distribution. They are used in the processing of facades and ceilings for applying primers, paints, impregnations, as well as wallpaper glue to walls. Can be used for washing out old paint coatings.
