Product Brochure

Many factors determine the type of brush that will provide the best results on a job—the paint
being used, the environment or conditions, and the surface itself. However, a painter’s preference
for a brush’s response and firmness level often overrides other considerations. Luckily,
manufacturers today are making brushes in various blends so painters can choose the “feel” they
like the most.
BLEND
USES
Precise response with extra
flex and smoothness.
Great for fine-finish painting
and interiors.
Works best in low humidity
and cooler temperatures.
PAINTS
FIRM
Clears, stains, and
lightweight paints or primers.
Fast-drying coatings.
Firm touch with good flex and
glide.
Designed for all-purpose painting,
indoors or out.
Just-right taper for even
coverage.
Medium-weight coatings,
like acrylics and enamels.
Solid response and extra
stiffness.
Durable for exterior use and
rough surfaces.
Sharp edge, performs well in
heat and humidity.
Thicker paints and primers.
Low VOCs and other
fast-drying coatings.
EXTRA-FIRM
SOFT
Untapered
Tapered
Test for Taper:
See It & Feel It
Tapered filament helps paint flow for better coverage. It “pumps the paint” out and down to the
surface. It also gives shape to the brush for precise cutting-in. Look at the brush edgewise. If it
comes to a point, it has taper and will provide more control. Untapered or level filament reduces
the price of the brush, but it also sacrifices capacity, coverage, and control. It won’t release paint
like tapered filament. If the thickness of a brush feels the same from base to tip, it is untapered.
It lacks the performance of a brush with tapered filaments.
Degrees of Stiffness
Brushes
5
Bristle is not recommended for latex or
acrylic paints because it will absorb up to
40 percent of its own weight in water,
causing it to flare or become too soft to
paint effectively. Also, rough surfaces will
break the tips off natural bristle so it will no
longer provide that smooth, glass-like
finish. Nylon is five times more durable than
bristle, so it’s best to choose a synthetic
brush for painting rough surfaces—even
when using oil-based paints.
Did You Know…
Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, oil
stains, and oil-based polyurethanes. The highest quality comes from mainland China. It has the
softest natural tipping and flexibility, providing the smoothest finish with virtually no brushmarks.
Making the Grade: Bristle Facts
BRISTLE
GRADE
CHARACTERISTICS
Combines positive qualities of nylon and bristle.
Bristle provides a super-smooth finish and fluid glide.
Nylon adds durability and improves cleanup.
Can be used in all paints, but performs best in oil-based
coatings or high-grade acrylics.
Combines positive qualities of polyester and bristle.
Polyester adds durability and stiffness for precise control.
Very smooth finish, but not as nice as bristle alone.
Can be used in water-based as well as oil-based paints
or wood finishes.
Softer and more flexible than black bristle.
Thinner, feather-like flags on the tips.
Excellent for fine finishing or interior applications.
Slightly stiffer than white bristle.
Thicker flags on the tips than white bristle.
Excellent for high-productivity or exterior applications.
B
B
Cost-effective bristle for DIY and maintenance brushes.
Made from an unsorted mixture of black and white bristle.
Softer than black bristle, but stiffer than white alone.
C
Natural bristle material obtained from the ears of oxen.
Extremely thin, soft, and expensive.
Tips come to a natural point (no flag) for super-fine finishing.
Always blended with China bristle in standard paintbrushes.
Perfect for lacquer, enamels, marine paints, and varnishes.
A
B
BRISTLE/NYLON
BLACK BRISTLE
WHITE BRISTLE
BRISTLE/POLYESTER
GRAY BRISTLE
OX HAIR
Chinese bristle hog
A-
Brushes
6