I know I've been over this
before in a previous post but this post is more to do with
solvent based paints. Since the last post I was amazed at
how many emails I got about the benefits of using a
synthetic filament brush over a bristle; even some from
brush manufacturers. Thank you those who kindly sent me
your brushes for me to try.
Now I'm not going to get into brands, prices and the like.
More that in the last few weeks I've been using two brushes
together for each set of solvent painting. So one brush for
one side of the room and another for the other side; one
bristle one synthetic. This was simply so I could compare
finish quality, loading, ease of application etc.
Most of the synthetics came to a really nice chisel edge,
this may look great but I only really find this of use when
cutting in on ceilings and walls with water based paints. I
don't need such a chisel on a solvent brush mainly because
the things you solvent paint are thicker than the chisel.
So a fatter brush is that bit better suited for this
purpose. I know you can get angled synthetics and I have
some, but I just can't get on with them sorry.
The synthetics varied greatly in filament flexibility some
quite stiff and densely packed; others thicker filaments,
softer and a thicker brush overall - more like my bristle
brushes. And overall the finish was pretty good, so was
loading. I found ease of application a little more awkward
than the bristle equivalent on skirting and architrave etc.
Simply because the filaments had a tendency to separate
rather than staying together. So I was constantly trying to
battle with that. But I've got to say the only thing I
liked about the synthetic brushes more than my bristle
brushes was their handles, I do like a beaver tail handle.
So I'll end this post by stating that a quality natural
bristle brush for solvent paints will always do more for me
than any artificial filament on all levels; loading,
finish, ease of application. Now for water based paints I'm
quite happy to state that synthetics are the best. I was
also asked how much I spent on brushes. That's easy I spend
on average £4 - £5 for a 2" bristle brush and I'll
guarantee that the finish will be superb; as long as it's
good trade paint.