Paint brushes and rollers buying guide
Paint brushes and rollers buying guide
Introduction
Paint brushes and rollers are essential tools for decorating projects. But how do you know which size to choose? Whether a straight or angled brush is best? Or, how to decide between a short and long pile roller? We’re here to help.
This paint brushes and rollers buying guide looks in detail at the different types of paint brushes and rollers. For paint brushes, it explains what the different shapes, bristle types and sizes are best used for. And for rollers, it lists the different pile lengths, what wall type they’re suitable for, and the different materials and sizes they come in. It then highlights other decorating accessories you may need and gives advice on cleaning, storing and maintaining brushes and rollers. Finally, it covers the key things to consider before buying and answers some frequently asked questions.
Paint Brushes and Paint Rollers Explained
Paint brushes and rollers are hand tools used to apply paint, varnish and treatments to hard surfaces.
Paint brushes are made up of a handle, bristles and a ferrule (a metal ring that overlaps the handle and base of the bristles). They can be used to apply paint to large, flat areas, but they’re best for smaller, precision tasks, such as cutting in edges, painting trims and skirting boards and painting non-flat surfaces, such as lap fence panels.
Paint rollers come in two parts: a handle/frame and a roller sleeve which slides over the frame, allowing you to use different rollers on the same frame. Paint roller uses include painting large, flat areas, such as walls, floors and ceilings. They are more efficient at painting large areas than brushes.
How to Choose Decorating Tools
A large selection of paint brushes and rollers are available for various applications. Choosing the best option for your needs will depend on several factors. For example, the size of the area you are painting, the texture of the surface, the type of paint or treatment you are using and the finish you are looking to achieve. Also, consider whether you need products for professional or DIY use and the volume of work you will be doing.
Types of Paint Brushes
In this section, we list the popular types of paint brushes that can be used for various jobs and materials for professionals and DIYers.
The most common shapes for brushes are round, flat and angled, and the bristles are available in different materials, which we discuss later in this guide. The ferrule part of the brush is made of steel or stainless steel, but the handles can be made of wood or plastic. Plastic handles are easier to clean than wooden handles.
Multipurpose brushes explained
A multipurpose paint brush is suitable for use with any type of emulsion paint applied to any surface. These types of paint brushes are particularly suited to DIYers or tradespeople who use brushes infrequently but for a wide range of tasks.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
The bristles on multipurpose brushes are usually made of synthetic materials or a mixture of synthetic and natural materials. The handles can be made from wood or plastic, and they come in a range of sizes from ½” to 2”.
Top things to consider:
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Multipurpose brushes can be used for all types of paint, but they are still available with different brush shapes and types, such as fine-tipped, angled and cutting-in shapes. A flat-shaped brush can be used for most purposes, but for more refined work, consider one of the other types.
Fine-tip brushes explained
Fine-tip brushes have bristles shaped into a fine point at the end, designed to leave a smooth finish with minimal brush marks in the paint. They’re best used for painting small areas where the appearance of the finish is important.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Fine-tip brushes have bristles made from synthetic materials and wooden handles. They are available in sizes ranging from ½” to 2”.
Top things to consider:
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Fine-tip brushes come in different shapes, such as flat, angled and cutting-in brushes (see below for more information). A flat-shaped brush can be used for most purposes, but for more refined work, consider one of the other types.
Angled sash brushes explained
Angled sash brushes have bristles shaped at an angle. They are perfect for painting tricky indoor areas that need precise cutting-in, such as around door frames or above skirting boards. Their shape is also designed to reduce the risk of leaving tramlines in the paint to give a perfect, straight edge and finish.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Angled sash brushes have bristles made from synthetic materials and wooden handles. They’re available in sizes ranging from 1.5” to 2”.
Top things to consider:
- Look for long handles for more precision and reach when cutting in.
- For a professional finish, look for features such as the bristles holding their shape for flawless cutting in, controllable paint flow to ensure an even coating of paint and fine tips for reduced brush marks.
Cutting-in brushes explained
Cutting-in brushes can have flat bristles or bristles which are shaped at an angle. They’re designed to cut-in paint around edges such as where the ceiling meets the wall, around switches and sockets and above skirting boards.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
Cutting-in brushes have bristles made from synthetic materials and wooden handles. They’re available in sizes ranging from 1” to 3”.
Top things to consider:
- Look for short-handled cutting-in brushes for extra control.
- For a professional finish, look for features such as fine tips for reduced brush marks.
- If you’re using quick-drying paint, look for a brush with soft tips that virtually eliminate brush marks.
Paint brushes for decking and fences
Decking and fencing paint brushes have thicker bristles than other types of paint brushes, designed to be used on rough and textured surfaces. In addition, they typically have a chunky, block-style design, allowing the bristles to hold lots of paint to cover large areas, and chunky, easy-to-grip handles.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
A paint brush for decking and fencing usually has bristles made from synthetic materials and plastic handles. They are generally around 4 ¾” wide.
Top things to consider:
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Look for features such as an angled head and soft grip handles for comfort. And an integrated can hook allows you to hang the brush inside the paint bucket for convenience and cleanliness.
Other types of paint brushes
Here are a few other paint brush types to be aware of:
- A timber care block brush is another name for a decking or fencing brush. It’s used to apply wood preservatives to timber. It has a block-style design, allowing the bristles to hold lots of paint to cover large areas.
- A masonry brush has hardwearing bristles that apply masonry paint to rough outdoor surfaces such as brick or pebble dash. They come in flat-head and angled block-head designs with plastic handles and synthetic or a mix of synthetic and natural bristles.
- A waxing sash brush has a small (ranging from 5 to 25mm) round, tapered head designed for fine finishing on profile surfaces or detail work. They have fine tips made from synthetic materials.
- A varnish brush is designed to apply varnish to timber surfaces. They have a flat head and fine tips to ensure there are minimal brush strokes.
Paint Brush Bristle Types Explained
There are several different types of paint brush bristles available, and the type you choose will depend on the paint you are using and the finish you want to achieve. Types of bristles include:
- Natural bristles are usually made of silk or coarse animal hair. The bristles hold paint within the brush and have split ends which help to produce a fine finish. They are best used with solvent-based paints to paint doors and skirting boards.
- Polyester filaments are plastic bristles that are only suitable for use with water-based paints.
- Round tapered filaments refer to the shape of each bristle rather than the material they’re made from. This bristle shape ensures an even and controllable flow of paint from the brush to the surface being painted.
- Synthetic filaments are bristles made from synthetic materials such as nylon or perlon. The fibres are designed to reduce the risk of tramlines appearing in the paint. Some synthetic bristles are suitable for all types of paint and varnishes, while others are only suitable for water-based paints.
- Mix of synthetic and natural bristle brushes are designed to give a good finish with all types of paint.
Paint Brush Sizes Explained
Paint brushes come in various sizes, and it’s essential to use the right size for your task to ensure a good, even finish and to make the job as easy as possible. Using a paint brush that’s too small will mean the task takes longer, and using one that’s too big means you could apply too much paint or get paint where you don’t want it.
As well as considering the width, consider the length of the handle. A short handle will give more control for cutting in, a long handle can help you get into hard-to-reach places, and a handle with an angled head is more comfortable to use over long periods.
What paint brush size should I use?
As a guide, use:
- 1” brush for cutting-in around glass and window frames
- 2” brush for skirting boards, architraves, door frames and panel doors
- 2.5” brush for large flush panel doors
- 4 ¾” brush for decking and masonry painting
Types of Paint Roller
In this section, we list the popular types of paint rollers that can be used for various jobs and materials for professionals and DIYers.
Paint rollers can be categorised by the length of the pile on the sleeve or by the type of task they're suitable for. The handles on paint rollers can be made from wood, plastic or composite materials.
Short pile paint rollers explained
Short pile paint rollers have a pile that's around 6-8mm in length. They're designed to apply paint onto smooth, flat surfaces, leaving a fine, untextured finish. The length of the pile means they don't drip much while painting. These are one of the best rollers for painting walls. Rollers designed for glossing have short piles, as do some emulsion and multipurpose rollers.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
The fibres on short pile paint rollers can be made from natural or synthetic materials depending on the type of paint they're suitable for. The handles can be made from plastic, wood or composite material. They come in 4" and 9" roller lengths and are sold singularly or in sets with a tray and handle, plus between one and seven rollers.
Top things to consider:
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When choosing between roller sizes, consider the size of the surface you are painting and the type of paint. A 4” roller is best for small areas and gloss paint, while a 9” roller will paint large walls quickly with emulsion.
Medium pile paint rollers explained
Medium pile paint rollers have a pile that's around 10-12mm in length. They're designed to apply paint onto lightly textured surfaces such as Artex ceilings, although they can be used for smooth surfaces. The length of the pile means they can get into the nooks and crannies found on textured surfaces. Rollers for emulsion paints and multipurpose rollers can come in a medium pile option.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
The fibres on medium pile paint rollers can be made from natural or synthetic materials depending on the type of paint they are suitable for. The handles can be made from plastic, wood or composite material. They come in roller lengths of 4”, 9” and 12” and are sold singularly or in sets which include a tray and handle, plus between one and seven rollers.
Top things to consider:
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When choosing between roller sizes, consider the size of the surface you are painting. A 4" roller is best for small areas. A 9" roller can cover large areas, while a 12" roller will cover vast surfaces quickly.
Long pile paint rollers explained
Long pile paint rollers have a pile that's around 20-32mm in length. They're designed for applying paint to heavily textured surfaces such as concrete and exterior walls. The length of the pile means they can get paint into the crevices often found on these types of surfaces.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
The fibres on long pile paint rollers can be made from natural or synthetic materials depending on the type of paint they are suitable for. The handles can be made from plastic, wood or composite material. They come in roller lengths of 4”, 9” and 12” and are sold singularly or in sets which include a tray and handle, plus between one and seven rollers.
Top things to consider:
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Long pile paint rollers tend to drip and splatter. To reduce this risk, look for rollers which prevent splatting.
Masonry or exterior paint rollers explained
Masonry and exterior paint rollers have an extra-long pile which is useful for filling in gaps and crevices on surfaces. They are also ideal for painting over render.
Materials and sizes they’re available in:
The fibres on masonry and exterior paint rollers can be made from natural or synthetic materials. The handles can be made from plastic, wood or composite material. They come in 9" and 12" roller lengths and are sold singularly, with the handles available to purchase separately.
Top things to consider:
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When choosing between roller sizes, consider the size of the surface you are painting. A 12” roller will cover large surfaces faster than a 9” roller but may be awkward to use in smaller areas.
Other types of paint rollers explained
Here are a few other paint roller types to be aware of:
- A foam roller is made from foam and therefore has no pile. It’s used for applying gloss paint or varnish to smooth surfaces.
- A radiator roller is a very thin roller that’s designed to get into hard-to-reach areas, such as behind radiators or fixed furniture.
- A honeycomb roller has holes all over the sleeve. Painting with a textured roller leaves a stippled effect on the painted surface.
- A spiked roller has a long, stiffer pile, creating a heavily textured surface with the paint being applied.
Paint Roller Materials Explained
Paint roller sleeves can be made from three different types of material. The type you choose will depend on the paint you will use. It's important to use the right one for the paint type to ensure the roller doesn't slip or leave an uneven finish. Types of materials include:
- Synthetic roller sleeves are usually made from micropoly (or microfibre). They're available in short and medium pile options and have the smoothest surface of all roller material types. They are used with water-based paints and are the best paint rollers to give a smooth finish and thick coverage.
- Mixed roller sleeves use a combination of synthetic and natural materials. They are best used with oil-based paints, such as gloss.
- Natural roller sleeves can be made of materials such as lamb’s wool and mohair. They are suitable for use with any type of paint.
Paint Roller Sizes Explained
Paint rollers are available in lengths of 4", 9" and 12". The 4" rollers are often referred to as mini rollers as they are shorter in length and smaller in diameter. Most rollers have a standard-sized, short handle, but some mini rollers come with long-reach handles that help you get into hard-to-reach areas behind radiators and furniture. You can use an extension pole for longer reach on a standard paint roller.
What size rollers should I use for painting?
As a guide, use:
- 4” roller for glossing or painting emulsion in small, awkward areas.
- 9” roller for painting internal walls, ceilings, and exterior walls.
- 12” roller for painting vast interior and exterior walls.
Decorating Accessories
When decorating using paint brushes and rollers, there are other types of decorating accessories and equipment you may need, such as:
- Telescopic extension poles: these can be attached to the handles of paint rollers to allow you to paint high surfaces, such as ceilings and the top of walls, without using a ladder.
- Dust sheets: these are used to cover furniture and floors to protect them from paint drips. They’re available in reusable, washable materials or disposable polythene.
- Scuttles and trays: scuttles are small containers you can use to decant small amounts of paint to make it easy to carry paint up a ladder when cutting in. Paint trays are used with paint rollers to load the paint onto the roller sleeve.
- Ladders and step stools: are needed for reaching high surfaces when cutting in, such as the top of walls, ceilings and stairwells, and painting exterior walls.
- Masking tape: a low tack, lightly adhesive tape used to mask off areas before applying paint. It’s designed to be easily removed without leaving residue and helps to create a straight line and a clean finish.
- Solvents: white spirit (also called turps or turpentine substitute) is used to clean solvent-based paints from paint brushes and rollers.
Cleaning, Storing and Maintaining Paint Brushes and Rollers
When paint brushes and rollers are properly cleaned after use, stored carefully and maintained, they can last many years and be reused repeatedly. Here's some advice on how to clean, store and maintain paint brushes and rollers:
- If you’re in the middle of a project, you don’t need to wash the paint off brushes and rollers at the end of each day. Simply wrap them in clingfilm or place them in an airtight bag to stop the paint from drying.
- First, scrape as much paint off the brushes and rollers.
- Soak brushes and rollers in clean water for two hours to clean off water-based paints, then rinse them off and dry them with a cloth.
- To clean off solvent-based paints, pour white spirit into a small jar, then put the brush or roller into it and push them around the side of the jar to work the solvent into the materials. Leave them to soak for two hours, then dry them with a cloth.
- Store your paint brushes and rollers in a safe, dry place, ready for future use.
Key Considerations When Buying Paint Brushes and Rollers
The information above hopefully gives you a good overview of the different types of paint brushes and rollers available and what painting jobs they’re best used for. But here are a few other things to consider before buying:
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What paint are you using?
Before you buy, it's important to ensure the paint brush or roller you buy is compatible with the type of paint or treatment you plan to use. For example, some brushes and rollers are suitable for all types, while others may only be suitable for water-based paints, solvent-based paints, masonry paint or varnish. -
What surface are you painting?
Consider whether the surface you're painting is smooth or textured, indoors or outdoors, and what type of finish you want. This will help you decide on a roller pile type (i.e., short for smooth indoor surfaces, medium for lightly textured indoor surfaces and long for heavily textured outdoor surfaces) or the brush bristle type (i.e., use a fine-tip brush for a smooth, brush-mark free finish). -
Type of handle of roller or paint brush
Consider which material you’ll prefer for the brush or roller handle. Wooden handles are more comfortable than plastic, but plastic and composite are easier to clean. Plastic handles can be uncomfortable to hold for long periods, and composite handles are more durable. -
Are the walls prepped and ready for painting?
Surface preparation is the key to every successful painting job. It helps the paint adhere well to the surface and ensures a professional finish. So, before applying paint, fill holes and cracks, rub the surface down to remove loose particles, create a rough surface for the paint to stick to, and wash the surface to remove dust and grease. -
Do you need a single or multipack?
Paint brushes and rollers are sold in singles or multipacks, so consider whether one brush and roller will be enough. Buying a multipack of brushes usually means you get a range of sizes, which is helpful if you paint surfaces of different widths. And multipacks of rollers are ideal if you're using more than one paint colour or if more than one person will be painting at a time.