Pick the Applicator that's Right for Your Project.

Just as there's a proper coating for every project, there is a proper applicator designed specifically to do the job. Using the right paint applicator can mean the difference between a professional looking paint job and an amateurish one.

Also an important factor to the do-it-yourselfer, the proper applicator will make the job much easier.

A top-quality paintbrush is a good investment because it will last longer and give you superior results. Various paint brushes, including wall, block, and sash and trim brushes, are designed for the job you have in mind.

When you want to paint the largest area in the shortest time, you should invest in a good quality paint roller. To select the right roller, match the roller cover fabric type and nap length to the type of paint you intend to use and the surface you will cover.

Another type of tool for applying paint to large areas is the pad applicator. Pads come in various widths to suit the surface and size of the job.

Hard-to-paint projects such as wicker shutters, railings and louvered doors can be painted much more quickly with a spray applicator.

Using the right applicator will be a huge start towards an easier and more beautiful paint job.

Brushes

Paint ApplicatorsWhen buying a brush there are 4 things to look for.

  1. The length of the bristle. The longer the bristle the smoother the finish will be.
  2. The quantity of bristles and bristles with flagged ends. This allows the brush to hold more paint which means less time going back to the can to reload.
  3. Attachment of bristles. On a good quality brush the bristles are attached with epoxy and clamped. On poor quality brushes they may be simply stapled. This can result in more time spent picking bristles off the wall than painting.
  4. The ferrule (metal banding around the brush). On better brushes, the banding is made of rust resistant metal.

Some points to keep in mind when buying paint brushes:

  1. There are two general types of brushes - those made of synthetic materials and natural bristle brushes.
    Synthetic bristle brushes are a good choice for all types of paint and recommended for latex or water-based paints.
    Natural bristle brushes are good for oil or alkyd paints, and for fine enamel or varnish work. They are not suitable for latex painting, since the water will swell the bristles.
  2. All high quality brushes share certain characteristics. Their bristles have split ends, which help produce a finer brush stroke. They are chiseled so that the tip of the brush tapers in and tends to be springy and well balanced. These brushes hold a lot of paint and permit even, accurate and effortless application.

Make sure you match the size and shape of the brush to the paint job.

Large exterior surfaces - 4" wide flat brush with a thickness of 3/4"-1" is best
Interior walls and ceilings - 3" wide brush
Window Frames, moldings, and woodwork - 1-2.5" in wide brush
Corners - brush with tapered edges.

Rollers

Paint ApplicatorsWhen selecting a roller it is important to look for the following.

  1. Lint-free rollers. Even lint-free rollers should be rinsed before using to ensure good performance.
  2. The density of the pile. As in carpets, the denser the pile of the roller, the more paint it will hold. When examining a roller you should find it very difficult to expose the core cover.
  3. The core should be made of plastic. Cardboard cores may become soft and lose their shape.
  4. Only synthetic cover rollers should be used when painting with latex or water-based products.
  5. The pile height of the roller is important. Rollers in general come in 5mm, 10mm, 15mm and 20 mm. An all-purpose one would be 10mm. But, the rule is the higher the sheen of paint, the lower the pile of roller, i.e. high gloss paint requires a 5mm roller. A flat sheen paint requires a 15mm roller.
  6. The smoother the surface, the shorter the nap. Higher textured or irregular surfaces, ie. stucco, cement blocks or rough plaster require a 3/4"(20mm) roller.
  7. With melamine paint it is recommended to use a high-quality pile or high-density foam roller.


Roller cages

Higher quality frames are sealed on the ends to keep the paint where it belongs - on the roller. The U-shaped frames tend to be firmer, apply paint evenly and are generally preferable when painting large areas.

Roller cages are available in single wire or 4 and 5 wire. The 4 or 5 wire is recommended as it offers uniform support to the roller.

Buying a high-end paint and saving money on lower quality tools will result in making an expensive paint look cheap.

Ask your local Home Hardware, Home Hardware Building Centre or Home Building Centre Dealer for advice on selecting the best application tool for the job.