TIP 1: The most universal brush to purchase is a 2½-inch sash brush. Its angled bristles make a sharp point for straight lines when cutting in, and it’s the right width for most trim jobs. TIP 2: Use a brush made of soft nylon or a combination of nylon and polyester with latex paint; natural-bristle paintbrushes used with latex paint will soak up the water in the paint and go limp. TIP 3: Buy a quality brush whose bristles are
- densely packed all the way through the ferrule,
- solid, so that they spring back when bent at the base,
- of varying lengths so that they come to a slim tip, and
- flagged at the tips—similar to split ends—so that they hold more paint and spread it evenly. See the rest of the Beyond the Basics: Painting series:
