Paint brushes remain the most accessible tool for paint and varnish works. Cheapness and simplicity have a downside - low productivity and uneven paint application. For getting high-quality coating You can’t get by with just one brush, but you need to have a set of different types designed for different types of paint, different shapes surface and volume of work.
Paint brushes: types and applications
Swing and whitewash brushes
Fly feathers brushes have a large diameter (60-65 mm) and a hair tuft length of up to 100 mm; they are intended for painting, priming or whitewashing large areas. When sold in the form of a bundle, they are called by weight if they have normal look- piece. The weight brushes are subsequently tied up and handles of the required length are made. The ability to bend to its original shape characterizes the quality of the brush. According to GOST 10597-87 they are designated KM.
Whitewashing The brush, thanks to its width of 200 mm and thickness of 45-65 mm, increases the productivity of whitewashing and leaves behind a clean painting surface.
Maklovitsa and handbrake
(KMA) is used for painting large surfaces with paints on water based, can replace a whitewash brush. It has a round (diameter 120 -170 mm) or rectangular shape (width 135, 165, 195 mm and thickness 55-65 mm). The length of the round working part reaches 100 mm, the rectangular one – up to 80 mm. After painting with such a brush, the surface does not require fluting.
Handbrush can be with an oval beam shape (ORO) or round (CR) with a diameter of up to 60 mm. The cattle variety has round hair that tapers to a cone at the end. Made from natural bristles with the addition of horsehair, their small size and gentle handle make it possible to work with small areas. Suitable for most types of paint if the beam is secured with a metal ring. In case of fastening with glue, such a brush is not used with adhesive and water-based compositions.
If the brush is too long length working part, then during operation it will become soft and inelastic, such pile will leave behind an uneven layer of paint, as a result - smudges and grooves on the surface. Using twine or other materials, the bristles of the brush are tied to the desired length.
Flat and flat brushes
and flat brushes (KF and KP) have a rectangular working part. Widely used for different types of painting paint coatings. The flute has a smaller thickness and leaves behind a smoother and cleaner surface. Flat brushes, due to the increased thickness of the hair bundle, absorb more paint and are used for larger areas. The width of the working part of flute and flat brushes varies from 25 to 125 mm. The thickness of flutes is 9-18 mm, for flat ones - 20-35 mm. Using flutes with short hair, glaze paints are applied and a moiré effect is achieved with decorative finishing.
Filet brushes and trim brushes
Bun paneled brushes (KFK) are manufactured round shape small in size (8-18mm) made of hard pork bristles and mounted in a metal cartridge. Designed for more precise application of contour lines, narrow stripes and painting in hard to reach places Oh.
Trimming brush(ShchT) is used to treat newly painted surfaces, gives a rough appearance and is used for priming and decorative finishing. Dimensions of the rectangular working part: width – 154 mm, thickness – 76 mm.
Types for special work
Decorative brush
The name has stuck to narrow flat brushes with a long curved handle and a metal frame radiator. This shape allows you to paint hard-to-reach surfaces of varying degrees of curvature. It is not difficult to guess that they are used to paint radiators. The same brushes with a wide surface are used for outdoor work.
A flat brush with beveled bristles is convenient for painting windows, and a dotted brush with a pointed bristle is used for touch-ups window frames.
An edge brush is used for finishing the edges and edges of painted surfaces. It differs in that the bristle blocks can be changed.
Fan brushes in decorative painting works ah is used to draw wide lines. Textured brushes made from pig bristles of various bristles are used for decorative finishing. Can be produced with tied bundles various types fibers that are combined into brushes of different widths.
What are paint brushes made of?
IN modern production paint and art brushes use the following materials:
- Natural bristles. It has excellent absorption and release abilities for all types of paint, except water-based paints. For production, backbone pork bristles are used. Qualitative assessment of raw materials occurs by measuring characteristics: elasticity, strength, length and thickness. The spinal bristles reach up to 77 mm in length. By color it is divided into: white, gray, yellow and black. White bristles are considered the highest quality and are obtained by bleaching. The most important characteristic The degree of natural splitting of the bristles is considered.
- Natural hair. It has less elasticity and rigidity compared to bristles, which is why it is rarely used in its pure form for painting work. Thanks to the scale-like layer, they perfectly absorb and release paint. There are hard and fine hair. The hard one is obtained from horse and cow hair, and the thin one is obtained from the hair of fur-bearing animals. Application natural hair depends on the characteristics: length, shape, elasticity, softness, wear resistance.
The history of using natural hair in painting goes back several thousand years. IN different time used hair from rat, deer, raccoon, hare, livestock, badger, bear and other animals
- Synthetic fibers are thin threads made of polyester, polyester, nylon and other compounds. They have high resistance to mechanical damage, good softness and elasticity, but insufficient paint collection. This problem is eliminated by artificially splitting the fiber tips and creating additional channels in the cavity. Suitable for all types of paint, including water-based. Every year quality synthetic fiber is growing through the development of innovative technologies.
Mixed(natural and synthetic) pile is used to combine best characteristics two types - wear resistance and holding capacity. In addition, using synthetic fiber, you can adjust the elasticity, softness and other properties of the brush.
Prices for paint brushes
The abundance of manufacturers of paint brushes and rollers forces the buyer to make a decision at every need to buy a painting tool. In addition to basic knowledge of the variety of species and their areas of application, each time it is necessary to choose the optimal price-quality ratio.
The price of paint and art brushes is largely determined by the quality of the material from which the tuft of bristles is made. And there is no direct dependence on what type of pile is used: natural, synthetic or mixed. For example, a professional flat brush from the American brand WOOSTER made of 50 mm wide nylon and polyester thread will cost about 1,100 rubles, while a brush made from natural high-quality bristles from the same manufacturer will cost 400-500 rubles.
Paint brushes are used to apply primer, paint, glue, and varnish. Of course, this can be done with any brush. But the question is the quality and labor intensity of application. Brushes are different for a reason. And they differ not only in price, but also in size, type of bristles, and shape. Natural hair provides more coverage High Quality, synthetic brushes are more durable. Depending on the type of work, one or another type of paint brush is chosen.
Flat brush (+fluted)
A flat brush is used for priming, painting and varnishing surfaces, especially if you want to get a smooth finish. glossy surface. A flat brush is often called a flute brush, as it is used for fluting (smoothing) freshly painted surfaces - the brush allows you to remove traces of rough painting and paint drips. For fluting, use a dry brush to level the paint. The work is done with the very ends of the hair, without pressure, in the direction opposite to the direction of applying the paint. The brush is periodically cleaned of paint. Brush width: 25 - 100 mm.
Radiator brush
This is a type of flat brush, but with a long curved handle. Using a radiator brush, you can paint any hard-to-reach place, even through a narrow gap. For this reason, radiator brushes are used when painting heating radiators, outside and inside; pipes and corners; spaces between profiles. The width of the brush can be very different: from 20 to 150 mm.
Hand brush (handbrake)
The brush has a round shape. Designed for painting and priming small surfaces. Before work, to maintain elasticity and shape, the brush is tied with twine, leaving a pile length of about 3-4 cm. Paint is picked up in small portions, lowering the brush by 15-20 mm. As you work, the brush wears out, and the turns of twine unwind, increasing the length of the pile. The brush size varies from 26 to 54 mm.
Flying brush
This brush is also round, but larger than a handbrake. Therefore, it is convenient when working on large areas: walls and ceilings. Using a brush you can prime, whiten and paint the surface. The handle of the brush is made hollow so that, if necessary, it can be attached to a long handle. The fly brush is also tied up. Diameter of brushes: 60 - 65 mm.
Brush
Like the fly brush, the fly brush is large. Its large area beam easily covers areas large sizes. Like the swing hand, it can be extended with a long handle to increase performance. Macks are rectangular and round. They are used for applying aqueous solutions, and for oil paint she doesn't fit. Brush size: 100 - 200 mm.
Fileting brush
Designed for “jewelry” work: applying a narrow strip of paint (panel) and painting small, hard-to-reach areas. Most of all, it resembles a large paint brush. Brush diameter: 6 - 18 mm.
All sizes
The size of the brush is also chosen in accordance with the tasks. Wide brushes are for large areas, narrow brushes are for small or narrow areas. 
For this reason, for outdoor work over a large area, as well as for walls and ceilings indoors, brushes with a width of 8-10 cm are taken, for processing corners - 5 cm with beveled edges, for decorative details, window frames and baseboards - 3-6 cm.
The brushes are manufactured in accordance with GOST 10597-87.
Brushes are resistant to solvents: acetone - at least 8 hours; solvents 646, 647 - at least 1 hour. Temperature limit the durability of brush bundles is at least plus 70 degrees Celsius.
The guaranteed shelf life of brushes is 12 months from the date of manufacture.
Flat flute brushes (KF)
Working part width: 25, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100 mm, working part thickness 6, 10 and 14 mm.
Designed for processing (flatting) freshly painted surfaces by smoothing out brush marks and obtaining a smooth glossy surface.
The working part consists of a bunch of pork bristles (OST 17-98-86) fixed in a tinplate frame (GOST 13345-85). The handle is made of birch (GOST 2695-83).
Flute radiator brushes (KFR)
A type of flute brush, it has a longer handle, and the clip has a bend. It is thanks to this that it is easier to paint hard-to-reach places with a radiator brush, this is especially convenient when painting heating radiators, sectional structures, remote corners, quarters and other non-linear structures.
Working part width: 25, 40, 50 mm, thickness 6 mm.
Handbrake handbrake (KR)
Paint brushes made of natural bristles. The brushes are manufactured in accordance with GOST 10597-87. Designed for priming and painting surfaces. The working part consists of a clip and a tuft of bristles (BH) or horsehair (HH). Used to attach a bunch of pile epoxy resin(GOST 20907-75). Tinplate clip (GOST 13345-85). The handle is round, turned and polished, made of birch (GOST 2595-83).
KP series: horsehair is fixed in a polypropylene clip. The handle is round, turned and polished, made of birch.
Diameter of the working part: 25, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70 mm.
Flat bristle brushes (KHZHP)
The brushes are manufactured in accordance with GOST 10597-87. Designed for priming, painting, and also for coating surfaces with varnish. The working part consists of a bunch of pork bristles (OST 17-98-86) fixed in a tinplate frame (GOST 13345-85). The handle is made of birch (GOST 2695-83).
Paint brush - simple, but multifunctional tool, which is used in different types finishing works: painting surfaces, applying putty, primer, adhesive mixtures.
For all of the listed types of work, there are other tools - for example, rollers, spray guns, but only using a brush can you carefully draw a line, apply paint to hard-to-reach areas, and avoid its splashing.
In order for the tool to be convenient to work with, you need to choose correct view paint brush. We will talk about the types of products, the features of their selection and use in different types of work below.
Types of brushes
There are many types of paint brushes, which differ from each other both in design, size, and bristle length. These differences play a significant role when choosing the right tool for a particular type of finishing work, and therefore it is advisable to be able to understand the types of brushes and their purpose in order to choose a painting kit for the upcoming repair correctly. The main types of products are:
Handbrake (KR, KRO, KRS)
These products usually have impressive dimensions (the size of the brush can reach almost 30 centimeters), and the bristles are secured to a short handle with a thick metal rim. Traditionally, tools of this type are used in priming or painting small surfaces. It is recommended to use hand brushes when working with slow-drying paint or primer mixtures that do not contain solvents. The main advantage of the products is their increased resistance to aggressive substances.
Handbrake
Trimming brushes (ШТ)
They are used in work when there is a need to create a roughness effect on a base coated with paint. To achieve the desired result, the brush requires constant care; it must be perfectly clean. Moreover, working with a tool of this type is structured in a special way: the paint is applied with single, sweeping strokes using ShT brushes. Trimming brushes can only be used on already painted surfaces!
Trimming brush Mack brush (KMA)
This tool can have a round shape (the diameter of the ink part is up to 170 millimeters) or rectangular (width up to 200 millimeters). They are valued for their high productivity and the absence of the need for additional leveling (flattening) of the surface after painting with paint. The tool can only be used for water-based paints or aqueous solutions.
Brush Fly brushes (KM)
They are used both for painting substrates and for washing and whitewashing them. The tool is convenient to work on large areas. Products are made from natural hair with a small addition (no more than 30%) of synthetics. The key advantage of this type of instrumentation is its high resistance to moisture, solvents, and other aggressive paint and coating components.
Flying brush Flute brushes (KF)
Designed for work on leveling the coating on already painted surfaces. Using brushes allows you to smooth out the roughness of the strokes from the initial coloring. Can be used and how independent instrument, if there is a need to create a final glossy layer.
Flute brush File brushes (FKF)
This tool is small in size, the diameter of the ink part does not exceed 18 millimeters. The use of small brushes is advisable when you need to draw a neat and narrow line; most often the tool is used to create a harmonious transition at the junction of bases painted in different colors.
Panel brush Flat brushes (KP)
A popular type of product is flat brushes (FB), used in painting, priming work, and when applying varnish compositions to the base. The tool is produced in a wide range of sizes - from 35 to 100 sizes. Size in in this case means the width of the handle of the product. The bristles of flat brushes always have a cone shape.
Flat brush
Brush sizes
Separately, it is worth mentioning the size of the brushes. The tool must be selected not only by type, but also by size, since the quality of the work depends on the correct selection of the brush according to this criterion. Let's consider the purpose of paint brushes depending on size:
- Brushes with a diameter of 25 mm are used when painting or varnishing narrow surfaces, glazing beads, rods, small parts and elements;
- Brushes with a diameter of 38 mm are used for painting round objects, ceiling cornices, narrow baseboards, and the edges of window structures;
- Brushes with a working part size of 50 mm are convenient for painting skirting boards standard sizes, window frames, stair railings;
- The tool with a diameter ranging from 63 to 75 mm is universal and can be used in painting wide structural parts, wall surfaces made of different materials.
Most large diameter products - 100 millimeters. A tool of the indicated dimensions will be convenient for painting door designs, flooring, roofs.
Rules for working with a brush
In order for the result of painting a surface with a paint brush to be a source of pride and not disappointment, when working with the tool you should adhere to some rules and know some nuances. Modern brushes are made from different materials - natural bristles, artificial fibers. Natural products are best used when working with oil and alkyd paints; brushes with threads made of nylon or other synthetics are ideal for acrylic paints and varnishes.
Before using it for the first time, the bristles of the product should be thoroughly washed in a warm soapy solution and then dried thoroughly. Washing will allow you to remove damaged fibers and dust from the working base of the tool. The presence of these elements can negatively affect the quality of coloring. It is advisable to “develop” the tool: to do this, add a little paint to the bristles of the brush and make a couple of strokes on the rough surface. After this procedure, the working part of the product takes on a cone-shaped shape, which ensures uniform coloring and ease of working with the brush in general.
When working with the tool, it is advisable to adhere to the following simple recommendations:
- You should never dip your brush into a container of paint to its full depth. The tool should be immersed strictly to the middle of the pile part and then, pulling it out of the container, be sure to lightly tap on the inner walls of the jar to remove excess paint on the tool.
Under no circumstances should you smear excess paint on the can. With this method of removing excess, the uniformity of the layer of coloring composition on the bristles of the brush is disrupted, so the strokes will turn out rough and unsightly.
- The surface must be pre-prepared for painting. The rules for preparing the base depend on the material it is made of. For example, metal surfaces need to be cleaned of dust and rust, uneven and rough bases must be thoroughly primed.
- For bases made of different materials, there are rules for applying paint, which should also be studied in advance: for example, paint and whitewash ceiling covering always starting from the shadow side and gradually approaching the window, wood surfaces are painted with brush movements along the fibers of the natural material.
- For achievement best result during work, it is recommended to apply paint or primer mixture in several layers.
You not only need to be able to work with a paint brush correctly: the tool requires maintenance so that it does not lose its useful functionality after the first use. If in progress painting works a long break is taken - the brushes should be soaked in a container of water during the break.
After completion of work, the tool is thoroughly washed in special solutions, which will remove any remaining paint from the pile, is dried.
You can clean the pile of the product with regular soda. To do this, the brush should be placed in a container with baking soda and hold it for a while. Afterwards, the bristles are thoroughly rinsed in a clean warm water and dries.
To prevent the bristles of the tool from losing its softness, it is recommended to wrap the brush in thin parchment paper.
We hope that the information presented in this article helped you get useful information about a paint brush, understand the types and rules of working with the tool.
A paint brush is an indispensable tool for painting, not only at home. The use of brushes is also advisable when painting industrial facilities. For example, stripe painting of hard-to-reach areas, coloring of complex profile metal structures And so on.
Handbrush
Hand brushes are designed for priming and painting window bays, baseboards, trim, doors and other small surfaces. Hand brushes are mostly round or oval.
Domestic manufacturers produce three types:
- KR - hand brush;
- KRS - a hand brush with a rounded bristle surface;
- KRO - oval hand brush with a flat surface;
All brushes vary in beam diameter (from 20 to 60 mm in 5 mm increments), while its length varies from 37 to 89 mm. The total length of the brush with handle is from 20 to 28 cm.
To make a bunch of hand-bristles, drawn bristles are used. The bristles are soaked, stretched and dried, after which they are no longer deformed by moisture. The bundle itself can be fixed with glue directly in the handle or in a metal clip.
The best brushes are made from hog bristles, which initially have a cone-shaped shape and a forked hair tip. They absorb a large amount of paint and hold it inside so that the paint does not flow off. Brushes of lower quality are made from a mixture of bristles and horsehair, while the most ordinary ones are made from horsehair alone. They are much cheaper, but less practical and durable.
