Painting by DIY homeowners seems to be a never ending task. If it isn’t the inside that needs a fresh coat of paint then it’s the outside. Or it’s a piece of furniture or an outbuilding that needs painting. The primary painting tools are the paint brush and paint rollers. Both of these tools come in a variety of sizes and different price ranges. If used properly and cleaned after each use they will last a long time before they need to be replaced.

Good quality paint can extend the life of a paint job. However, you may not know that you can get a more durable and better-looking paint job by using good quality paint brushes and paint rollers. Here are some suggestions for choosing quality paint brushes and paint rollers that will help make your next project an unqualified success.

Paint Brushes:

Brushes are available in two basic types:

Those made with natural bristles
Those with synthetic bristles.

Natural-bristle brushes should be used only when applying alkyd or oil-based paints. If you use a natural-bristle brush to apply a latex paint, the bristles will absorb the water from the paint, making the bristle limp and difficult to work with. Synthetic-bristle brushes can be used to apply latex paints, and some can also be used with alkyd products.

Quality brushes share the following characteristics:

They have split or "flagged" ends and are flexible at their tips which helps produce a finer finish.
They are tapered such that the bristles in the center are slightly longer than those at the edge which helps lay the paint down smoothly and evenly.
They typically are at least half-again as long as they are wide. For example, the bristles on a 2" wide brush should be at least 3" in length.

It is important to use quality brushes rather than inexpensive brushes because they apply paint in a thicker, smoother film which provides maximum hiding and sheen uniformity. Inexpensive quality brushes often leave ridges in the paint where dirt can collect and mildew can grow.

Brushes serve different purposes. A 4" brush with tightly packed bristles in a 3/4" to 1" thickness is best for general exterior painting. A 3" brush serves most general interior painting purposes. A 2" brush can be used to cut-in corners for interior work. An angled sash brush, 1" to 2 1/2" wide, is ideal for painting both interior and exterior trim, window frames and moldings.

Paint Rollers:

Many people prefer paint rollers rather than paint brushes because they apply paint much more quickly. When working with rollers, as with brushes, only synthetic roller covers should be used to apply latex paint. Better quality roller will:

Retain their shape when squeezed.
Have no obvious seams which can cause streaks in the finished paint job.
They have few loose fibers.

The nap on the roller depends on what you are painting. For the smooth surfaces the shorter the nap. For rough surfaces the longer the nap. Here are some suggestions on what nap roller to use on different material.

On wallboard, smooth plaster, wood, or metal, use a short nap of 1/8" to 1/4".
On light-textured stucco, concrete, or rough wood, use a medium nap of 3/8" to 1/2".
On heavy-textured stucco, concrete block, or brick use a long nap of 3/4" to 1".

Roller frames come in a variety of styles. U-shaped frames are generally the best because they are sturdier. When choosing frames, be sure to select those that are sealed on the ends to help keep the paint on the roller.

Paint Pads:

Painting pads are useful in applying paint in difficult places such as corners and behind radiators. Most paint pads are made of plastic foam or other synthetic materials. They are suitable for both latex and alkyd paints.

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