Brush painting

Preparing the paint and loading the brush

If necessary, stir the paint (read the label on the tin), then transfer some to a paint kettle.

Load the brush by dipping the tips into the paint. Overloading the brush leads to dry paint forming in the upper part of the bristles and hardening. Over time this will ruin the brush.

Unless using non drip paint, dab off the excess to prevent drips by pushing the bristles against the inside of the kettle - not the rim.

Applying the paint

Apply the paint to the surface using up and down strokes.

Spread the paint by brushing at right angles. This will create an even film. Then lay off (finish with light strokes) in the direction of the grain or the longest side of the part you are painting.

Blend each new section with the previous one by working back towards it when laying-off. Always work new into old to avoid marking the drying paint.

• Painting walls and ceilings - rollers
• Cleaning paintbrushes
• Painting woodwork and trim
• Painting doors
• Painting walls and ceilings - brushes
• Painting windows
• Paint - types and choices