We’ve been using the same old paint brushes for years, haven’t we? Big handles, angled trim – boring! But folks, there’s a whole world of crazy brushes out there just waiting to make your walls pop!
Now, we ain’t just talking regular painting here. Oh no. We’re gonna get freaky with it! Ever tried painting with a mop? How about slapping on some color with a sponge? Or my personal favorite – using a feather duster to create delicate patterns! Trust me, your walls will never look the same again. And neither will your neighbors’ faces when they see what you’ve done!
Unique Painting Tools
We’ve discovered some cool new ways to jazz up our walls beyond standard brushes and rollers. Richard trim brushes caught our eye with their funky cylinder shape and pointed dome tip. A contractor friend told us they’re like using giant markers for painting – pretty neat!
We’ve also tried some wacky techniques:
Sponging with crumpled plastic wrap for a cool textured look
Dragging a feather duster through wet paint for wispy effects
Rolling bubble wrap over paint for a fun polka dot pattern
Using old credit cards to scrape designs in wet paint
Experimenting with odd tools can lead to awesome custom finishes. We love how these tricks let us put our own stamp on a space without breaking the bank.
Richard Elegance Trim Brush Set
We’ve discovered a real gem in the Richard Elegance Trim Brush Set. This trio of round brushes comes in handy 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch sizes. The cylinder shape and dome-shaped tip make them perfect for cutting in and painting tricky spots like shoe molding.
These brushes work great with water-based paints. They glide smoothly and clean up easily. We love how they conform to curved surfaces, giving a neat finish every time.
For some fun painting tricks, try these ideas:
• Use bubble wrap to create textured patterns
• Dab with crumpled aluminum foil for a unique effect
• Sweep a feather through wet paint for wispy lines
Natural bristle brushes can add depth to your work too. A round brush is ideal for swirls and circles. Mix it up and see what cool designs you can create!
Thinking Outside the Paintbox
We’ve found some cool ways to jazz up our walls beyond basic brushwork. Sponges create fun textures when dabbed on paint. Old rags give a cool distressed look when bunched up and rolled across the surface. For geometric patterns, we use painter’s tape to mask off shapes. Even household items like potato stamps or bubble wrap can make neat designs. The options are endless when we get creative!
The Handy Cub Brush for Tricky Spots
We’ve found a new paintbrush that’s perfect for those tough-to-reach areas. The Purdy Clearcut Elite Cub isn’t your average brush – it’s got a special short handle that lets us squeeze into tight spaces.
At first, we were skeptical. How could a stubby brush be any good? But when we tried it out behind our toilet and under the sink, we were amazed. This little cub fits where other brushes can’t go.
The angled bristles are stiff enough to cut clean lines where walls meet ceilings or trim. We love using it for detail work around door frames and crown molding. It gives us the control of a regular angled brush but in a compact size.
Here are some spots where the Cub brush shines:
• Behind pipes and plumbing fixtures
• In cramped corners
• Around electrical outlets and switches
• Cutting in along baseboards
We’ve even found some creative uses for this versatile tool:
• Stenciling intricate designs
• Faux wood graining on doors
• Creating textured wall effects
• Touching up small scuffs and dings
The Cub brush pairs well with thicker paints and primers. Its nylon-polyester bristles hold up to repeated use without getting floppy. We’ve been impressed by how it maintains crisp edges even after several projects.
For DIYers and pros alike, this handy little brush is worth adding to the toolbox. It won’t replace a standard angled brush for big jobs, but for detail work in tight spots, the Purdy Cub can’t be beat. Next time you’re faced with an awkward painting task, reach for this pint-sized powerhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brushes do the pros swear by?
We’ve found that professional painters often reach for high-quality synthetic bristle brushes. They love these for their durability and ability to leave a smooth finish. Angled sash brushes are popular for cutting in around edges and corners. For large areas, pros often use wide flat brushes to cover more ground quickly.
Are all paint brushes really that different?
You bet they are! We’ve seen firsthand how brush quality can make or break a paint job. Higher-end brushes tend to hold more paint, spread it more evenly, and shed fewer bristles. Cheaper brushes can leave streaks, lose bristles in the paint, and wear out faster. The difference is like night and day when you’re working on a big project.
What should we look for in a top-quality brush?
When we’re shopping for brushes, we always check a few key things:
Bristle density (denser is better)
Bristle tips (split or flagged ends are great for smooth finishes)
Handle comfort (it matters when you’re painting all day!)
Ferrule (the metal band) should be firmly attached
A quick test: Gently pull on the bristles. If lots come out, it’s probably not the best brush.
Why do some paint brushes fall short?
We’ve seen brushes fail for a bunch of reasons:
Low-quality bristles that shed or don’t hold their shape
Poor construction leading to loose ferrules
Handles that are uncomfortable to grip for long periods
Bristles that are too stiff or too soft for the job at hand
Cheap materials and rushed manufacturing are often the culprits behind subpar brushes.
How can we pick the right brush for our DIY project?
Choosing the perfect brush is all about matching it to your project:
Project Type | Recommended Brush |
|---|---|
Walls | 4″ flat brush |
Trim | 2″ angled brush |
Detail work | 1″ round brush |
Think about the paint you’re using too. Latex paints work well with synthetic bristles, while natural bristles are great for oil-based paints.
What’s the buzz about Corona and Wooster brushes?
We’ve used Corona and Wooster brushes, and they’re popular for good reasons:
Consistent quality
Wide range of brush types
Durable construction
Great paint pick-up and release
These brands have been around for ages and have earned painters’ trust through years of solid performance.
For some creative painting ideas, we’ve tried:
Using bubble wrap to create textured patterns
Painting with crumpled paper for a marbled effect
Dragging a comb through wet paint for linear designs
Sponging on paint with natural sea sponges for a mottled look
Flicking paint off an old toothbrush for a speckled finish
These techniques can add unique flair to any room!