Paint Brushes & Rollers

Paint Brush or Roller?

Paint brushes are for precise jobs or to get into hard-to-reach areas. Brush bristle does a better job to thoroughly coat uneven surfaces. Rollers are used to cover a larger surface area in less time.

Example: Painting a Fence

A sprayer or roller is the fastest way to paint something like a fence. However, you would probably miss crevices and cracks in the wood. Thin, pointed brush bristles would cover the fence and get into cracks and crevices, but it would also take much longer.

In an application like this, you might use both. Roll or spray first to cover the surface quickly. Then "back brush" to work the paint into the crevices and cracks.

Use a Brush For ...

• Precise, hard-to-reach areas
• Uneven surfaces
• “Back brushing” cracks and crevices

Use a Roller For ...

• Large surface areas
• Speed and efficiency
• Initial coats on big projects

Select Brush Size

What brush size should you choose? Use this guide to determine the best brush for cutting-in, walls and ceilings, surfaces and projects.

3" to 4" Exterior siding Decks and fences Masonry and walls Ceilings and doors Shop 3" brushes Shop 4" brushes	2” to 2 ½” Cabinets and baseboards Furniture Stairs and railings Shutters and gutters Shop 2” brushes Shop 2 ½” brushes
2" to 2 ½" Angle Slash Window frames Casings Mouldings Walls and ceilings: cutting-in edges Shop 2" Angle Slash brushes Shop 2 ½" Angle Slash brushes	1” to 1 ½” Angle or Flat Hobbies and crafts Window mullions Tight corners Detailed areas Shop 1” Angle or Flat Shop 1½” Angle or Flat

Pick Synthetic Filament or Natural Bristles?

Natural bristle is not recommended for use in latex or acrylic paints. It will absorb up to 40% of its own weight in water, causing it to flare or become too soft to paint effectively. Also, rough surfaces will break the tips off natural bristle so it will no longer provide a smooth, glass-like finish.

Nylon is five times more durable than bristle, so it’s best to choose a synthetic brush for painting rough surfaces — even when using oil-based paints.

Synthetic Paint Brushes

• Latex / Acrylic Paint
• Water-Based Wood Finishes
• Smooth or Rough Surfaces

Natural Bristles

• Oil-Based Paint
• Varnishes
• Polyurethanes
• Interiors and Smooth Finishing

Shop all synthetic bristle brushes 

Synthetic Bristle Types

Synthetic brushes made with nylon, polyester, and other filaments can be used with all types of paint. They are especially good for water-based coatings (latex, acrylics, wood finishes).

Use for painting smooth or rough surfaces in any weather, even heat and humidity.

DuPont CHINEX Stiffness Maintains stiffness for control Durability Resists heat and humidity Lasts 7x longer than bristle Uses / Finish Excellent paint pick-up, smooth release Cleaning Ease Cleans completely and easily Shop DuPont CHINEX	NylonPlus Stiffness More stiffness than nylon Durability Maintains stiffness in heat and humidity Resists wear Uses / Finish Excellent control Cleaning Ease Cleans up easily Shop NylonPlus
Polyester Stiffness Does not absorb water, so resists softening Durability Lasts 2.5x longer than natural bristle, but still limited brush life Uses / Finish Can’t be precisely tipped, so tends to leave brush marks Cleaning Ease Difficult to clean Shop Polyester	CT Polyester Stiffness Polyester adds stiffness Durability Limited brush life Uses / Finish Tipped for better leveling and smoothing Thin, soft filaments eliminate brush marks Lower paint production than nylon/polyester Cleaning Ease Takes time to clean Shop CT Polyester

Nylon Stiffness Softens in hot weather or heavy use Durability Resists wear on rough surfaces Lasts 5x longer than bristle 2x longer than polyester Uses / Finish Tips precisely for a smooth, professional finish Cleaning Ease Cleans completely and easily Shop Nylon	Nylon / Polyester Stiffness Polyester adds stiffness Durability Combines durability of nylon and polyester Uses / Finish Polyester adds control Nylon delivers precise tipping, smooth finish Cleaning Ease Takes some time to clean Shop Nylon / Polyester
Foam Stiffness Highly absorbent Durability Limited brush life Uses / Finish Provides a smooth uniform finish Cleaning Ease Can be cleaned or disposable Shop Foam

Natural and Natural-Synthetic Bristles

Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, oil stains, and oil based polyurethanes. The highest quality comes from mainland China. It has the softest natural tipping and flexibility, providing the smoothest finish with virtually no brush marks.

Shop all natural bristle brushes 

Shop all mixed filament brushes 

Bristle / Nylon Characteristics Combines qualities of nylon and bristle: super-smooth finish and fluid glide plus improved durability and cleanup. Uses All paints Oil-based coatings High-grade acrylics   Shop Bristle / Nylon	Bristle / Polyester Characteristics Polyester adds durability, stiffness for control. Natural tipping gives smooth finish. Uses Water-based paints Oil-based paints Wood finishes Shop Bristle / Polyester	Ox Hair Characteristics Natural material from oxen ears. Thin, soft, and expensive. Blended with China bristle in standard paintbrushes. Uses Super-fine finishing Laquer and varnishes Enamels and marine paints   Shop Ox Hair	China Hair Characteristics Coarse, tough bristles capable of holding a large quantity of paint. Uses Oil based coatings Enamels and varnishes Stains and sealers Shop China Hair
White Bristle Characteristics Softer, more flexible than black bristle. Uses Fine finishing Interiors   Shop White Bristle	Gray Bristle Characteristics Budget-friendly mix of black and white bristle. Uses DIY projects Maintenance   Shop Gray Bristle	Camel Hair Characteristics Soft bristles made from natural hairs. Uses Watercolor painting Pinstriping   Shop Camel Hair	Hog Hair Characteristics Coarse, tough bristles capable of holding a large quantity of paint. Uses Oils Acrylics Shop Hog Hair

Are Expensive Paint Brushes Worth It?

High-quality, more expensive brushes are better for cutting in and smoother finish results. They don’t shed bristles as easily and last far longer than cheaper brushes.

If these factors matter to you, then it’s worth the extra cost.

Choose Bristle Blends

Soft Characteristics Extra flex and smoothness Uses Fine finishing Interiors Low humidity / cooler temperatures Paints Clears Stains Lightweight paints or primers Fast-drying coatings

Firm Characteristics Stable touch with balanced flex; just-right taper Uses All-purpose painting Indoors or outdoors Even coverage Paints Medium-weight coatings Acrylics Enamels

Extra-Firm Characteristics Durable; solid feel and superior stiffness; sharp edge Uses Exteriors Rough surfaces High humidity / hotter temperatures Paints Thick paints and primers Low VOCs Fast-drying coatings

Paint Roller Nap Size & Materials

Nap Size

On roller covers, size refers to its thickness (also known as "nap"). Nap size depends on the types of surfaces you'll be painting. In general, the thicker the nap, the more paint it will hold and more area it will cover.

Materials: Knit or Woven?

The majority of paint rollers are made either by knitting or weaving. “Shed-resistant knit” fabrics combine the strengths of both, but a true woven cover will provide a finer finish. The backing and pile fibers are different in knit and woven fabrics.

Shop all paint rollers, covers & frames 

3/16" or ¼" Untextured plaster Drywall or wallboard Smooth wood Smooth metal

⅜" or ½" Ceilings and acoustical tile Lightly textured drywall or wood Walls and paneling Smooth concrete

¾" or 1" Textured plaster and stucco Siding Decks Concrete block

1¼" or 1½" Heavily textured plaster or stucco Rough wood Brick Corrugated metal

Paint Roller or Sprayer?

Sprayers are the fastest way to apply a coating. They require experience and technique to operate successfully. In some scenarios, sprayers can't be used become of fumes or overspray — a haze that remains hours after spraying.

Spray operators must wear respirators or masks to prevent inhaling the fumes. It is not recommended to spray in an area that cannot be closed off.

Rollers would be the next best option to get a large job done quickly. Rollers are also cheaper (frame, pole, covers) than sprayers (sprayer, gun, tips, hose, respirator).

Use a Sprayer For ...

• Large surface areas
• Areas that can be closed off
• Experienced users

Equipment Needed:

• Sprayer
• Gun
• Tips
• Hose

Shop paint sprayers

Use a Roller For ...

• Large surface areas
• Areas that can't be closed off
• Little experience needed

Equipment Needed:

• Frame
• Pole
• Covers

Shop paint rollers

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.