You can fight with a bad brush and use it 2 or 3 times before you give up and buy a better brush – or you can buy a good one to start with and save yourself the headache. I kinda prefer working headache free.I have dozens of paint brushes in every shape and size imaginable – and from every price range. The ones that are always in the bottom of the box (and never get used) are the cheapest ones. Occasionally I will buy a pack of them, but normally I buy individual brushes so that I can pick and choose the exact ones I need.
Since we’re specifically talking about sign painting, I thought I’d share my favorite go-to brushes. For lettering signs, I use two different ones. I tend to be drawn towards chunky, thick fonts, and filling those in is much, much easier if you have a wider brush. My choice is DecoArt Traditions Filbert brush in size 12. I love this brush because it has smooth bristles for good, even application. It doesn’t work well for precise angles, but fills in like a dream.
My favorite for detailing small angles and lines is a store brand brush from Plaza Arts (we have a store in Nashville), it is a Liner size 1. The smooth bristles (notice a theme?) makes getting into sharp corners a dream. It’s easy to handle and works incredibly well.The thing I love about both of these brushes is that they clean up very easily, maintain their shape for a long time (I’ve had my Plaza brush 2 years), and both react well to basically any kind of paint I use.
The Fairfax doesn’t do itty, bitty tiny lines, but Inever do painting that requires miniscule lines – I want to be able to see those lines on a sign across the room. If you need thinner, you can get brushes that are much thinner, though.
Brushes really do make a big difference when painting details (like fonts), so that the paint goes exactly where you want it to. Natural bristles make a lot of difference in the reaction between the brush and paint – so I always choose those over synthetic.
Want to learn more about painting signs? Be sure to see the other posts in this series:
Learn how to paint the letters with Sign Painting 101: Lettering Tips and Tricks
Choose the perfect paint with tips in the Sign Painting 101: Picking Paint
Jessica @ Sunny Tuesday says
I 100% agree that you pay for the quality you receive when it comes to brushes!
Peggy says
Currently I have cheapy brushes but have been saving for good ones. These were given to me as part of a lot of craft supplies from a teacher and they did their job well when the boys were little. Once the consignment shop check comes in…. it will be out with the old and in with the new! Thank you so very much for doing this series!!
Leanne says
I’m enjoying this little lesson Gina! I keep seeing signs that I would love for myself or to give as gifts…I know I can do this, I just need a nudge and some inspiration. Thanks!
colleen says
years ago i took a tole painting class. it was great my teacher showed us how to hold the brush and how to clean them. on the most part i still have these brushes. if you are not cleaning your brushes properly and storing them correctly they will not last.i have had my brushes over 20 yrs.
Stephanie says
Thanks for writing this post! I’ve been looking for great sign painting brushes to paint a wall in my apartment!
Gina Luker says
You are so welcome Stephanie, good luck!