What are the advantages of synthetic vs. natural bristles?
• For latex paints, you should always use a brush with synthetic bristles. Natural bristle brushes are not recommended for latex paints, because natural bristles absorb the water in the paint, swell up and lose their shape. • For alkyd or oil paints, varnishes and shellacs, either a natural or synthetic bristle brush can be used. • When applying a glossy alkyd paint or an oil varnish to a smooth surface, a natural bristle brush will provide the best finish. • While natural bristles provide a better finish than synthetic bristles, they’re not as durable; synthetic bristles will hold up better on rough surfaces. • All-nylon bristle brushes are not a good choice for painting in very hot weather, because the bristles become limp and lose their ‘snap back’ at higher temperatures. • The best synthetic brushes are made with a blend of nylon and polyester bristles; the nylon bristles provide good durability and wear resistance, and the polyester bristles provide good stiffness and snap back, e
• For latex paints, you should always use a brush with synthetic bristles. Natural bristle brushes are not recommended for latex paints, because natural bristles absorb the water in the paint, swell up and lose their shape. • For alkyd or oil paints, varnishes and shellacs, either a natural or synthetic bristle brush can be used. • When applying a glossy alkyd paint or an oil varnish to a smooth surface, a natural bristle brush will provide the best finish. • While natural bristles provide a better finish than synthetic bristles, they’re not as durable; synthetic bristles will hold up better on rough surfaces. • All-nylon bristle brushes are not a good choice for painting in very hot weather, because the bristles become limp and lose their ‘snap back’ at higher temperatures.
