Best buy for paintbrushes

conradmum

I do a fair amount of painting around the house and would like to get some paintbrushes that are good quality so will last a while. Don't mind spending out a bit for quality as this'll save me money in the long run. Any recommendations?
Also, any tips on looking after the brushes so they don't become clogged with old paint?

BobProperty

Hamilton, just don't ask which ones there's hundreds. Seriously, Screwfix do a set for about £20 IIRC. See what the pros say.

crankup

Hamiltons for me too. Our local paint store on the ind estate also has some deals occasionally, so worth checking ones in your area. Some of their own brands can be ok for the money - depends what job its for.
For cleaning - I'll stand em in water if they're getting regular use. Keep whites and colours separate. Clean em with twerps when I pack em away.

lynsiloo

i have had a few hamiltons, not the best in my opinion. I have started using B&Q not the cheap cheap ones they have a black handle with grey triangles they seem to be good have a few now they wash up really well. The bristles are kind of clear made of something strange but they do the trick!!

misgrace

Hamiltons are a very good make, but can be quite pricey, 'Harris' is very good, you can get them from your DIY stores.

Before using a good quality paintbrush, wash or soak them in soapy water first, rinse, and spin them dry, place the handle between your palms and spin the brush, this will get rid of any loose hairs, and cut down on the hair loss when you start painting.

If you are doing a lot of painting with the same colour, then rather than keep washing them out, place the brush/rolller in 2 plastic bags, and tie the handles of the bags, this will stop the air getting to them and will last like that for a couple of weeks as long as they are securely wrapped.
Make sure you place the brush/roller in one plastic bag, wrap it up, then place it in another bag and do the same.

When you have finished your white, you can use the same brush without washing if you are painting a neutral colour on the walls, as after a few brushes with the brush, the white will work its way out, and you will just have your neutral colour, I wouldnt advise it for strong colours.

When you have finished with your painting, give your brushes a good wash in soapy water, I always soak mine first, rinse then wash again till all the paint is gone, then you just soak them for 5-10 minutes in diluted fabric conditioner, or after they are washed and dried properly, get some baby oil, and rub a bit into the bristles, this will keep your brush soft for the next time you use it.:D

bigdic

A second vote for HArris brushes here too, I bought a set of the "no-loss" ones and they are brilliant quality. Even saw them for sale in Asda of all places.

andrew-b

Another vote for Harris from me too. Having used both Harris no-loss and normal brushes, i'd say it's worth paying a little extra for the No-Loss.

I used some cheap brushes from Wickes a while back to paint a door and it took me forever picking hairs out my paint - i then painted another door with a Harris No-Loss brush much more easily in a fraction of the time.

Cazzdevil

Another vote here for the Harris ones. Fairly reasonable from Wilko's and if you take care of them they last years.