Sometimes one finds a tool that just does a superior job more quickly. This is one of those cases. I know it is hard to get excited about a paint brush, but as I was repainting my Jim Michalak designed RB42 prototype, I was marvelling at how well this speciality brush really works. I was thinking that it is time to share this with other builders so I took a few images with my camera.

The brush that I have been using for over a year is sold by Lee Valley Tools. It is made in France and specifically in this case is a 21mm diameter round tapered mixed bristle brush (item 33K69.21). The mixed bristle brushes work very well with latex house paint. As you can see from the photos of RB42 I am able to achieve a really fine edge without masking tape.

This brush has been durable and has literally been used with latex paint a hundred times in the past year as we have repainted the inside and outside of our cottage. I used to paint houses to support some of my way through University. I quickly learned that brush care is important as it can save considerably on brush purchases.

For two minute brush care I perform the following:
Immediately after I have finished my painting I fill the kitchen sink with an inch of hot water as it comes out of the tap. To the water I have added a generous dollop of dish detergent (non-phosphate please). I work the brush against the bottom of the sink for a minute or so until the water is evenly cloudy. I then drain the sink and under a slow stream of warm water I remove any hardened blobs of paint with a nail brush working from the handle to the brush tips. I then continue to work the bristles against the sink bottom until the water is running clean. At this point I am done and less than two minutes have passed. The secret is starting the cleaning with really hot soapy water.

So there you have it, happy painting!