Choosing Equipment

Stan's Paint Clinic Inc

Choose the Proper Paint Equipment

Make sure you have the correct equipment for your painting project. At Stan's Paint Clinic Inc, we have a variety of supplies, including brushes, rollers, and more. For over 50 years, we've served all of southeastern Idaho, providing the highest quality paints and related products. Visit our local, family-owned store in Idaho Falls to see what we have in stock. Special orders are available.

Paint Brushes

Best for: Precision work, smaller areas, edges, corners, and detailed finishes.

Advantages:

• Ideal for detailed work, such as painting trim, corners, and around edges.
• Provides more control, especially when working on intricate areas or uneven surfaces.
• Suitable for both oil-based and water-based paints.

Types of Paint Brushes:

• Angled (Sash) Brushes
• Best for: Cutting in along edges and corners, painting trim, and window frames.
• Features: Angled bristles that allow for precision and control, especially on edges.
• Flat Brushes
• Best for: Covering flat, smooth surfaces and applying paint to larger areas.
• Features: Straight bristles, ideal for spreading paint smoothly across surfaces.
• Round Brushes
• Best for: Decorative painting, detailed work, or working with curved areas.
• Features: Rounded bristles that are great for touch-ups and detail work on furniture or decorative pieces.
• Synthetic Brushes (Nylon/Polyester)
• Best for: Water-based (latex) paints.
• Features: Durable and easy to clean, these brushes maintain their shape even after multiple uses.
• Natural Bristle Brushes (China Bristle)
• Best for: Oil-based paints, varnishes, and stains.
• Features: Natural bristles that hold more paint, providing a smooth, glossy finish. Not recommended for water-based paints as they absorb water and lose their shape.

Choosing the Right Brush Size:

• 1”-2” Brushes: Best for small surfaces like trim, windows, and corners.
• 2.5”-3” Brushes: Great for medium surfaces, such as doors and cabinets.
• 4”-6” Brushes: Ideal for large, flat surfaces like walls or furniture.

Paint Rollers

Best for: Large, flat surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors.

Advantages:

• Allows for quick, even coverage over large areas.
• Provides a smoother finish with fewer visible brush marks.
• Available in different sizes and textures for various surface types.

Types of Paint Rollers:

• Short Nap Rollers (1/4" - 3/8" Nap)
• Best for: Smooth surfaces like drywall, ceilings, doors, and cabinets.
• Features: The shorter nap (pile height) ensures a smooth finish without leaving too much texture behind. Use with water-based or oil-based paints.
• Medium Nap Rollers (1/2" - 3/4" Nap)
• Best for: Semi-smooth or lightly textured surfaces like plaster, light stucco, or brick.
• Features: Medium nap rollers hold more paint and provide good coverage on textured surfaces without leaving excessive texture.
• Long Nap Rollers (1" - 1 1/4" Nap)
• Best for: Rough or heavily textured surfaces such as brick, concrete, and textured walls.
• Features: The long fibers hold more paint and can reach into cracks and crevices, ensuring full coverage on uneven surfaces.
• Foam Rollers
• Best for: Smooth surfaces like cabinets and furniture where you want a very smooth finish.
• Features: Foam rollers don’t leave roller marks and are great for gloss or semi-gloss finishes, making them ideal for detailed woodwork and trim.

Choosing the Right Roller Size:

• Mini Rollers (4”-6”): Best for small areas, like doors, furniture, or tight spaces.
• Standard Rollers (9”): Ideal for large surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Jumbo Rollers (12” or larger): Useful for extra-large spaces like commercial buildings or large exteriors.

Brush vs. Roller: Which Should You Use?

• For Large, Flat Areas: Use a roller to cover large areas like walls, ceilings, or floors quickly and evenly.
• For Detailed Work: Use a brush for cutting in around edges, trim, corners, and any detailed work like window frames or furniture.
• For Textured Surfaces: A long nap roller works best on textured surfaces like stucco, brick, or rough wood.
• For Smooth Surfaces: Short nap rollers or foam rollers will give you a smooth, even finish on surfaces like drywall, cabinets, and furniture.

Tips for Success

• Match the Brush or Roller to the Paint: Use synthetic brushes for water-based paints and natural bristle brushes for oil-based paints. Choose a roller nap that suits the texture of your surface.
• Use High-Quality Tools: Investing in high-quality brushes and rollers will give you better control, smoother finishes, and fewer brush or roller marks.
• Clean Your Tools Properly: Clean brushes with water if using water-based paint and with mineral spirits or paint thinner if using oil-based products. Clean rollers by thoroughly rinsing them under warm water (for water-based paints) or using a roller cleaner for oil-based paints.