Bristle paint brush

The advantage of a bristle paint brush is that it can be used (with some coatings) for many years. It is not disposable.

Very inexpensive bristle paint brushes (about 50 cents for a 1 inch brush) can be used like foam brushes for disposable applications, like application of epoxy.

Regular brushes can be used for the application of water based or oil based paints and varnishes.

Immediately after applying paint or varnish, the brush should be cleaned. For oil based paints, use of mineral spirits or turpentine is required. Clean with just an ounce or two of solvent, then blot the brush dry on newspaper and paper towels. Then use an ounce or two again. About 3-4 steps will leave the brush free of the paint/varnish. Then it is important to get the solvent out. The best way to do this is with warm (not hot) water and detergent.

Water based paints can be rinsed with warm water, then washed with detergent. Pour a little dish washing detergent or liquid clothing detergent on the brush and work it in with your fingers, paying lots of attention to the base of the bristles. After the final rinse and blotting on paper towels, shape the bristles into a neat shape, and consider using a comb to straighten the bristles if necessary. "Wild hairs" can be trimmed with a pair of scissors.

Let the brush air dry by hanging it vertically by the handle in the workbench vise.