The Use of Brushes For Applying Finishes to Unfinished Furniture
If used correctly, a brush can provide you with a superior finish, but as in walks of life, certain types are better suited for different purposes.
There are basically four types of brushes that you can use: natural bristle, synthetic bristle, sponge, and paint pads. Anyone of these can be used to apply a stain, paint, or finish from a can onto your chosen piece of furniture.
Natural-bristle-brushes are made from animal hair. The very best are from Chinese hog hairs. These are hairs tapered and have split ends, which means that the actual part of the hair that is in contact with the wood are extremely thin. The benefit of having thinner bristles, or split ends are that the finish that is applied to the surface is more uniform in appearance. Although China bristle is a little more expensive, the improved results are worth it.
Synthetic-bristle brushes are made from polyester and nylon. These types of brushes became very popular with the increased use of latex paint. Natural bristle will lose its shape in water, and latex paint is water based. The better quality synthetic-bristle brushes have bristles that are tapered and have split ends, and performs almost as well as a natural bristle.
As mentioned earlier, a synthetic bristle is better suited to water based products. But if using a solvent-based finish, any one of these brushes will perform well.
Sponge type brushes are cheap and because of this they’re considered to be disposable. These can be used will all types of finish, except lacquer which will disintegrate the sponge. A very cheap way to apply a finish, however, care should be taken using this method. Use these sponge pads only on smaller surfaces such as mouldings, and intricate shapes, because the edges on a sponge are generally straight cut, so when applying a finish over a wider surface, you will find that each individual stroke will leave a very fine ridge, and it’s almost impossible to blend in. Whatever method you use to apply a finish, it should always be applied in the direction of the grain.
Paint pads are great and very versatile. They are similar to the above in being made of sponge, but they have little synthetic fibers attached. They are incased in a plastic holder and come in a variety of sizes. Nowadays you will find the handles on these pads have a female thread. This enables it to be used in conjunction with an extending rod, for reaching ceilings, or attaching to the handle of a larger paint roller. These pads should also not be used with lacquer. They are very useful for floor coverings, and for getting into tight corners, without damaging an adjacent surface.
Any wooden product has a natural feel to it and if left untreated will deteriorate. Author Spencer Briggs explains in detail the tools needed to apply any finish to any unfinished furniture item. Armed with his vast knowledge of wood finishing techniques you’ll have a better understanding of the ways to achieve a professional looking finish.
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