Painting Projects Made Easy

To avoid making a mess of your brush and to keep it easily accessible, use a magnet on the side of your paint can. This keeps the brush within easy reach at all times and off the rim where it can accumulate paint on the handle and invariably on your hands.

Any sort of every-day magnet will attach to the metal can easily and provides an anchor for the metal flange on the paintbrush. The brush can be stuck to the magnet or pulled away at any time.

Another easy tip is to place a small amount of paint in the middle of a paper plate. Place the paint can on the plate. The plate will stick to the can and catch any drippings from the brush.

Use the right brush for the job. With some things, “they’re all the same”, but not with brushes. If you are doing a small job, than a cheap brush may be ideal, but if you want a brush that lasts and works well, get a good one. I recommend Purdy brushes. Once you decide on a brand, it’s time to decide on the type of bristles. You can get latex brushes for water based paint, enamel brushes for oil based paint, or a combination brush. Combination brushes don’t work as well on either type of paint, so if you know what you are painting with use the specific brush for that paint type.

Take good care of your brushes. If you have nice brushes it is important to take the time to clean them thoroughly. I use a light gauge metal brush to get between the bristles. A little extra time can go a long way with these kinds of things.