How to Use a Paint Brush

How to Use a Paint Brush

Painting window frames, skirting, doors and mouldings are worth doing carefully to get the best results.

Follow 3 easy steps to get you started.

1
Brushing up on your skills
2
Cutting in when painting a wall
3
Paint application pads

Painting Tools & Tips

Brushing up on your skills

To achieve a great finish, always work in sections and paint up to a natural break before stopping. Never try to paint over an area that is partially dried, as the brush will leave marks in the surface. If you see a run in the wet paint, paint over it as soon as possible with light even strokes.

Man using a paint brush to cut in wall paint into a corner

Cutting in when painting a wall

Using a brush

Before use

Before use, flick the bristles back and forth to remove dust. Then moisten the brush in water if you are about to use water-based paint, or mineral turpentine if you are about to use an oil-based paint. Make sure you remove excess liquid before painting.

Fill the brush

Fill the brush by dipping in up to half the length of the bristles.

Tapping

Tap it gently against the side of the can: don't wipe the brush hard against the lip. The bristles should flex only slightly as you brush – don't over press – let the paint flow from the brush.

Painting

Start at the top and work down, painting with light even strokes, working back into the wet edge.

Pay attention

If you are painting a large area by brush, apply paint to an area about 50cm x 50cm, then brush the paint in horizontal strokes to even the paint out and finish off with light vertical strokes all in one direction. If you are using a brush and roller, paint the edges of the area first.

Paint application pads

Application pads can be used for cutting in where there are lots of edges to paint around.

Loading

Simply load the pad with paint using a paintbrush.

Checking

Place it on the wall, checking the guide wheels are clean and run the wheels along the architrave, skirting or corner.

Applying

Use long even strokes with firm pressure.

New and improved

Dulux Wash&Wear®

Life’s messy. Dulux Wash&Wear® gives you permission to embrace it with our most washable formula yet.

The new and improved Dulux Wash&Wear® formula has been optimised for stain resistance, mould and mildew resistance technology, very low VOC, hiding power and toughness to create a product that you can rely on every day, so your walls will look freshly painted for years.

See how the best just got better

Dulux colours featured: Natural White™

More help guides

Paint roller putting pink paint on a wall
How to use a paint roller
1 of 6
Help and advice

Our friendly Help and Advice team can help you order exactly what you need. Call 13 25 25 and speak to one of our team members or submit an enquiry via our online form.

LiveChat

Available 7 days a week, start a chat with our team to discuss everything you need to gain colour confidence.

Enquiry form

Fill out our enquiry form and our expert Help & Advice team will get back to you about your request.

Cart
You have no items in your cart.
Dulux dog