Tip
Foam brushes can be purchased in multi-packs to save money. If you are going to only use a brush with more than 20 minutes of down-time in between, you should throw out your old brush and use another; foam brushes don't function as well once the paint has begun to dry.
If a foam brush is beginning to tear at the junction between the wood handle and the brush, it is time to replace your brush.
You can soak your foam brushes in water after use if you wish to use them again. This will rinse the paint out.
Warnings:
- Foam brushes are less effective for painting large surfaces. A foam brush sopping in paint will drip if you attempt to spot-paint.
Foam brushes make controlling where the paint goes easier than normal bristle brushes. Foam brushes also eliminate a lot of the brush-stroke look that appears when a corner or piece of molding is painted. There is no one set method on how to use a foam brush, however there is one sure-fire method for all applications. Foam brushes are relatively inexpensive and are designed to be thrown away after one use. It is also possible to re-use them if necessary.
Pour or mix your paint into a cup. Cups can be held in one hand while you touch up a surface. Sometimes while using a paint roller you may encounter a space too small to reach and you may also dip your foam brush into this space.
Dip the tip of the foam brush into the paint. You should only go up to the end of the triangular tip.
Twist the brush as you lift it from the paint. This will collect all excess paint on the brush.
Stroke your surface gently with the brush. Practice a stroke-lift-stroke-lift style. Stroke in one direction. If you stroke too hard, you make a deep groove in your paint surface.
Writer Bio
Austin Cross began writing professionally in 2007, with work appearing on the websites for KAPU Radio and CBS Radio. He specializes in restoration of vintage studio electronics including microphones, radios, tape players and record players. Cross received his Bachelor of Arts in music theory and composition from Azusa Pacific University.
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