It can be difficult to figure out which paint brushes and rollers will work well for a particular painting job.
There are generally two types of paint brushes, natural hair or synthetic bristle brushes.
Synthetic bristles are typically made of nylon or polyester or a combination of the two. Synthetic brushes are generally best for applying any type of latex based pains. Synthetic bristle brushes will hold their shape longer and produce the proper stiffness for the paint. High-quality polyester brushes may be more expensive, but they are worth the cost. If you properly clean and store the brushes, they can be re-used over and over.
Natural hair brushes can be expensive. They are made from animal hair such as hog, sable, goat, camel, or badger. Each strand of hair has small microscopic divots which help to hold more paint on the bristles. Hog hair is the most common and one of the firmer natural brushes. They tend to get split ends over time which will slightly change the brush marks. Stiffer brushes are commonly used with heavy body pains and oils because they can push the pain around without getting gummed-up.
Paint rollers are used similar to paint brushes but can cover larger areas quicker. Rollers are also available with synthetic or natural hairs. The same basic rules for paint brushes applies to paint rollers. However, pay attention to the nap of the roller. For a professional finish select a roller with a low nap with fine hairs. Also, select a roller that will return to its normal shape after being squeezed. If the roller deforms after use, it is going to cause issues with your painting job.
The key to a professional paint job is to not skimp on purchasing paint brushes and rollers.
