If you take good care of it, a paint brush will last for years. Here's a few upkeep tips:
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Seek out filaments that are sturdy yet flexible (nylon gives a smooth finish and is easy to clean); does the wooden handle have a good fit when you hold it? An all-purpose brush should be 2 or 2 ½ inches wide.
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Try to keep the ferrule (that's the metal band that holds the filaments to the handle) as paint-free and dry as possible (dried paint and moisture can damage the bristles over time.
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Limit your paintbrush dipping to less than 1 inch of paint; you'll have better overall control (and cleanup will be easier).
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Wash away any latex paint under warm, running water (don't soak the brush). Using oil-based paint? Swish the brush in a cup of paint thinner.
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Drag a paintbrush comb (available at paint and hardware stores) through the bristles to remove any remaining paint. Using the hole in the handle, hang the brush to dry.
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Keep the cardboard cover your paintbrush came in; it's the best thing to maintain the brush's shape while stored.
For more paint brush (and paint) info, go to www.purdycorp.com and www.sherwin-williams.com.
Leftover Paint
Got any leftover paint? Can you donate it to a school, community group or use it on another wall?
If not, here's what to do:
Oil-base (alkyd) paint is considered hazardous waste; Never throw this away with the regular trash!
Check with your local waste management company to see if your area has a collection center or a designated day where you can donate the paint.
Water-base (latex) paint is not hazardous, so there's no need to take it to a special collection site (and besides, you may be charged. And who needs to pay extra money if you don't have to, right?). If you turn the paint into a solid, it can go into the regular trash (if there's a small amount left, leave the lid off to enable it to dry in a few days; mix in some kitty litter or sawdust in the paint; or get a solidifier, which hardens paint within a few minutes-go to www.cobzorb.com for an example). Get ride of the can and lid separately.
Source: “Brush Up”-Home Know-how segment-Better Homes and Gardens, Feb. 2011
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