I used to think a $20 brush from the hardware store was fine until an old guy at a flea market in Asheville showed me his.

He was selling a restored dresser and I asked about the finish. He pulled out this tiny, worn brush from his kit. Said he'd had it for 15 years, cleaned it with mineral spirits after every job. The bristles were still perfect. He told me, 'Kid, a good brush doesn't just hold more finish. It teaches you patience.' I bought a decent one the next day and the difference on a shellac job was huge. No more stray bristles or streaks. What's the one tool you upgraded that actually changed your work?

2 comments

2 Comments

oliver8113d ago

Man, I was the same with cheap brushes. That old timer's right though, a good one forces you to slow down and do it right. The finish just lays down so much smoother.

oliverp563d ago

Yeah, that part about it forcing you to slow down is so true. I fought getting a decent brush for ages, just like @oliver811 said. I was sure my technique was fine. Finally got a good one and it was a night and day difference. The paint just flows off it without leaving streaks or brush hairs behind. You can't rush it, which makes you focus on each stroke. It honestly fixed more of my mistakes than any technique video ever did.