Preparing the Brush

Brushing problems, such as debris in the finish and loose hairs, can be avoided by preparing the brush before you use it. The best preventive maintenance starts with storing brushes in drawers to protect them from sawdust and other airborne particles (A). Before you use a brush, flick the bristle ends back and forth to displace dust (B). Remove any loose hairs if they’re visible. Dunk the brush all the way up to the metal ferrule in the solvent used for thinning and cleaning the finish. Scrape the excess solvent off the brush by dragging it across the lip of the container, and then blot up the excess with a clean, dry cotton rag (C). This solvent dip conditions the bristles, makes the initial coats go on more smoothly, and makes the brush easier to clean later.

The Basic Brushstroke

The basic brushstroke…