Basic Beginner Questions: Which paint brush should I use?

[clovis]

I need to paint a bench seat for a 1/16 truck. I am mixing a color, and don't have an airbrush to use, so I need to hand brush the paint on the seat.

I also need to paint a truck door, and am thinking about brushing it too. (I am building a rusty junker.)

I am using Testors Model Master enamel paints.

I scored a very large lot of artist's brushes at an auction not long ago. I probably have 60+ brushes.

What type of brush is best for large, flat areas?

What type will give me the best coverage??

Wide flat brushes? Long bristles or short?

Thanks in advance!!!!

Edited July 2, 2014 by clovis

[jwrass]

Jeff,

That's a loaded question! I use brushes on a regular basis being a signwriter and pinstriper and I would say with enamels the softer the bristles the better. The size of the brush is a matter of personal preference but let common sense be your guide. Larger part larger brush....... You will get your best results with a properly loaded brush and to have a properly loaded brush you need to palette the paint into the brush, meaning, on a index card or paper ( your palette) dip your brush into the paint and swipe it back and forth on the palette (paletting) dip into the paint and palette as many times as you need to properly load the brush for what you want to paint, viscosity of the paint in the brush plays a roll as well, do you want it thicker or thinner, if you want your paint thinner dip your brush into paint thinner and work that into the mix on the palette. I feel that if you practice this technique your brush work will be much improved. jwrass

Edited July 2, 2014 by jwrass

[DynoMight]

For really big areas I use a brush that is about 1/2 inch long and 1/8 wide and is round. Those soak up the paint well and will flatten out, giving you full coverage. Hope this helped you