ICI Dulux Hong Kong

Choose the right painting tools

Brush
Brush is the most common tool. It is small, easy to handle and can be brought in many places. It is easier to create a smooth surface using a brush. However, it is difficult to handle for a beginner, and you will need to spend more time painting with brush.

Applications:
Good for dusting away dust and stains in cracks and corners. Suitable for painting irregular surfaces.

Size of brush:
Only 4 brushes with different sizes are enough for all your painting jobs at home.

For waterborne paints:

4 or 5 inches brush :for painting over large areas such as walls and ceilings
2.5 inches brush:for skirting board, edges of walls and corners

For solvent borne paints:

2 inches brush :for large flat areas
1 inch brush:for painting into corners, small objects and furniture

If you are doing part of the painting jobs, one 4 inches brush and one 1 inch brush will be good enough.

How to use a brush:

Dip to half of the bristles, tap the brush lightly at the edge of the can to remove excess paint
Hold the brush at the base, press with fingertips to let the bristles fan out a little while painting, and keep the brush perpendicular to the wall surfaces
When painting the ceiling, use a cardboard or a plastic card (ice-cream box covers are ideal) with a hole in the middle where you can insert your brush, to prevent your hands from stain

Roller
The painting area of a roller is larger then that of a brush. If you use a roller, you can finish your painting job in a shorter period of time. But because of the texture of the roller, it is more difficult to create a smooth surface.

Applications:
Different finishes are available. The basic rule is that the smoother the surface you are painting, the shorter the pile required. Choose one that is comfortable and not too weighty. It is easier to use an extension for reaching inaccessible places such as ceilings. Always use a roller tray and bare in mind that roller is not suitable for solvent borne paints.

How to use a roller:

Dip the roller into a roller tray slowly; coat it with paint by revolving motion
Roll the roller on the slant plate of tray to carry away excess paint. Make sure the paint distributes evenly on the roller surface
To ensure even coverage use zig-zag strokes, but don't allow the roller to spin at the end of each stoke or you will end up with uneven distribution of film and splattering paint everywhere

Roller or Brush?

When painting a large area like walls or ceilings, use a roller or a 4 inch brush
For the edges, choose a small brush
If you are using solvent borne paint, use a brush instead of a roller
Use a roller if you like striped finishes