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With the whole range of tools
available, you will be spoilt for choice. It is
certainly crucial then that you choose the right
ones.
How do you decide which ones to pick?
(a) The right brush
A good quality brush is most essential when decorating.
The one I have here is a synthetic brush. Now,
as it does not absorb moisture, it is most suitable
for water-based materials as compared to solvent-based
ones.
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For the latter, the best choice
would be a natural bristle brush, as not only does
it apply evenly, it also does not leave any brush
marks in its trail. |
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Now, brushes can range in size,
from 1-inch all the way up to 4-inch. |
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(b) The right scraper
Now lets talk about knives and scrapers. What
distinguishes a filling knife from a scraper is
the filling knife’s flexibility.
A filling knife is flexible enough for you to
allow a filler to be forced into a hole, whereas
a scraper lacking that flex allows it to be forced
across a surface.
When it comes to using a scraper, you need to
push it across the surface, and when it comes
to using a knife, you need to pull it. Using it
in the right way will help protect the edge of
the knife and also ensure that you have a fantastic
paint job.
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(c) The right roller
A quality roller is most essential when decorating
large surfaces. There are many different sizes
and pile lengths to choose from.
As a rule of thumb, a short pile is best suited
for very fine or flat surfaces;
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a medium pile for slightly textured
surfaces or flat walls; |
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and a long pile for highly textured
surfaces, such as brickwork. |
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The rollers may come in two
types: ready built or caged. It is very easy to
push the sleeves onto the rollers.
To prevent fluff from the roller from being left
on the wall, it is always advisable to wash the
rollers in warm water first. |
