Top notch paintbrush for Toplac

[G12]

Can anyone who's good at painting recommend me a top notch paintbrush for applying toplac?
I intend to paint the topsides next year by rolling and tipping. This year I intend to practice by repainting the inside of the cockpit. I want to get the equipment and technique right before I take on the topsides.

From a previous thread on varnish brushes (which I know are different) it was suggested that a paintbrush spinner would be a good idea - so that's on the list. Foam Roller - On the list. Now it's just a really great brush I need.

All ideas gratefully received.

 

[rjcoles]

Try tipping off with a foam brush, or better still have someone else tipping off directly behind you. For the topsides tip off with vertical strokes so you can see where you have been. The secret is to modify the paint to suit the conditions and for that you need someone with more skill than me...

 

[G12]

I have a feeling that I'll be doing the lot myself. I don't know anyone who'd want to paint the boat four times with me.
I've seen the foam pads but never used one. I shall buy one and experiment with it.

 

[agurney]

Avoid foam. Use ordinary brushes, even a cheap set from Poundland. If new, give them a good few strokes against the edge of a brick or roughcast to soften the ends. Remove any obvious loose bristles.

Apply the paint/varnish in a cross hatch pattern using a figure of eight motion with your wrist - down and left; then down and right. Don't over work it or you'll get bubbles, and don't apply too much or it will run.

After a few square feet go over the previous area, using the same technique but very lightly, to give a smooth surface and remove brush marks.

Works a treat whether varnish, enamel or oil painting.

 

[xtiffer]

Roll on horizontally and tip off downwards with an Omega 6" laying off brush. That's what I used to use when I painted them professionally.
Much, much better if there are 2 of you. Pay a dayworker to use the roller and you lay off afterwards.
The major trick is to choose the right time of day and get the mix right.
In the Med that is normally an early morning start.
Also beware that one side will be in the shade and one in the sun; the mix is different for each.
Cheers,
Chris

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Just get any good brush. The modern synthetic bristle brushes are surprisingly good. Technique is more important than excellence of the brush.

For that particular job avoid the cheapies, and IMHO the foam ones, like the plague

 

[nimbusgb]

 

[jwilson]

Just get any good brush. The modern synthetic bristle brushes are surprisingly good. Technique is more important than excellence of the brush.

For that particular job avoid the cheapies, and IMHO the foam ones, like the plague

The best brushes these days seem to be either the synthetic tapered-bristle ones (whiter ends and quite cheap) or really top quality natural bristle brushes (very expensive). Avoid the all-black nylon bristle ones (like Harris No-Loss), as they may not shed bristles but they don't give a good finish.

The biggest bugbear when trying to get a really good finish is picking shed bristles out of the job, so cheap natural bristle ones are a menace. You have to work fairly fast, to keep a wet edge going, and delays through getting rid of shed bristles slow you down a lot.

 

[Captain Coochie]

Purdy . The price will make you clean it after but you know youre painting with it . Dulux trade centres sell them in a box set if you want a cheaper way to buy them .

 

[G12]

Roll on horizontally and tip off downwards with an Omega 6" laying off brush. That's what I used to use when I painted them professionally.
Much, much better if there are 2 of you. Pay a dayworker to use the roller and you lay off afterwards.
The major trick is to choose the right time of day and get the mix right.
In the Med that is normally an early morning start.
Also beware that one side will be in the shade and one in the sun; the mix is different for each.
Cheers,
Chris

Hi Chris, is there a method to decide how much thinners is required on any given day? Toplac can be thinned up to 10% apparently (I assume this is by volume and not weight).

This guy is good! Thanks for the video. He really spends a lot more time with the roller than I would have thought. I'm surprised the paint doesn't mind that much rolling.
It's all well and good reading about the technique but when you see it done then it makes more sense.

 

[xtiffer]

Yes, I thought he worked the paint too much and he had to rush like mad because he was solo. An extra pair of hands makes such a difference.
I can't give any precise thinning instructions as it does come down to personal experience and knowledge.
The hotter and damper then more thinner but not too much.
You are trying to stop yourself losing the wet edge and no more.
Cheers,
Chris