Decorate the fun way!

I was out doing my favourite kind of shopping the other day… browsing through my local builder’s centre on the lookout for anything that caught my attention, when I came across an eye-catching display of paintbrushes.

 

By now you all know that I live to paint, so paint brushes are always at the top of my list, simply because they never seem to last in my house. I am constantly trying out new paintbrushes in the hope that someone will eventually invent one that doesn’t shed hair all over my newly painted wall or project. My interest piqued, I discovered that Addis have launched a new range of paintware for the home decorating enthusiast.

Addis paintware offers a full range of options, from the perfect DIY brush through to The Homemaker’s Choice. Each brush has been designed with comfort in mind and has ergonomically designed handles throughout the range, which means that painting no longer has to be a tedious, tiring chore.

So what’s all the fuss about? If you are a regular visitor to Home-Dzine you will often find me going on about using quality brushes for all your painting projects. It doesn’t make sense to prepare properly, buy quality paint and take the time and effort to do a paint job if you’re going to throw it all away by using an inferior paintbrush. A poor quality paintbrush doesn’t hold paint nicely and will shed hair all over your newly completed project, which is disastrous if you are using oil-based paints.

I decided to put my new Addis paintbrushes to the test and was definitely surprised by the result. I painted an entire room with brush and roller, without a single hair spoiling my project. I used the brushes for cutting in around the skirting, ceiling and trim, and I touched up on the ceiling - without dripping all over the place. And the brushes are a pleasure to clean since the moulded handle allows you to wipe off paint easily and quickly. My paintbrushes still look like new and are ready for the next project.

Here are a few tips on caring for your paintbrushes:

• Clean paint brushes immediately after use, before the paint has chance to dry.
  
• When using water-based paint, to clean your brushes simply wash well in lukewarm water with normal dishwashing detergent. Pay particular attention to removing paint from inside the bristles, as this tends to build up and spoil the shape of the bristles. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap. Then pat the brushes dry with a kitchen towel, before laying flat to store until the next time.
  
• After using oil-based paint you will need to clean the paintbrushes with white spirit. Put only enough spirit into an old tin to cover the bristles. Work the brush around the thinners for about 30 seconds and wipe clean with a kitchen towel. If the bristles still have paint on them, repeat the process. Rinse the brushes in lukewarm soapy water, and then rinse clean, before drying with a paper towel and laying flat to store.