Difference between woodcare brush and emulsion brush? (PART I)

[Jamesb]

Hi, everyone, please excuse my novice in this area, because I got so many questions that need you guys to help me!

This is only my part I of my questions, i will post the others later~

1. What does one look for in a good “woodcare brush”. I would assume that any brush that has pure bristle would work just fine as a “woodcare brush”, including a generic Emulsion Brush that is made of pure bristle? If so, why do the stores label the brushes as “woodcare brush” specifically? What makes a good “woodcare brush” and why can I not do the same job using an Emulsion brush made of pure bristle?

2. Also, some brushes are labeled as “woodstain brush” or “timbercare brush”. Are there actual functional differences between the “woodcare brush”, “timbercare brush” and “woodstain brush”?

3. How would you differentiate the functions of a Timbercare Brush from a Woodcare brush, and if so, what are the characteristics of a Timbercare brush that is different from a Woodcare brush?

Sorry for my long questions, Hope somebody can help me, >.< THANKS!!!!

[Jake]

You must be from the UK because NO ONE in America uses those terms to describe different brushes  Perhaps one of our friends from across the pond will chime in to help address your issues....

In the meantime did you check out this sweet thread from our forum? :

http://www.painterforum.com/yabbse/index.php/topic,1277.0.html

There's really only two main brushes you really need.... One for latex and one for oils (maybe a seperate one for stains)... (also, you may have many different sizes and cuts of brushes used for the above as well)

After that it's all about comfort and what YOU percieve to be the best thing that works for you e.g., sash, flat/block, size, handle diameter, etc............

Hope that helps... Be sure to check out the link!

Good luck! 

[Jamesb]

Thanks Jake and you are right, I am from UK

Hope somebody can help me with this question~~

I should post my part II question soon~~

[rmichael]

I think it is pretty much universal that the difference is in the bristles used in the brush. China bristle (Hog hair) is often used for oil based applications, natural bristles do not fair well in water. Most synthetic bristles for latex (emulsion) paints are polyester and nylon or a combination of the two but the general rule is Natural bristles for oil and synthetic bristles for latex.... new bristle combinations are being introduced particularly for low VOC paints which require a stiffer brush... 

[BrushJockey]

I also am finding that some of the new softer synthetics are pretty good in oil. I have a feeling that natural bristle brushes are going to slowly fade, partially because the oils are going, and partially because the synths are cheaper to produce .

[rmichael]

I also am finding that some of the new softer synthetics are pretty good in oil. I have a feeling that natural bristle brushes are going to slowly fade, partially because the oils are going, and partially because the synths are cheaper to produce .

True and I think you are right about natural bristle brushes following oils off the cliff... 

[BrushJockey]

Pigs in china are breathing a collective sigh of relief!