The brush or roller you choose shapes the finish as much as the paint itself. Get it right and the paint glides on, covers evenly, and the job takes less time. Get it wrong, and you’ll spend extra effort and paint, with a result that doesn’t match your vision.

Haymes Paint have spent decades creating premium paints and understanding exactly how they perform. We know that when matched with the right tool, our paints deliver the best results.

Learn how to match the right brush or roller to your paint, surface, and project, avoid common mistakes, and look after your tools so they’re ready for the next job.

Why the right tool matters

A high-quality brush or roller is a core part of the painting process. The wrong brush type can change how paint behaves. For example, a natural bristle brush used with a water-based paint will absorb moisture, swell, and lose shape. That leads to uneven strokes, wasted paint, and a surface that’s harder to correct. Similarly, choose the wrong roller nap length, and you may end up with an unwanted texture or incomplete coverage.

The right match means smoother application, consistent coverage, and a finish that bonds well to the surface. It also makes the process more efficient, often reducing the number of coats you need.

Matching brushes to paint types

Start with what’s in your tin.

• Water-based paints such as Expressions® Interior or Eggshell perform best with synthetic bristles (nylon or polyester). These keep their shape, don’t absorb water, and release paint evenly.
• Oil-based paints like Decking Oil are better applied with natural bristle brushes. The natural fibres hold oil-based coatings well and deliver a smooth, even flow.

Brush types and uses

• Wall brushes for broad coverage.
• Angled cutter brushes for trims, edges and detailed work.
• Sash brushes for controlled application in tight spaces.

Handle style is personal preference, but comfort matters over a full day’s work.

Matching rollers to surfaces and finishes

A roller matched to the paint and surface can cut hours off a job and leave a smooth, consistent finish.

Roller sleeve materials

• Synthetic blends: reliable and versatile, ideal for most acrylic paints.
• Lamb’s wool: high paint pickup for large, flat surfaces.
• Mohair: excellent for very smooth finishes and gloss paints.
• Foam: ideal for high-gloss coatings on smooth surfaces.
• Specialty covers: such as nylon loops for textured coatings.

Nap length guide

Before first use, rinse a new roller thoroughly and spin it dry. This removes loose fibres that could spoil your fresh coat.

Haymes paint tool pairing guide

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Using natural bristle with water-based paint
• Choosing the wrong nap length for the surface
• Skipping the rinse step with new rollers
• Overloading or underloading brushes and rollers
• Leaving brushes or rollers soaking in water or solvent