When it comes to painting spindles, having the right brush is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional finish. Spindles are the vertical supports that connect railings, stairs, and furniture legs. They have a rounded, narrow shape that can be tricky to paint evenly with the wrong brush. The best brushes for spindles will have fine, tapered bristles that can reach into crevices and evenly coat all surfaces.
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Brushes Designed for Trim and Spindles
There are several types of brushes specifically made for painting spindles, trim, and other narrow rounded objects:
Angled Trim Brush
An angled trim brush has a shaped head with the bristles cut at an angle rather than straight across. This allows you to apply paint in narrow or hard to reach areas. The angled bristles let you paint vertically, horizontally, or get into corners with ease. The best angled trim brushes will use high quality synthetic or natural bristles. A 1-1.5 inch brush is a good all purpose size for spindles.
Spindle Brush
As the name suggests, a spindle brush is designed for the shape and curves of spindles. The bristles are longer and arranged to taper to a narrow point. This allows you to efficiently paint the length of turned spindles. Look for a brush with a stainless steel ferrule and tightly packed natural bristles for the best results. A 2 inch wide brush is common.
Trim Pad Painter
A trim pad painter has an oval or rectangular shaped pad that acts like a mini paint roller. The fine dense fibers allow you to quickly apply paint to flat, vertical, and contoured surfaces. The pad hugs the shape of spindles while providing full coverage. This speedy tool works great for priming and finishing coats. A 2 inch width is preferred.
Choosing the Right Bristle Type
When shopping for any brush to paint spindles, pay attention to the material used for the bristles. The bristle type impacts brush performance.
Natural Bristle
Natural bristles are made from animal hair, usually hog, ox, or goat hair. They are very soft with excellent paint holding capacity. Natural bristle brushes provide superior finish quality on trim and spindles. However, they can be expensive and require more cleanup than synthetic brushes.
Synthetic Bristle
Most affordable brushes will use synthetic nylon or polyester bristles. While not as soft as natural hair, synthetic bristles are durable and versatile. Look for tapered tipped synthetic brushes to mimic the finish of natural bristles. Synthetic brushes are easiest to clean.
Blend
Many quality brushes combine natural and synthetic bristles. Usually the base uses synthetic bristles for rigidity while the tips are natural for optimal paint application. This creates a better balance of performance and value.
Smaller Sized Brushes
For spindles with intricate details or very narrow widths, a small brush is key. These let you control the brush strokes and access all crevices.
Artist’s Brush
An artist’s brush has fine tipped bristles and a wooden handle. The tapered heads allow for precision painting. Sizes around 0.5 inch or 12 millimeters are best for spindles. Look for natural sable hairs for optimal results.
Detail Brush
A detail or lacquer brush has a very narrow bristle width, usually 0.5 inches or less. The thin size allows for painting tiny or hard to reach spots. The bristles are tightly packed but remain flexible. Detail brushes commonly have synthetic bristles.
Liner Brush
Extremely slender liner brushes, around a 2 millimeter wide bristle, are made for maximum precision. The tiny brushes can make thin, consistent lines during edging or separation of colors. Liner brushes use either synthetic or natural bristles.
Brush Bristle Density and Shape
Along with bristle material and size, the cut and arrangement of the bristles impacts results.
Flagged Tip
Flagged tip brushes are trimmed so the bristles spread out to a wider edge. This helps provide smooth, even coverage on flat surfaces. Flagged brushes work well on spindles with carved decorative elements.
Chisel Cut
Chisel cut refers to bristles trimmed to a flattened edge rather than a round tip. Chisel trim brushes can apply straight edges and angled lines for crisp definition.
Cone Shape
A brush with bristles that taper from the ferrule to a narrow pointed tip is cone shaped. This allows for precision coating of the spindle length. Conical brushes are common for spindle work.
Density
Densely packed bristles have little space between each strand. This prevents paint from getting trapped and creates a smooth finish. Bristles that are too sparse make it hard to evenly cover spindles.
Brush Ferrule Types
The ferrule is the metal band that attaches the bristles to the handle. Look for these qualities in a ferrule when selecting a brush for spindles:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel ferrules resist rust and corrosion. This is important for durability since bristle brush bristles absorb water during cleaning. Stainless steel is the longest lasting ferrule material.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, rust-resistant metal commonly used for brush ferrules. It is more prone to bending than steel but is very durable. Aluminum ferrules need to remain free of paint buildup.
Nickel Plated
Nickel plating gives steel ferrules a shiny, protective coat. This prevents rusting. Make sure to avoid nicking or scratching the finish which can lead to corrosion underneath.
Anodized Aluminum
An anodized aluminum ferrule goes through an electrolytic process to create an oxidized layer on the surface. This protective coating resists corrosion and improves paint adhesion. Anodizing produces vibrant colored ferrules as well.
Factors for Achieving the Best Results Painting Spindles
Having the optimal brush is essential for painting spindles, but proper prep and technique impact the end result. Here are some key factors for success:
Sand and Clean
Always sand spindles first to degloss and create a roughened, paint-ready surface. Remove any dust or debris before painting. Wipe down with a tack cloth just prior to applying paint.
High Quality Paint
Invest in premium exterior enamel paint matched to the needs of spindles and trim for maximum bonding and protection from elements. Oil or alkyd-based paints give better flow and leveling.
Adequate Paint Volume
Do not overload the brush but ensure you have enough paint so the bristles do not drag on the surface. This can cause brush marks. Load both sides of an angled or trim brush.
Brush Technique
Use long, overlapping strokes following the length of the spindle for even coverage. Make continuous strokes and maintain a consistent painting pressure. Let the bristles do the work.
Work Methodically
Paint a few spindles at a time. Work from top to bottom and don’t attempt to paint back over semi-dry paint as this can lift the coat beneath. Maintain wet edge technique as you move between spindles.
Check Coverage
Inspect for any thin spots and do touch ups while the paint is still wet. Look at the spindle from all angles to ensure complete, uniform coverage. Apply any second coats while paint is still slightly tacky.
Conclusion
From angled trim brushes to artist’s brushes, there are many excellent options for painting spindles. Look for brushes with densely packed, tapered natural or synthetic bristles. A stainless steel ferrule resists wear. Combine the ideal spindle brush with proper sanding, paint selection, and brushwork for a smooth professional finish. Taking your time to apply multiple thin coats will achieve the best results. A quality brush designed for spindles makes the painting process much easier.