PM Family: Painting technique advice; Game of the month.

A paintbrush is one of the simplest tools there is. But you have to know how to use it correctly.

FIRST, STIR YOUR PAINT.

When paint sits for too long, the components start to separate. By stirring the paint slowly, you ensure that its colour and shininess will be even. Next, pour some of the paint into a special container called a paint pot. It has a wide mouth to make it easier to dip your brush, and it lets you take only as much paint as you need.

Dip your paintbrush into the container so that about a third of the bristles are submerged in paint. Although a lot of people wipe the brush against the rim of the container to remove excess paint, that is a mistake. It removes too much. Instead, tap the wide side of the bristles against the side of your paint pot. (Gently! You don’t want paint to splash anywhere.) This shakes off some extra paint and helps fill between the bristles.

When you’re ready to paint, don’t hold the brush just by the handle. Keep some fingers near the base of the bristles for stability, just like in the image to the left. Apply paint to a surface in long, smooth lines, working in one direction and then back in the other direction. Don’t worry too much about trying to smooth the paint out. It will do that on its own as it dries.

When you’re painting a larger area, work in chunks. Paint the first few lines, then dip your brush back into the paint. Don’t start where you stopped! Instead, move your brush over to leave a gap of unpainted wall between where you started and where you’re picking up. Then paint back towards where you started, connecting the two sections. When the first and second patches are connected, do the same thing with a third patch. And so on until your surface is covered.

Instead of holding the brush by the handle, pinch it in your hand, just above the bristles, for better control.