Brushes & Rollers

Choosing the Right Paint Brushes & Rollers

At County Building Supplies, we supply paint brushes, rollers and decorating accessories for professional painters, decorators, builders and DIY customers. Whether you're painting walls and ceilings, refreshing woodwork or applying masonry paint, choosing the right tools can help achieve a smooth, consistent finish.

Our range includes Harris Essentials, Harris Seriously Good and Hamilton For The Trade brushes and rollers for a variety of decorating applications.

Choosing the Right Paint Brush

Different paint brushes are designed for different surfaces and finishes:

• Wall and ceiling brushes: Suitable for cutting in around edges, corners, ceilings and fittings.
• Gloss brushes: Designed for applying suitable gloss and trim paints to doors, skirting boards and other woodwork.
• Masonry brushes: Used for applying suitable paints and coatings to exterior masonry and textured surfaces.
• Block brushes: Wider brushes useful for covering larger areas and applying compatible treatments or coatings.

Always check that the brush is suitable for your chosen paint or wood treatment.

What Size Paint Brush Do You Need?

Smaller brushes, such as 0.5-inch and 1-inch sizes, are useful for detailed work and narrow edges. Medium brushes around 1.5 to 2 inches are popular for cutting in, while wider 3-inch and 4-inch brushes can cover larger surfaces more efficiently.

County stocks individual brushes and multipacks, allowing you to choose suitable sizes for different stages of a decorating project.

Choosing the Right Paint Roller

Paint rollers are ideal for covering larger areas quickly. The correct roller sleeve depends on the surface texture and type of paint being applied.

Short-pile rollers are generally suited to smoother surfaces, while medium-pile rollers are commonly used on standard interior walls and ceilings. Longer-pile and specialist masonry rollers are designed for suitable rougher or textured surfaces.

County stocks masonry roller sleeves and sets, including Harris Seriously Good products for exterior decorating projects.

Tips for a Better Painting Finish

Before painting, ensure surfaces are clean, dry and properly prepared. Use a suitable brush for cutting in and a roller for larger areas, working in manageable sections to maintain an even finish.

Follow the paint manufacturer's guidance on application, drying times and cleaning. Clean brushes and rollers promptly after use with the recommended cleaning method to help extend their working life.

Need Advice?

Not sure which paint brush or roller is best for your project? Visit your local County Building Supplies branch or contact our team for product advice and availability.