How to paint a house: choosing brushes

When choosing the tools and equipment you will use when undertaking a little DIY painting inside your home, a little knowledge can go a long way.

While a hire company may be able to offer advice about specialised painting equipment including high-pressure spray guns you might need - like how and when to use them in order to maximise efficiency - you will also need to be able to choose the right brushes for the application of the paint.

Make sure that you choose a reputable brand - cheaper kinds may not always yield a good result and when dealing with interior walls any inconsistencies will be obvious because of lighting and people's proximity to the surfaces.

Be sure to test the bristles on your hand - they should be tapered, with thick heads close to the handle and thinner points at the ends.

You will also want to make sure the bristles are a variety of lengths, so that the paint is carried at the ends as well as in the middle of the brush - this will aid smooth application.

The brush should feel thick and full to the touch - this means that it can carry more paint and it will fill the surface you are working on more fully.