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What Applicators are Best for My Project?

This tool selector is designed to help you make the proper selection for your particular painting project. When done, you should have a short list of Purdy products that will work for your application. You can take that list to a local paint dealer or hardware store and they can help you find the tools you need.

If you’re not sure what the terms in the selector tool menus mean, see the explanations below.

Where are you painting?

Is this an interior project?  Or an exterior project?

If an interior project, are you painting walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, trim, etc.?  If an exterior project, are you painting siding, trim, decking, fencing, etc.?

What type of surface are you painting?

For interior projects, drywall is the primary type of surface for walls and ceilings in new construction or remodeling projects. Older homes may have plaster walls and ceilings.  Doors, windows, trim and cabinets are typically comprised of wood or other composite materials. Basement or garage floors are made of concrete.

Most of these interior surfaces you will be painting are smooth or relatively smooth. However, if you are painting surfaces that feel extremely rough to the touch, select Semi-Rough to Rough to be sure you have the right tool.

For exterior projects, siding and trim is often made of wood, fiber cement and aluminum.  Decking and fencing is made of wood or composite material.  Other exterior surface types include stucco, dryvit and pre-cast concrete. 

Many of these painting surfaces feel rougher to the touch, so select Semi-Rough to Rough to be sure you have the right tool.

What type of painting material will you be using?

There are two basic types of materials: oil-based and water-based. While it sounds simple, you can find both oil-based and water-based types of acrylic, enamel and lacquers. Therefore, it’s vital to read the information on the can of the paint or coating you purchase, to determine the base. If you are unsure, be sure to ask your local paint dealer about the specific brand and type of coating you purchased.

Knowing the type of paint or coating you will be using is critical because some brushes are ideal for water-based coatings while others provide optimal coverage for oil-based coatings. At the same time, be sure to go to the next step and determine the types of surfaces you will be painting, whether you are painting interior or exterior surfaces, etc.

Purdy makes a variety of brushes and roller covers with distinct benefits so that you can find the ideal brush or roller cover for your project. Please click here to be taken to our Tool Selector, so you can make the proper choice for your specific needs and project.

What are the differences in sheen?  Most paints offer a variety of sheens. Here are a few tips to help you make the proper selection.

Flat – The matte appearance is soft and helps hide surface blemishes.  It’s ideal for interior ceilings, interior walls and exterior siding.

Eggshell – This has many of the same properties as flat paint, however, it cleans easier. Use this paint in high-traffic areas such as interior family rooms, hallways, kids’ bedrooms, as well as exterior trim, exterior window frames and exterior shutters.

Satin – This has a bit of sheen.  It also cleans easier than flat paints.  Use this paint in high-traffic areas such as interior family rooms, hallways, kids’ bedrooms, as well as exterior trim, exterior window frames and exterior shutters.

Semi-Gloss – This lustrous finish is best for areas that are cleaned often such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility areas, interior trim, exterior doors, exterior accent trim and decorative metal.

Gloss – This extremely hard and shiny finish provides a rich smooth luster for wood trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, accent trim and decorative fixtures.

Will you be brushing, rolling, or a combination of both?

It would be rare to be only rolling, since most painting professionals use brushes for the areas around trim and doors.  Professional painters roll their walls and ceilings. If you follow our techniques, you can learn to roll walls.