Popular Mechanics - USA (2019-06)

@PopularMechanics _ June 2019 93

PAINTING

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 sepa-

rate. By stirring the paint slowly, you ensure

that its color 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 sub-

merged in paint. Although a lot of people wipe

the brush against the edge 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

any where.) 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 fin-

gers near the base of the bristles for stability.

Just like in the image above. Apply paint to a

surface in long smooth lines, working in one

direction and then back in the other direc-

tion. Don’t worry too much about trying to

smooth the paint out. It will smooth out on

its own as it dries.

When you’re painting larger areas, you

work in chunks. Paint the first few lines,

then dip your brush back in the paint. Don’t

start where you stopped! Instead, move your

brush over to leave a gap of unpainted area

between where you started and where you’re

picking up. Then paint back toward 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.

ILLUSTRATION BY JEFF LOWRY

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