The Elements Of A Quality Varnish Brush

Although the tendency to use a foam brush for the ultimate in convenience may be great, there is absolutely nothing as satisfying as a good quality, natural bristle varnish brush.

When selecting a quality varnish brush look for the following features:

• Bristle Material: The finest brushes use only Chinese boar bristle—noted for its resilience and long-term durability.

• Bristle Length: A true varnish brush will have slightly shorter bristles in order to "bite" into a heavier product like marine varnish. This makes for a slightly stiffer bristle.

• Bristle Ends: A good brush will have bristles with "flagged" (split) ends (just like the split ends of human hair).

• Bristle Cut: Look at the way the bristles have been cut or chiseled. This will determine how well the brush will smooth the varnish as well as how well it will draw the air from the finish.

• Bristle Setting: Though difficult to determine, quality brushes will have their bristles set in either epoxy or vulcanized rubber. Additionally, a quality brush will be packed full of bristles without a center spacer.

• Ferrule Material: A quality ferrule will be either nickel-plated steel or stainless steel.

• Handle: In a quality brush, hardwood is the most likely material of choice for the handle. Look for a clear varnish finish on the handle that does not hide the quality of the hardwood underneath.