Get to Know Your Paintbrushes

Synthetic bristles are meant for latex and other water-based paints. Natural bristles are for oil-based formulas.

Best for: Large, flat surfaces. Sold in widths of up to 5 inches, these brushes are ideal for quickly covering a big area. Find them with either natural or synthetic bristles. 3"-wide nylon/polyester professional wall brush, $15, benjaminmoore.com for stores

Best for: Cutting in and painting along trim. The slanted shape gives better control than a square-cut brush, so you get clean lines—key for painting along edges, like where a wall and ceiling meet. It comes in many widths, with natural or synthetic bristles. Shur-line angle paint and primer interior Hydroglide 1 1/2"-wide brush, $8, Lowe’s stores

Best for: Lacquer, shellac, and stains. This finer version of a square-cut brush has softer, denser bristles for applying stains and other finishes without streaks. It’s available with natural or synthetic bristles. Gramercy Tools 2"-wide synthetic finishing brush, $35, toolsforworkingwood.com