Synopsis: On the surface, a brush is nothing more than a tool for spreading finish. But the correct brush can open up new finishing horizons for any woodworker who normally finishes using a cloth only. One obstacle to getting started, though, are the hundreds of brushes for sale in hardware stores, home centers, and online. They come in all sizes and shapes, at every point on the price scale, and with different types of bristles. This article explains what to look for in a quality brush, why you will get better results using one, and how to keep your brushes working well for many years. You’ll also learn what brushes work best with different types of finish.

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Many woodworkers use only one finishing tool—a cloth. That is a shame, because applying a finish with a brush has many advantages: You build up a protective finish much faster; you can…