The Complete Guide to Cling On Paint Brushes — What's All The Hype?!

I realise at the end of the day it's just a paint brush...but is it?

​Is it OK to call them life-changing? 

It took a bit of convincing for me to try a Cling On. I mistakenly thought they were a fad and truthfully, I've never been a big fan of synthetic brushes. But these babies are the Rolls Royce of brushes. The bees knees. They are the proverbial bomb!

​I also appreciate you don't have to marry up the right brush to the right paint. Cling On Brushes work beautifully with ANY water-based paint.

Developed in Holland by veteran painter Frank Michielsen in 2011, these handmade paint brushes slammed onto the international furniture painting a few years later arriving in Australia just last year.

One of the traits that makes them so special is that the filaments (bristles), are  shaped in such a way (chipped, flagged, tapered) that they minimise brushstrokes providing a smooth, even finish. In addition to exceptional coverage, they are designed for sharp cutting-in as well as excellent pick-up and release of paint.

Another amazing quality of the Cling On Paint Brushes is how much they LOVE water! For years I've stressed to my clients and Workshoppers to be diligent in taking care, cleaning brushes right away, wrapping them up, hanging them, etc...

With Cling Ons, you can LEAVE them in water and they like it?! Noooo, can this really be true?!

The bristles have a special coating so when immersed in water, the paint will "slide" off. They literally self-clean! Once finished painting, hang the brush in water (not touching the bottom) and change the water daily until the brush is clean. During this time the filaments suck water up to the ferrule where the paint dissolves and sinks. This also keeps paint from hardening high up the brush and ruining its shape.

If only everything cleaned itself!

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How to Choose the Right Shape Cling-On Brush

Available in Oval, Round and Flat shapes, Cling Ons are reasonably priced and every serious painter will want to grow their collection — especially after trying them! They're perfect for quick changes between colours; and are not just for furniture painting but also for general painting and can be used with any water-based paint.

The O35 or the R18  and F40 are perfect all-rounders but if working on primarily smaller projects like decor, the R12 is ideal. And if working on a piece with spindles or slats, do not walk but RUN  to a Round Brush. In my experience you will cut drag marks by half!

If you find the handle too cumbersome, simply give it the chop and cut off at the length you feel is most comfortable to your hand. 

Cling On Paint Brushes — FLAT

FLAT BRUSHES

F30: Traditional shape ideal for painting small areas


F40: The perfect all-purpose brush in a traditional shape. Great "starter" brush.

Cling On Paint Brushes — OVAL

OVAL BRUSHES

O35: A medium-sized brush, the perfect all-rounder. Start with this one!
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O45: Large brush for bigger projects, applies a lot of paint quickly. 
*Can be heavy for smaller hands
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Cling On Paint Brushes — ROUND

ROUND BRUSHES

R12: A small brush for smaller items and especially useful on spindles/turned legs. A must-have in every painters' collection!

R18: Medium brush for targeted areas or general painting, excellent all-rounder.
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Tips on Caring for Your Cling On Paint Brush

• Before using your Cling On Brush for the first time, submerge it in water for about 30 minutes. This provides the filaments with additional flex.

• When finished painting hang in water (feet not touching the bottom). Change water daily.

•  When ready to use again, spin the remaining water out and you're good to go!

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Soaking in water, the Cling On continues to clean itself of paint!

If you have any questions about Cling On Brushes, or any of our other paint brushes, send us an email or comment below and I'll be happy to help!
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It's all here...for the love...
Sada