California Painting and Decorating Contractor (C-33) License Practice Exam

Natural hog bristle brushes, like a China bristle brush, have the highest paint-holding capacity because their bristles are porous and have rough, split ends that trap and hold more paint. This structure lets the brush carry a larger load into each stroke, which is especially advantageous when using oil-based paints or varnishes where you want substantial paint transfer in one pass. Foam brushes hold very little paint and are used for small areas or quick jobs; nylon and other synthetic bristles are smoother and don’t hold as much paint as natural hog bristle, though they perform well with water-based finishes.