I am going to paint a room-do decent brushes make a difference?

[Fillyjonk]

(I know...boom boom...brush jokes...)

seriously.

Can I just use the 49p-for-4000 ones from ikea? and the b&q value rollers? or do decent ones make a difference?

Brushes

Decent brushes won't shed as many hairs as cheap ones - with cheap, you will be stopping to pick out hairs all the time. Decent ones clean very well and ours have lasted years (Harris)

Rollers

I always use cheapo rollers and trays, the rollers can be a bit "fluffy" at first and you might have to pick some bits of fluff off the walls, but they soon settle in. IME rollers never really clean THAT well, so its not worth the expense.

Good luck!

Step away from the cheap brushes filly.

They'll leave hairs all over the place. You'll spend more time picking them ut of the paint.

Personally I'd go for paint pads. Paints a room in half the time, easier on the arms, spreads the paint out better.

ooh I've never used paint pads, are they good then?

Well MG, I always found brushes too slow and hard on the hands. Rollers seemed to flick paint all over at they roll. Pads are just great. I was introduced to them by an old couple who were major botchers so maybe a seasoned decorator would frown on them, but I can't think why.

PEaches, that old couple: t heir names weren't Sheila and Allan were they?

Thinking about it, they're tricky to clean, though i suppose no more than rollers... and I've never managed to get the refills to stay in the holder, so maybe they're too expensive in the long run.

No, I think it was Irene and Wilf....

Wilf. Now there's a name.

Wilf

I love old couples names together "Irene and Wilf"

They probably know Sheila and Allen though. Down the social club.

Sorry Filly, we're digressing aren't we.

talk more about paint pads pls

am using ecos paint though, does that make a difference?

ok am sold, what do I need?

You'll need a paint tray, as with a roller. The pads themselves come usually as a changeable thing, fixed into a black plastic holder with a handle on the back. To be honest, I usually just go to Homebase or B&Q and see what they've got. I think I've used the Homebase value ones before - can't remember which ones have worked well though.
Can't think why eco paints would make a difference other than a self satisfied feeling whilst painting

Personally IMHO paint pads are good in theory but I've never found them to stay in the holder.

I would recommend harris brushes - not that much more expensive but really worth the money and also I've just used a new type harris microfibre roller which is loads better than a cheapo.

I've always used pads and never had them fall out of the holder. Maybe you're being a bit over-enthusiastic Furball?

i like paint pads too. not as messy as rollers and no hairs like with brushes.

Another fan of pads here. Really easy and quick.

Half decent paint and either decent brushes or pads. Makes it all so much easier and less coats.

There are microfibre rollers now which are fab - they cost a bit more than the old cheapy fibrous ones but they hold loads of paint and wash out completely clean really easily so you can use them over and over.

Speaking from weary experience, if you are painting walls you need a 9" roller or else you'll be shagged out after 1 wall

Yes they do, value bumper packs are just a waste of time imo, use those and your'll end up with bits of hair stuck all over your paintwork. buy something in between, not too cheap, but not overally expensive.

Another vote for decent brushes or you will spend all your time picking out hairs, not to mention the fact that you WILL miss some and they will set into your nice new dried paint and destroy the finish when you just HAVE to pull them out!

The paint pads should lock onto the handle with a little lever, the only problem I have had with them is when the wheather is warm the paint dries too fast and they get sticky. DH hates them and insists on doing the last coat with a decent roller...not that I mind because ive usually lost the will to live halfway through wall one!

My dad, who's dad was a painter and decorator and my dad used to help him out when he was younger, recommends good quality brushes.

I once asked my dad what the best type of roller was to buy and he told me none, he always uses brushes, even for ceilings!
I don't have the patience or the stamina to paint ceilings with just a brush so I use a roller but I do all the walls with just a brush, I buy good quality ones, usually Harris as they last ages and wash really well. I hate washing rollers I usually buy a cheap one paint the ceilings then throw it out.

Another advocate of good quality brushes. The stray hairs will only drive you loopy. Not worth the extra few quid you can pay on half decent ones.

But if you do walls with a brush you get brushmarks!!! (Don't you? Or is that just me?)

With a roller you get a nice even kind of dotty effect. (Well I do.) Much nicer.

I'm a great fan of paint pads, very good if your walls are smooth and in good condition. Still have a good quality brush for doing the edges, can't remember what you call it?