How to hold a Pinstriping Brush For Fun And Profit

By Unkl Ian

Some guys are struggling,and have asked how to do this. If you already know how,that's great.If you do it differently,that's great too.

This isn't the only way,but might help someone.

Here is a Mack Series 20,that I chose because it was bigger,so it would be easier to see. Notice how I hold the brush with 2 fingers,above the ferrule. For doing straight lines,my finger tips just touch the flat at the end of the handle. The other three fingers support your hand while you are striping.

Your fingers touch the surface first, then the brush. Notice how much of the brush is in contact with the panel, and the angle of the handle.

Then you just pull the brush back towards you. Your 3 fingers support your hand to maintain consistant pressure on the brush.

To make a Striping Brush turn is the one thing that beginners will struggle with.

I start by holding the brush just a fraction higher on the handle, so my fingers do not contact the flat above the ferrule. That way it is easier to roll the brush between my fingers.

I've drawn a circle around an 8 oz 1-Shot can,and will follow that line. Also switched to a Mack Series 20,that I have trimmed so it will turn tighter. Notice the dramatic difference in the angle of the handle, and the amount of brush in contact with the panel.

Notice how I've twisted the handle about 90 degrees, while I've only done about 45 degrees of the circle. Also notice the handle is leaning to the outside of the circle.

We are now approaching 180 degrees,and my fingers would be close to getting in the paint.

Here is the "hand over hand" method. The left hand rests on a dry part of the panel,the right hand can move forward and backwards over the design.

This method is used by John Hannukaine. The left hand supports and steadys the right hand, only the 2 baby fingers touch the panel. I find this awkward,but sometimes it is the best way.

And finally,an old sign painters trick. The Mahl stick. Mine is a homebuilt POS cobbled together from stuff I got at Home Depot for $5 It's long enough to just fit in my box,but doesn't take up much space. You can buy real nice ones,in aluminum or even Carbon Fiber, if you look around. Wrapping the ends in leather is a good idea,so you don't mark the panels.

One end of the Mahl stick touches the surface,the other end is supported by the left hand. Right hand rest on the Mahl stick. This allows you to work directly above a completely wet design, without worrying about your fingers getting in the paint. I save this for when I've painted myself into a corner.