2014 JULY 2014 FREE PROPreview PRO TOOLS Painting, evolved. Proform BLAZE TRIM BRUSH FIRMNESS SOFT Hands-on with Proform Blaze CB-2.5
Forget Everything! Painting trim just got a whole lot easier W hen painters who are geared to want to learn (like those of you reading this,) you have to be ready to separate the smoke from the mirrors, which may or may not be easy. And there are those predisposed to distraction who desperately want to thrust ahead at the expense of learning. Who will glance over content and ask questions already answered. Even worse, try something on their jobs without fully understanding how things work. And there s more of them than you (us). Most of those people really are here for good reasons: they want to learn, they ve come to discover, they seek support from other professionals. Determining the filament threshold between using a trim brush or a wall brush isn't always black and white. For others, they ll use anything, anywhere. More often than not, it takes forgetting what we re used to when trying something different. by Brian Havanas
Proform Blaze CB-2.5 Proform is THE leader in innovative paint brush design and technology. The BLAZE series of brushes incorporate oval ferrules with premium performance filaments. The keyword here is premium performance, and used rightfully. The oval ferrules provide a larger reservoir to hold paint to cover the maximum area with each load. The filaments are PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) which offer many of the same properties of Nylon, however, PBT absorbs very little water; allowing PBT to retain stiffness. No more bent tips for you. If you are familiar with the Picasso, the BLAZE filaments also have excellent bend recovery in high heat, provide excellent resistance to solvents, and clean up easily. Like the Picasso, the BLAZE may have a learning curve. This is especially true if you never used any brushes except mainstream brushes found at the local convenient store. Proform s brushes are designed different. They utilize cutting-edge technology in brush design including, filament type, blends, and very fine tip finishing.
Proform Blaze CB-2.5 Chemical filament tapering allows for more control over sharpness and length of each filament, providing the highest quality tapered filaments on the market. How these brushes stand out from others is quickly witnessed in the sharpness of cut, laying-off fine finishes, speed, accuracy and load capacity with effortless release. The BLAZE has a nice balance of springiness without compromising stability to gage proper millage with incredible accuracy if you re into that sort of thing. The stability of the brush comes from a generous, evenly distributed footprint when pressed gently against the surface. Unlike thin wimpy brushes, the BLAZE provides easier control of freehand cuts despite its overall softer feel. How does the BLAZE compare to the Picasso? The BLAZE is very similar in feel when cutting-in despite having 1/4 inch shorter filaments. For a performance demonstration of sharpness and length of cut similar to the Picasso, take a look at this 3 minute video. BLAZE
PRODUCT PREVIEW Proform Blaze CB-2.5 It s not just a brush anymore We ve talked endlessly for years about Proform s Picasso PIC1 and for good reason. Recently the Wyoming company introduced their newest brush, BLAZE. Since Proform made their mark with the Picasso designed for professionals like you, we ve seen production and the quality of cut reach unbelievable levels. Proform s mission was obvious from the start when they made the world s first angled oval brush. The company was determined to be different and cutting-edge. They recognized what the world didn't need was just another paint brush. And Proform delivered, again. Proform also recognizes the advantages of eliminating flagged tipping. Just like the needle-like tipping seen on the Picasso, the BLAZE also has the same sharpness at the tip extending from what seems like micro-filaments. The filaments are something you simply won t see in mainstream brushes around every corner on the block. You are more likely to seek this brush out online. A paint store not carrying Proform brushes is like a gas station not selling gas. The BLAZE has a highly responsive soft springy feel similar to the Picasso, but about 1/4 inch shorter in length-out. Best performance is obtained in lower viscosity product in the 95-105 KU range as well as water-base clears. Another advantage of the BLAZE is the ability to help level some of the worst leveling trim products. There s a lot to like about the BLAZE, but its not perfect for every job. Where not to use: The BLAZE is not for cutting-in heavy flat paints going over cheap flat paints. Usage Recommended for 9 Beaver tail Synthetic Brush Firmness Rating www.jackpauhl.com Firmness VERDICT Soft Medium Trim General Purpose General Purpose Exteriors water-base clears, sealers, thinner products cutting-in, thin to medium paints and primers* cutting-in, oil-base primers, bare wood, thick or tacky product Exterior, high heat, oil-base primers, bare wood Most Popular Med-Firm Extra-Firm