Kana Tank Paintbrush Review

The Kana tank was designed to be used in stain, oil and varnish. Traditionally this type of brush would be made completely from natural fibers (hog hair). However recently we have started to see more and more manufacturers produce synthetic brushes for oil and stain. There are plus points for both types of material.

My Review

The Kana Tank has an easy grip handle and plastic ferrule meaning you can use this paintbrush comfortably for long periods of time. It also has a party trick – The Kana Tank has a core of dense natural fiber bristles which are surrounded by synthetics. It is easy to see why this has been done and its genius!! Paint pick-up is unreal! The natural fibers in this brush hold on to the material you’re using very nicely, distributing an even flow once called upon. The synthetic fibers hold their shape well against the core of the brush (with can be an issue for a lot of other brushes in varnish, stain and oil). You can also cut in with pinpoint accuracy and squaring up corners is made simple.

You don’t just apply stain, varnish or oil, there is an art to it. You manipulate the material and work it so there’s an even and thin layer over every bit of timber. Brush strokes need to be light and follow the grain. It is artwork and whoever designed this brush understands that.

If you want to just lay off and tidy brush marks on a piece of timber you have coated, you simply use the tip of this brush and it will not deposit any more material. If you do need more material, simply apply a little bit of pressure to the brush and your stain, varnish or oil will be squeezed out of the natural bristle core onto the timber. You feel as though you are always in complete control, more so than any other brush I have ever used.

There is one more thing to add. The Kana Tank holds a ridiculous amount of material!! Once you have a brush full, you seem to be able to go for miles with it. The material doesn’t seem to come out of the brush until you need it to. This may seem like an odd thing to say, but there are no drips and no flicks.

So, would I recommend it? Yes, on certain jobs. I think the Kana Tank is the best paintbrush for varnish, stain or oil on the market. Maybe not for cutting in intercut work, but certainly for larger timbers like doors, fascia boards and skirting. It is a joy to use.

All the Kana paintbrush range is available from Tool Station and a lot of different DIY / trade paint outlets. Click here to see online prices.

Summary

FAQs

What kind of brush do you use for stain?

A synthetic brush with a thick stock is good for applying stain. Natural bristled paint brushes also have an advantage because they’re better at holding onto thin material like stain and varnish. The Kana Tank is the best brush for stain in my opinion because it combines natural and synthetic bristles.

What is the best thing to apply stain with?

You need to work stain into the timber and lay-off in the direction of the grain (it’s very satisfying). You can use a foam roller or even a clean cloth, but a paint brush is far better.

Do you need a special paint brush for stain?

You need to think about which paint brush to use. The Kana Tank is perfect, but if you just want to grab something, then choose one with tight bristles. A lot of brushes now have space in between the bristles so that they hold onto paint. But this is no good for stain because the material is so thin.

How do you apply stain without brush marks?

If you’re experiencing brush marks in your stain, then there are a couple of things you can do. Diluting your stain will help. The other thing you can do is choose a more appropriate wood stain. Most are completely translucent, so don’t show brush marks. Click here for a guide to exterior woodstains.

Are foam rollers good for stain?

If you are painting large flat areas, then a foam roller will speed up the application of stain. However, you should still lay-off with a brush afterwards.

What do Other Decorators Think of the Kana Tank?