Following are the most frequently asked questions we receive from consumers. We try to answer all questions that come our way, but these are the most common and should satisfy most of your inquiries. However, if you have any other questions, please call and we will try to answer as best we can.

1. Why does it look like this? The brush looks different because it was designed to fit the hand….to allow better control. "The Brush" and the "SmartBrush" are the result of research that took into account ergonomic considerations and needs of professional painters and novice painters. Specialists in musculoskeletal disorders and alignment gave direction in the early stages of development and also after the designs had been completed. They evaluated the brush for results and performance against strict criteria. The result is the brush design that you see here.

2. What is the difference between the wooden handle and the plastic? After our initial designs were modeled and then molded in plastic, there were requests by professional painters to design a wooden version that offered the same advantages. Wood seemed to be requested because of its traditional appeal and feel. There are some differences in that all of the control points of the plastic cannot be built in wood, but the feel is similar and the results are the same.

3. What is the advantage of the different bristles? There are many different bristle varieties available in paintbrushes. Please see our section on paintbrush selection for specifics on this topic. The bottom line is that certain bristles work best with certain materials to obtain the best results.

4. Can I order over the Internet? Many of our customers buy our products over the Internet. It is simply a matter of opening the "order" section and following the instructions.

5. Where can I find your products in my area? Please go to the "contact us" section of this web site and contact us by phone, fax or Internet and we can identify outlets in you area.

6. Where can I go to learn more about ergonomics? On this web site, we have some material about ergonomics. On your web browser, type in the word "ergonomic" and you will be given many places to visit that deal with the subject. Some sites to visit are: ergoweb, ergo.human.cornell, EiD and 9.

7. Is there a right and a left-handed model? At Proform we would be remiss in not addressing all consumer needs, including specific "handedness". Our brushes work for both right and left handed painters. We actually call them "no handed" so as not to infer specific use or bias.

8. Why is this better than a regular paintbrush? Standard brush handle designs were made to accommodate the bristles, not the hand. With the help of professional painters and do it yourselfers, Proform designed a handle that was made to fit the natural position of the hand when painting. The result is better, faster painting with less stress.

9. Is the plastic material for the handle durable? Polypropylene is used for the molded handle of The Brush. It is a very durable material that is resistant to the paints being applied and the cleaning solutions used afterwards. If properly cleaned and taken care of, The Brush should last for years. There is a slight texture to the handle, which also allows for a firm grip.

10. Are there going to be other models soon? Currently, there are several variations of Proform ergonomic brushes in the design and patent phase. You should see these models soon. Look for them in the new product section of this web site.

11. What else does Proform do? Proform is a marketing and design firm that specializes in developing ergonomic solutions to workplace problems...especially hand tools. We identify those things that we "put up with" because it has always been that way and say "why"? Look for other tools at this web site in the near future. Also, please call at any time with ideas or questions.