I always prefer spraying over brushing to avoid adding any roller or brush marks if possible.  

Patrick, go to Autozone on Jackson Ave with a paint brush in your hand or find the guy with paint on their clothes.  

I was working on a flip last summer, we sprayed the house in a couple of hours, the next door neighbor was using a brush, took him a couple of months.

Don't go cheap on a brush either.  

As for painting, don't buy cheap brushes or roller covers. 

I would imagine you had success with your mural because it was a lot of brush work, and the paint was properly loaded.Go to your local Sherwin Williams and ask for pro block oil base primer.

Since I don't own a texture spray gun anymore I just do a "random" drag on mine, no 2 square yards look alike.I just take a heavy texture brush and dip it into slightly thinned joint compound and "splook" it onto the ceiling.

So far have replaced drop ceilings and wood paneling with smooth painted surfaces, replaced brass fixtures and hardware with brushed nickel, installed high efficiency toilets and shower heads.

So long as it's not a "real" mortgage they just brush it off as irrelevant.

@Engelo Rumora I wasn't trying to start any banter, I just thought your statement was a little broad-brushed, sorry if my sarcasm bled through the keyboard...I would love to meet up when you are in town.