It may seem like a simple thing, but finding the best paint brush is an equally difficult task as it is important. You may not realise but the paint brush you use can have a significant impact on the quality of a decorating project you are undertaking. Our recommendation when you go to buy any paint brush is get the best you can afford. The difference in quality between cheap brushes & good quality brushes is huge, & in the scheme of a decorating project, the price will be negligible.
There are two main types of paint brushes:
As the name would suggest, natural bristle paint brushes are made from natural sources such as animal hair. They are designed for use with oil-based paints and due to their split ends that can achieve a non streak finish.
A synthetic bristle paint brush is made of nylon, polyester or a mix of both and is perfect for use with water-based paints rather than solvent-based paints. It's hard-wearing bristles maintain their shape for an excellent smooth finish. Traditionally not for oil or solvent based paints, new synthetic brushes are just as effective as natural bristle brushes, which have gone out of favour in recent years.
We evaluated paint brushes based on smooth performance, bristle type, and durability to help you find the best options for your next painting project.
Next, consider the area you are painting. Painting trim and corners will require a smaller brush with angled bristles. Larger areas will require a larger brush, often with a flat edge. If your project is on the larger side, consider buying a set of paintbrushes with multiple sizes and edge shapes included.
Synthetic materials like nylon or polyester result in firmer bristles, which are better for painting exteriors and rough surfaces with water-based paints. A combination of the two is a great choice for all paints, stains, solvents, and projects.
When shopping, the type of paint you are using and where you are painting are top determinants. Paintbrushes come with natural or synthetic bristles or a combination of both. Natural bristles, often called Black or White China, work best with oil-based paints.
If you want the most professional-looking results possible from a DIY paint job, you need to start not only with high-quality paint and brushes. A good brush can be the difference between a smooth, even coat of paint and a bristle-marked, blotchy finish.
Best Overall
Purdy XL Sprig Paint Brush
PHOTO:
Amazon
$18 at Amazon
$24 at Walmart
$17 at Lowe's
What We Like
Smooth, even coverage
Available in many sizes and shapes
Soft, yet firm bristles
Can be used with different paint types and finishes
What We Don't Like
Not great for large areas
Even professional painters love Purdy paint brushes; these high-quality brushes perform. The Purdy XL Sprig ("sprig" refers to the handle's shape, which is a traditional "beaver tail" design) and the brush's ferrule (where it connects to the handle) is copper, and the handle is made from alder wood.
The brush has nylon/polyester bristles tapered just right to pick up a good amount of paint, and then deposit it evenly across most surfaces without annoying drag or stroke marks. You'll appreciate the just-right stiffness of the bristles. They're firm enough to hold up to a wide range of surfaces, temperatures, and humidity levels, but soft enough to hold a lot of paint and lay it down smoothly.
Use the brush with any water-based, latex, or oil-based paint, primer, shellac, lacquer, varnish, or sealant. Once you're done with your project, the brush cleans up easily for use on further painting tasks. It comes in several sizes, including 2-inch, 2.5-inch, and 4-inch, but for painting walls or other large, flat surfaces, the 3-inch brush is big enough to get the job done quickly, but not so large that it's difficult to control.
Bristles: Nylon/polyester | Available Sizes: 2, 2.5, 3, 4 inches | Available Shapes: Flat, angle | Best Use: All types of water-based and oil-based products
Best Budget
Bates Professional Brush Set
PHOTO:
Amazon
$9 at Amazon
$14 at Walmart
View on Bateschoice.com
What We Like
Very reasonable price
Set of four common sizes
Easy to clean
Works with any type of paint
What We Don't Like
Shedding can occur
If you just want a set of brushes to tackle a quick paint job, look no further than the Bates Professional Brush Set. For one low price, you get four synthetic-bristled paint brushes: one 1.5-inch sash brush, and three flat brushes in sizes 2-inch, 2.5-inch, and 3-inch. Armed with these brushes and a can of paint, you'll be ready to tackle any common DIY projects.
The brushes are suited to any type of paint, whether water-based or oil-based. And at such a low price, if you aren't in the mood to clean them, they can be considered disposable. They do clean up well, but because of the affordability, slight shedding may occur.
Bristles: Synthetic | Available Sizes: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 inches | Available Shapes: Flat, angle | Best Use: All types of water-based and oil-based products
Best for Exteriors
Purdy Pro Extra Monarch
PHOTO:
Amazon
$26 at Amazon
$30 at Walmart
$21 at Lowe's
What We Like
Sturdy, stiff bristles
Moisture-wicking handle
Suited for oil- or water-based paint
What We Don't Like
Not great for trim work
Exterior painting often means rough surfaces, such as wood, stucco, concrete, brick, or siding. That calls for a brush with stiff, durable bristles capable of picking up and holding a great deal of paint, and then laying it down smoothly and evenly without fraying or splitting. And that's the kind of performance you can expect from a Purdy Pro Extra Monarch Paint Brush.
While the 3-inch brush is ideal for large, flat surfaces such as walls, you'll also find the brush in sizes 1-inch, 1.5-inch, and 2-inch. All have nylon/Chinex/polyester bristles suited to any oil-based or water-based product. The moisture-wicking alder wood handle is a traditional beaver tail shape, but Purdy makes the same brush with other styles of handle as well. While this paintbrush is the most expensive on our list, it's an excellent option for rough surfaces.
Bristles: Nylon/Chinex/polyester | Available Sizes: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 inches | Available Shapes: Flat, angle | Best Use: All types of water-based and oil-based products
Best for Trim
Wooster Silver Tip Sash Brush
PHOTO:
Amazon
$11 at Amazon
$11 at Home Depot
$12 at Walmart
What We Like
Ultra-smooth finish
Multiple edge shapes available
Can paint gloss or semi-gloss finishes
What We Don't Like
Thin bristles hold less paint
Painting trim calls for an angled brush, which smooths along edges and angles easily and precisely. The Wooster Silver Tip Sash Brush is one of the best you'll find for the task, and it is a favorite of professionals and DIYers alike.
Unlike most polyester bristles, these Wooster-exclusive bristles are extra-fine and soft, making it easy to achieve perfectly smooth results, even when painting with difficult semi-gloss or gloss finishes, and the thin, angled edge lays down clean lines, even when working in small or tight areas. Just be aware that thinner bristles mean the brush holds less paint, so you'll have to continually dip into the paint.
While the 2.5-inch angle brush is ideal for most trim jobs, you'll also find the same brush in 1-inch, 1.5-inch, and 2-inch sizes. It can be used with any type of paint.
Bristles: Polyester | Available Sizes: 1, 2, 2.5, 3 inches | Available Shapes: Flat, angle | Best Use: All types of water-based and oil-based products
Best for Corners and Tight Spots
Wooster Shortcut Angled Brush
PHOTO:
Amazon
$7 at Amazon
$7 at Home Depot
$9 at Walmart
What We Like
Short handle is easy to hold
Maneuvers well in tight spaces
Suitable for smooth and rough surfaces
What We Don't Like
Not available in other sizes and shapes
Most paint brushes have fairly long handles, which makes it easy to paint in long, smooth strokes. But there are times when you need a more focused approach, such as when tackling a corner, painting between two closely spaced windows, painting narrow trim or other details, or painting a tightly confined area. For those situations, you can't beat the easy-to-hold and easy-to-maneuver Wooster Shortcut.
This 2-inch sash brush has nylon/polyester bristles that handle any paint, stain, or finish, producing a smooth coat of paint, even over rough surfaces. But what really sets the Shortcut apart from other paintbrushes is its short, stubby handle. At only around 2 inches in length, and with a rubbery easy-to-grip coating, the handle fits securely within your grip, making it very easy to control the brush movements precisely.
Bristles: Nylon/polyester | Available Sizes: 2 inches | Available Shapes: Angle | Best Use: All types of water-based and oil-based products
Best Flexible Handle
Goto Cohwa to know more.
Richard Goose Neck Paint Brush
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Amazon
$19 at Amazon
$24 at Walmart
View on Hydestore.com
What We Like
Perfect for painting up high
Threaded for extension pole
Flexible, soft grip handle
What We Don't Like
Not available in other sizes or shapes
The rigid handles of most paint brushes are perfectly adequate when painting an easily reached spot. But when working up high, especially when painting the ceiling, the top of the wall, or an awkward spot above a window or other obstacle, you'll appreciate the ingenious design of the Richard Goose Neck Paint Brush.
This 2.5-inch angled brush has nylon/polyester bristles that pick up and deposit both oil-based and water-based paints evenly and smoothly.
But where this brush differs from the rest is in its handle, which is a flexible, soft-grip material that bends as much or as little as you'd like, making it easy to adjust the angle of the brush to the surface you are painting. Not only that, but the handle is also threaded, so you can attach any standard extension pole for painting way up high.
Bristles: Nylon/polyester | Available Sizes: 2.5 inches | Available Shapes: Angle | Best Use: All types of water-based and oil-based products
Best for Walls
Wooster Chinex FTP Flat Paint Brush
PHOTO:
Amazon
$22 at Amazon
View on Paintsupply.com
What We Like
Ideal for low-VOC paints
Very easy to wash
Stiff bristles reduces drag
What We Don't Like
Too large for corners
Many painters today are reaching for paints with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). While low-VOC paints are friendlier to the environment and produce far less smelly fumes than older types of paints, they also dry much faster, which can leave streaked or blotchy results, especially if you are new to DIY painting.
However, the Wooster Chinex FTP brushes are specifically designed to handle paints with low or no VOCs, thanks to the very stiff bristles with full, soft tips. This decreases the "drag" on the brush, leaving a clean, even line of paint.
This 3-inch brush is the perfect size for painting walls, as the brush is big enough to handle large, flat surfaces quickly and easily, but not so large that it's hard to control. The DuPont Chinex bristles are extremely durable and wash up very easily, making this a brush you can use over and over again.
Bristles: Chinex | Available Sizes: 3 inches | Available Shapes: Flat | Best Use: Low-VOC water-based paints and stains
Best Foam Paint Brush
Bates 16-Piece Foam Paint Brush Set
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Amazon
$6 at Amazon
View on Bateschoice.com
What We Like
Comes in a set of 16
Chiseled edge
Foam distributes paint evenly
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for oil-based paints
You aren't likely to paint a wall with a foam paint brush, but these inexpensive tools are ideal for touching up chipped paint, smoothing paint along trim, painting furniture, or painting difficult-to-reach small spots like railings on staircases. And with the 16-pack from Bates, you'll always have a brush on hand when you need it.
The foam brush is 2 inches wide and has a slightly chiseled edge for smooth application of any type of paint, varnish, stain, or similar product. The foam holds up well, without shredding or tearing as many lesser foam brushes do, and it is securely glued to the wooden handle. However, this is not the best option for oil-based paints.
Bristles: Foam | Available Sizes: 2 inches | Available Shapes: Flat | Best Use: All types of water-based and oil-based products
Best for Oil-Based Paint
Purdy White Bristle Sprig Paint Brush
PHOTO:
Amazon
$17 at Amazon
$15 at Lowe's
View on Hardwareworld.com
What We Like
Suited to all types of oil-based products
Soft bristles for a smooth finish
Comfortable grip
What We Don't Like
Not suited for latex- or water-based paints
If you are working with an oil-based product, you'll find that natural bristles, with their slightly split ends and springy texture, do the best job. And among the many natural-bristled brushes available, it's hard to beat Purdy's white bristle brush. This high-quality paint brush has exceptionally soft bristles, providing the smoothest finish possible.
The 2.5-inch flat brush is perfect for applying oil-based products to walls, trim, furniture, or floors, but this brush is also available in 2-inch and 3-inch sizes, as well as angled. Use it for oil-based paints, shellacs, varnishes, lacquers, stains, and sealers.
Bristles: White China | Available Sizes: 2, 2.5, 3 inches | Available Shapes: Flat, angle | Best Use: Oil-based products
Best for Decks and Fences
Perdura Deck Boss
PHOTO:
Amazon
$40 at Amazon
View on Paintlifesupply.com
What We Like
Threaded for extension pole
Large surface coverage
Paints over irregular surfaces
What We Don't Like
Less precise than smaller brushes
When painting interior walls, trim, wooden kitchen cabinets, or other common projects, you'll typically use a paintbrush that's 2-3 inches across. Some larger projects call for a brush as wide as 5 inches.
But for the biggest, most tedious jobs, such as staining, sealing, or painting a wooden deck, concrete floor, or wooden fence, you can get the task done as quickly as possible while still retaining professional-looking results with the Perdura Deck Boss, which boasts a whopping 7-inch-wide by 2-inch-thick head of polyester bristles.
You can use the brush with water-based or oil-based stain, sealer, or paint, and it's threaded to fit just about any universal extension pole to save wear and tear on your back. The Deck Boss lays down a thick, even coat of stain or paint on both wood and concrete, even over rough or irregular surfaces.
Bristles: Polyester | Available Sizes: 7 inches | Available Shapes: Flat | Best Use: Water-based and oil-based paint, sealer, and stain
Best for Stain
Wooster Bravo Stainer
PHOTO:
Amazon
$16 at Amazon
$19 at Home Depot
View on Mscdirect.com
What We Like
Holds a lot of stain
Threaded for extension pole
Suitable for multiple surfaces
What We Don't Like
Can be messier than other brushes
If your project involves stain, sealer, or wood toner, whether oil-based or water-based, you need a brush that is specifically designed to lay down a smooth, even coat of these thin products. And that's just what the Wooster Bravo Stainer is designed to do. With a blend of both white China and polyester bristles, you can paint even rough surfaces without fear of the brush becoming ragged or frayed.
The handle unscrews to allow you to substitute an extension pole if desired, making this a good choice for staining decks, siding, or other large surfaces. And while the 4-inch brush is perfect for most DIY projects, you'll also find the brush in sizes 2.75-inch, 4.75-inch, and 5.5-inch. However, as the brush gets larger, it becomes less precise and more messy.
Bristles: White China/polyester | Available Sizes: 2.75, 4, 4.75, 5.5 inches | Available Shapes: Flat | Best Use: Water-based and oil-based stain, sealer, wood toner
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