The Best Painting Brushes
Expert BioExpert Bio
Adam has a passion for cleaning from his youth growing up in England, and he has carried it with him to the US. Adam’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the Advanced System Cleaning specialist (For HVAC cleaning / ductwork), through NADCA (this is the highest certification that NADCA has), as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Adam has either advised, consulted, or done research with dozens of cleaning and cleaning related business entities. Adam holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford, a Master’s degree from Oxford, and a Master’s degree from Harvard Business School.
The Cleaning Institute
Paint can really liven up just about anything, but it’s the application process that adds the right finishing touch. Choosing a paint brush is a pivotal point in the painting process. The wrong one can turn a simple project into a disaster. We painted to our hearts’ content to ensure that we found the perfect paintbrush for every job.
Testing Categories
Reach
Paint brushes have a bad rap for leaving a mess when trying to reach into corners and edges, or around trims and ceilings. We tested each contender to ensure that they were easily maneuverable in those tight spaces, without leaking onto the other wall or being too tedious a task to deal with.
Coverage
This test doesn’t only take into account how much of the wall can be painted with a single fill up, as it also includes how evenly the paint is applied. We noticed that it wasn’t always the thickest brushes that had the highest quality coverage.
Grip
Painting can be enjoyable, but if it’s done for hours on end, it can become a real strain on your hands and wrists. We sifted through the numerous aches to find the brushes with just the right level of comfort.
Bristles
Not only do bristles contribute to how much paint can be held on each refill, they also determine the overall quality of your coat. If the brushes are poorly made, it can also cause blemishes on your finish.
Top Pick
Wooster Brush
Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle
Sash Paintbrush
A small but powerful brush with a fit so comfortable that the job will seem like it’s doing itself. Get professional results without the price tag.
Most notable upside: Expertly cuts in corners, edges, and more. Picks up a good amount of paint with minimal drips. Compact shape is perfect for any sized project. Can fit in a small storage bag to save paint and cleaning to allow breaks. Small handle allows for more control.
Biggest downsides: Bristles may fall out while working. Not suited for larger hands Can leave brush marks with some types of paint.
Honorable Mention
Pro-Grade Home
Wall/Trim House
Paint Brush Set
Every size you need to paint every room in the house, with quality bristles built for long lasting coverage. The perfect brush for every project together in one handy pack.
Most notable upside: Built for lasting use, the set is a great value. Paint goes on evenly to reduce the need for extra coats. Brushes can be washed out easily.
Biggest downsides: Doesn't hold much paint, so you have to refill more often. Bristles sometimes come loose during painting. Handle can feel a bit awkward in your hand.
Green Pick
Proform Technologies
P2.0AS 2-Inch Pro-Ergo Blend Angle
Sash Paint Brush
Unleash your inner artist with a paintbrush that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Good with all types of paint bases and sturdy steel ferrule keep bristles neatly in place.
Most notable upside: Handle has a contour fit that feels nice in hand. Sturdier than most brushes of the same size and shape. Able to complete different types of painting jobs using the same brush for corners and overall coverage.
Biggest downsides: Brush can feel a bit bulky. Has a difficult time reaching some areas. Bristles are too soft and sometimes cause extra coverage to be needed in the area.
All Our Picks
Tips for Choosing a Great Paint Brush
When searching for the right brush to start your project, there are a few key elements to look for before purchasing one. When it comes to a general brush that will help tackle just about any job, look for one that is around 2 and a half inches wide. The sash brush is the one that is most widely used, due to its angled bristles, making it ideal for straight lines and cutting in.
The material of the bristles does matter, and depending on the type of paint you are using, latex is the most common. Choose a soft nylon or nylon/polyester combo, as they work best, especially with latex based paints. Try to stay away from natural bristle brushes when working with latex, because they have a tendency to soak up water inside the paint and go limp. Speaking of bristles, these characteristics mark the ideal candidates:
- Dense brushes make for even better coverage.
- The brush should feel solid all the way through and bristles should be springy when bent at the bottom.
- A variety of lengths in bristles allows for a slim tip, which can make straighter, more clean lines.
- Look for tips that appear to have split ends, as they tend to hold a larger amount of paint.
A Note About Safety and Storage
If you want to reuse your paint brushes, ensure they are properly cleaned before storing them to preserve the quality of the bristles. Most paint can be washed off just by running the brush under a cool to lukewarm tap. If using latex-based paint, you will need soap as well to wash away the greasy feel.
Safe disposal of paint is an important part of the cleaning process. It is only safe to clean your brushes in a sink or tub if your home runs on a public sewage system. Do not dump outside or anywhere that may lead to seeping into groundwater.
Solvents like paint thinner should only be used sparingly on oil based paint when needed. Use small amounts at a time, and try not to leave open containers full of thinner.
Tip: If you are only taking a short break from your project, you can wrap your brushes in a plastic grocery sack or storage bag and put them in a cool place until you are ready to continue working.