Color Swatch LabGear · CSL–G09
Paint brushes buying guide
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The brush is the one tool where quality is easy to feel. A good brush holds more paint, releases it smoothly and does not shed bristles into your finish. Brush shape matters too: angled brushes give control along edges, flat brushes cover broad trim surfaces.
Bristle type matters. In general, nylon or nylon-polyester blends are favored for water-based paint, while natural bristle is traditionally used with oil-based paint. Check the label on the brush and the paint can.
Angled brushes for cutting in
Who it is for: anyone painting walls next to ceilings, trim or corners.
An angled sash brush is the single most useful brush for wall painting.
- Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush, 2-inchfor cutting in along trim, corners and ceiling lines. (View on Amazon)
- Purdy XL Dale angled sash brush, 1 in. (144080310)a narrow angled brush for tight trim and small sample boards. (View on Amazon)
- Second angled sash brush for cutting ina second angled sash brush for cutting-in. (Search on Amazon)
- Angled sash brush, 2.5 in., for latex paintan angled brush option for latex paint. (Search on Amazon)
Flat and general-purpose brushes
Who it is for: doors, baseboards and trim faces.
A flat brush covers broad surfaces quickly and leaves fewer lap marks.
- Wide flat brush, 3 in., for doors and trim facesa flatter, wider brush for doors and trim faces. (Search on Amazon)
- General-purpose flat sash brusha general-purpose brush for walls and trim. (Search on Amazon)
- Linzer 2870-2 angled sash brush, 2 in.a budget angled brush for occasional jobs. (View on Amazon)
Foam brushes and small jobs
Who it is for: samples, furniture and touch-ups.
Disposable foam brushes leave a smooth finish and need no cleaning.
- Sponge (foam) brushes, 2 in., wood handle (10-pack)disposable brushes for sample boards and small touch-ups. (View on Amazon)
- WHIZZ premium foam concave mini rollers, 4 in. (10-pack)smooth finish on doors, cabinets and furniture. (View on Amazon)
- 4-inch mini roller with coverfor trim, doors, cabinets and touch-ups. (Search on Amazon)
Edge tools
Who it is for: people who struggle to cut in freehand.
Edgers are no substitute for technique, but some find them helpful.
- Shur-Line paint edger replacement padsa pad tool some people use to cut a straight line along ceilings. (View on Amazon)
- Paint edger with a guide wheelan edger with a guide for lines along trim. (Search on Amazon)
- Handy Paint Pail kit with disposable liners and brusha handheld cup for cutting in without a heavy can. (View on Amazon)
Brush care
Who it is for: anyone who wants a brush to last more than one job.
Clean brushes right after use and store them flat or hung.
- Paint brush comb and cleaning toolremoves dried paint from bristles when you clean up. (Search on Amazon)
- Purdy paint brush and roller spinner (140755200)flings water from rollers after washing them. (View on Amazon)
- Klean-Strip odorless mineral spirits, 1 galcleans oil-based paint from tools. (View on Amazon)
FAQ
- What size brush should I buy for cutting in?
- A 2 to 2.5 inch angled brush suits most walls. Smaller brushes give more control in tight spaces.
- Nylon or natural bristle?
- Nylon or nylon-blend brushes are typically recommended for water-based paint and natural bristle for oil-based. Check the brush label.
- How do I keep a brush from shedding?
- Buy a better-quality brush, flick loose bristles off before painting and avoid pressing it hard against surfaces.
- Can I reuse a brush between coats?
- Wrap it in plastic wrap or a bag and keep it airtight for a few hours, or wash it between coats.
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