Paint Brushes

Paint brushes are the go-to tool for precise control, crisp lines, and a smooth, professional finish on walls, trim, furniture, and craft projects. Whether you’re a DIY painter or a pro, choosing the right brush saves time, reduces drips, and improves coverage, especially around edges and details where rollers can’t reach.

Key types and uses:
- Angled sash brushes: Best for cutting-in along ceilings, corners, doors, and window casings.
- Flat brushes: Ideal for broad surfaces, doors, cabinets, and panels.
- Round/detail brushes: Helpful for spindles, moldings, and intricate profiles.
- Foam brushes: Great for touch-ups and ultra-smooth finishes on varnish or stain.

Match bristles to your paint:
- Synthetic bristles (nylon/polyester): Top choice for water-based/latex paints; resist swelling and maintain shape.
- Natural bristles (china/ox hair): Suited to oil-based paints, varnishes, and stains; hold more finish and lay it off smoothly.
- Flagged tips and tapered filaments improve paint pickup, release, and reduce brush marks.

Size and comfort matter. Use 1–1.5 in. for narrow trim, 2–2.5 in. for most trim and cutting-in, and 3–4 in. for larger areas. Look for a stainless-steel ferrule, a balanced wooden or ergonomic composite handle, and low-shed construction to minimize cleanup and improve results.

Care tips to extend life and performance:
- For latex paint, clean with warm soapy water; for oil-based, use mineral spirits.
- Comb bristles from ferrule to tip, reshape, and store in the original sleeve.
- Avoid soaking the ferrule; hang brushes to dry to prevent splaying.

Search-friendly picks like best paint brushes for trim, brushes for chalk paint, or staining brushes help you find the right tool fast. With proper selection and maintenance, a quality paint brush delivers clean edges, fewer coats, and a beautiful finish across interior and exterior projects.