How to Choose the Right Paintbrush for Any Project

Angular-style brushes are also great for getting into tight corners and other hard-to-reach areas, or when painting crisp lines along trim, ceilings and baseboards.

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Flat-style brushes should be used on projects that require long strokes on large continuous surfaces.

Large-size brushes cover greater surface area more efficiently when a roller cover isn't ideal, like on fences or curved surfaces.

Short-handled brushes are ideal for painting in cramped spaces like corners, cabinets and trim. Purdy® Cub brushes, for example, feature short, lightweight alderwood handles that provide better control when doing precision work in tight spaces.

Paintbrushes for smooth surfaces are soft, versatile brushes, like those in the XL® lineup. Great for use both indoors and out, these brushes include medium-stiff filaments designed for latex and oil-based paints, primers and stains, are easy to clean and withstand years of use.

Or reach for one of the Purdy Clearcut® Elite' brushes which deliver excellent paint release and superb cleanability, ideal for use with heavy-bodied and Low VOC paints, but are compatible with a variety of surface types and textures.

Rough, textured surfaces such as stucco or brickwork require a stiffer, more durable brush, such as a Purdy Pro-Extra® or Chinex® Elite'.

The right handle design can help you stay comfortable and productive for the entirety of your project.

Rattail handles are long, skinny and held like a pencil.

Fluted handles are square with cut-off corners to rest easier in your hand.

Want more information on types of paint brushes for walls? Feel free to contact us.

Beavertail handles are thick and round to fit nicely in the palm of your hand.

Short handles are for painting in tight spots where a longer handle would get in the way.

Choosing the right paintbrush for your next project can be daunting but can make all the difference in your finished project. The hardware store shelves are lined with hundreds of paintbrushes with a multitude of options, so how do you know which brush to pick? Knowing and using the type of brush that will perform best for your project will make the selection process easy and provide you with an exceptional painting experience. The most important factor in determining which paintbrush is best for your project depends on the type of coating you're using.

Type of Coating: Water-Based

Latex paints are the most common type of paint on the market. Synthetic brushes are recommended for latex and acrylic paints and water-based wood finishes. Synthetic brushes are available in a variety of filaments including Chinex®, nylon, nylon/polyester blend and polyester. Chinex® and nylon brushes are designed for today's paints and offer superior paint pick up and production with a smooth, professional finish and easy cleanup. 

Chinex® brushes are the most durable and will maintain their stiffness for control even when exposed to heat and humidity. Nylon brushes are very durable but will soften in hot weather or after prolonged use in latex paint. Polyester brushes will maintain their shape and control when exposed to heat but have lower paint pick up and production meaning you will spend more time loading your brush. 

Also, today's paints contain more acrylic resins and fast-drying solids which stick to polyester making them difficult to clean and limit the life of the brush. A nylon/polyester blend brush combines all the positive qualities of nylon (precise tipping, excellent paint pick up and smooth finish) and polyester (added stiffness and control) and is the most popular professional paintbrush choice due to their all-around versatility.

Types of Coating: Oil-Based

Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, oil stains and oil-based polyurethanes. The highest quality bristles come from mainland China. Experienced, traditional painters will say there's nothing like the finish that a China bristle can provide for oil-based coatings. If you're painting a smooth surface, use a White China Bristle for a super-smooth finish.

When painting a textured surface, a Black China Bristle will work best because it's slightly stiffer, more durable, and is excellent for high-productivity applications. If you need to paint a rough surface, natural bristle brushes are not recommended. Rough surfaces will break the tips off of natural bristle and will ruin the brush. A synthetic, nylon brush is best for this application even when using oil-based coatings because of its high durability and resistance to wear on rough surfaces.

The Wooster Brush Company offers quality brushes for every variety of coating available, but different brushes excel in specific applications. If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact our Customer Service Department.

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