Between colour-blocking and feature walls, statement skirting and eye-popping brights, painting the inside (and out) of your home has come on leaps and bounds since the magnolia days – although if neutrals are your thing, that’s fine too! What we really mean to say is that not all paint jobs are created equal, so why should the tools for the job be? We’ve rounded up the best paint brushes for lots of coverage, detailed work and more, so that you can find one to fit the decorating task at hand.
- Painting furniture? Check out our guide to how to paint furniture
- For the best paint to go with your best paint brush, go read our pick of the best furniture paint
If you’re relatively new to DIY, it might surprise you to know that different types of brushes are intended for use with different finishes of paint. For example, water-based paints require a paintbrush with synthetic bristles, while solvent-based paint is better applied with a natural bristle brush. We’ve noted down the compatibility for each of our picks to help eliminate the guesswork.
Another tip is to use an angled brush for small details such as window frames and sills, as these will allow you to get into every nook and cranny. Finally, it’s worth noting that natural bristle paint brushes take some time to break in for best results, so if you’re only buying for a single job, or infrequent small ones, synthetic may be a better option. With that in mind, keep reading for our roundup of the best paintbrushes and rollers.
1. Wooster Silver Tip Paintbrushes Set
Use with multiple paint types for smoothness and precision
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reviewers said these paintbrushes made cutting in superbly easy with their ability to give a crisp, clean edge, so if you’re planning on starting a big painting project, it’s worth picking up a pack of these to start the job off on the right foot. Screwfix customers cite them as the best they’ve used for oil-based, water-based paints and even varnish, saying the synthetic fibres glide beautifully and give an even finish with no marking or dragging. By all accounts, simply excellent all round.
2. Axus Décor Pointed Precision Brush Set
Take your cues from the Old Masters with these pointed brushes
Specifications
Reasons to buy
A narrow square-ended brush like the above can be a great thing when it comes to detailed painting work, but some people just feel more comfortable with pointed paint brushes, and we have to say, they can’t be beaten for a responsive feel. With that in mind, we present the Axus Décor Pointed Precision Brush Set, highly recommended by pleasantly surprised reviewers for windows, doors, fireplaces, frames, skirting boards and anywhere you want a sharp line when cutting in; they said they flowed well and kept their shape while in use.
3. Hamilton Performance Masonry Brush
For optimum performance on fascias, stonework and more
Specifications
Reasons to buy
This hard-wearing brush is engineered to stand up to the rigours of tough masonry paints, with durable bristles, a comfortable flat beavertail handle, and a wide, flat profile that aids in quick application on large surfaces. Users say it holds a lot of product, which certainly doesn’t hurt when it comes to getting the job done quickly, and found it excellent value for money, commending the lack of shedding, ease of cleaning, and ability to cope with tough materials on exterior walls.
4. Dulux Perfect Cover Roller and Paint Tray
This paintbrush alternative gives a smooth finish and oodles of coverage
Specifications
Reasons to buy
While not strictly a paint brush, we couldn’t very well write a list of recommended products for painting without including a mention for the noble roller. This one by Dulux is a far less back-breaking alternative to a brush for big jobs such as topping up the paintwork on an entire interior, or tricky-to-reach ones such as ceilings. The soft micropile fabric is intended to lay down paint smoothly without clinging, making for even coverage and a slick finish on both smooth and textured surfaces, while the grippy handle gives you control.
5. Wooster Silver Tip Angled Sash Paintbrush
Precision engineered for cutting in, this angled paint brush suits small jobs
Specifications
Reasons to buy
The tapered filament bristles on this angled paint brush, not to mention the angle itself, make for an ultra-precise finish on tricky corners and recesses, making this one of our best brushes for painting window sills, skirting boards, architraves and the like. Reviewers said using a brush specifically made for cutting in made all the difference, and that this one in particular was impressively easy to handle, quick to cover, quick to clean, and comfy to handle, especially for the bargain price!
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