Different Types of Paint Brushes
Not all paintbrushes are created equal, nor are they all the right fit for every job. Use this guide to determine the best brush for your project.
Types of bristles
The choice between natural bristles and synthetic bristles is important. As a rule of thumb, it's a good idea to use natural or mixed bristle brushes for oil-based paints and synthetic brushes for water-based paints. Here's why.
Natural bristles have sagging or splitting at the tips, which helps produce a smooth surface and hold a lot of paint. They are better for oil-based paints because the natural bristles are stronger and therefore more resistant to chemicals, allowing you to apply the paint without leaving marks.
Synthetic brushes are best for water-based paints because they don't draw moisture from water-based paints, making them easier to apply than using natural bristle brushes and won't leave marks and damage your surface. You can get synthetic brushes in a variety of different materials, such as nylon, polyester and mixtures of both, which are easy to use and clean.
Round Sash Brush
The round sash brush has a blunt, tapered tip with soft edges. It can cover a large area and is a favorite of faux and decorative finish painters, because the round shape gives greater control. Sizes, measured by the diameter of the bristle head, range from around 20 to 40 millimeters. Besides decorative painting, it’s also useful for small trim, like window muntins.
Angled Sash Brush
The bristles of an angled sash brush (sometimes called a "cutting brush") are cut at a slant, making it easier to paint clean lines. Use it for anything with grooves, like cabinets, furniture, or paneled doors, or when you are painting close to another surface, such as between window trim and walls.
Foam brushes are designed to absorb and hold all types of paints, stains, and urethanes. They give a smooth finish and are priced to throw away after the job is done. Use them on furniture, cabinetry, and trim.
Finishing Brush
A very soft brush made of ox hair or China bristle (or a material that mimics it), a finishing brush will provide a fine, smooth look. Use it for furniture finishes or final coats in places that will receive close and constant attention, like kitchen cabinets.
Flagged Bristle
A standard square-cut brush has bristles that are also cut square. Flagged bristles, on the other hand, are actually split at the ends and look fuzzy. The split ends create more surface area and allow the brush to hold more paint and to release the paint more smoothly, thus giving a cleaner finish.
A natural bristle brush, made of animal hair, is ideal for applying oil-based paints, urethanes, and shellac. The tips are naturally flagged, which helps to ensure a smooth finish. The stiffer bristles make applying thicker, more viscous products easier.
Synthetic Bristles
Brushes made with nylon or polyester bristles (or a nylon/polyester mix) work best with water-based latex paints and finishes. They hold their shape and stiffness, and last a long time with proper care. They are also easy to clean; often running water is all that’s required.
Short-Handled Trim Brush
A short-handled trim brush enhances control and makes painting trim or cutting easier, faster, and less fatiguing. It also allows for better maneuverability in tight spaces. Use it anywhere you’d use an angled sash brush. It’s especially helpful if you have a lot of trim to paint.
Types of bristles
The choice between natural bristles and synthetic bristles is important. As a rule of thumb, it's a good idea to use natural or mixed bristle brushes for oil-based paints and synthetic brushes for water-based paints. Here's why.
Natural bristles have sagging or splitting at the tips, which helps produce a smooth surface and hold a lot of paint. They are better for oil-based paints because the natural bristles are stronger and therefore more resistant to chemicals, allowing you to apply the paint without leaving marks.
The Chalk Paint Brush
Synthetic brushes are best for water-based paints because they don't draw moisture from water-based paints, making them easier to apply than using natural bristle brushes and won't leave marks and damage your surface. You can get synthetic brushes in a variety of different materials, such as nylon, polyester and mixtures of both, which are easy to use and clean.
Round Sash Brush
The round sash brush has a blunt, tapered tip with soft edges. It can cover a large area and is a favorite of faux and decorative finish painters, because the round shape gives greater control. Sizes, measured by the diameter of the bristle head, range from around 20 to 40 millimeters. Besides decorative painting, it’s also useful for small trim, like window muntins.
Angled Sash Brush
The bristles of an angled sash brush (sometimes called a "cutting brush") are cut at a slant, making it easier to paint clean lines. Use it for anything with grooves, like cabinets, furniture, or paneled doors, or when you are painting close to another surface, such as between window trim and walls.
Wood Handle Angle Paint Brush
Foam BrushFoam brushes are designed to absorb and hold all types of paints, stains, and urethanes. They give a smooth finish and are priced to throw away after the job is done. Use them on furniture, cabinetry, and trim.
Finishing Brush
A very soft brush made of ox hair or China bristle (or a material that mimics it), a finishing brush will provide a fine, smooth look. Use it for furniture finishes or final coats in places that will receive close and constant attention, like kitchen cabinets.
Flagged Bristle
A standard square-cut brush has bristles that are also cut square. Flagged bristles, on the other hand, are actually split at the ends and look fuzzy. The split ends create more surface area and allow the brush to hold more paint and to release the paint more smoothly, thus giving a cleaner finish.
Natural Bristle Flat Paint Brush
Natural BristleA natural bristle brush, made of animal hair, is ideal for applying oil-based paints, urethanes, and shellac. The tips are naturally flagged, which helps to ensure a smooth finish. The stiffer bristles make applying thicker, more viscous products easier.
Synthetic Bristles
Brushes made with nylon or polyester bristles (or a nylon/polyester mix) work best with water-based latex paints and finishes. They hold their shape and stiffness, and last a long time with proper care. They are also easy to clean; often running water is all that’s required.
Short-Handled Trim Brush
A short-handled trim brush enhances control and makes painting trim or cutting easier, faster, and less fatiguing. It also allows for better maneuverability in tight spaces. Use it anywhere you’d use an angled sash brush. It’s especially helpful if you have a lot of trim to paint.
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