Standing in the paintbrush aisle in your local DIY store, it can be daunting trying to decide which type of brush to choose for your painting project.
Firstly, you need to consider whether you’re going to use gloss or emulsion paint, as natural bristle brushes are better for solvent- or oil-based paints, such as gloss. Synthetic bristles are better for water-based paints as they are less likely to absorb water and swell. If you’re planning to paint woodwork, such as skirting boards or window frames, consider buying an angled brush that’s ideal for cutting in and giving a neat finish.
However, most DIYers start with a multipack of brushes for their everyday painting projects, so that’s what we focussed on in this test.
Ideally, you should look for a pack containing a 25mm brush for cutting in corners, a 38-40mm brush for painting along skirting boards and door frames, and a 50mm brush for large, flat areas of wall. We tested packs of three brushes from the major suppliers to find out which gave the best results.
For more DIY paint tips and advice, we've put together expert buyer's guides about the best chalk paint brushes for your upcycling projects, 10 of the best painting tools and how to paint and gloss a door.
What are the best paint brushes?
- Best overall GoodHome fine filament tip paint brush set | Buy now from B&Q, £9
- Best for woodwork Harris Seriously Good fine tip paint brush set | Buy now from B&Q, £10
- Best budget buy Wilko brush set | Buy now from Wilko, £4.50
- Best for quality Wooster silver tip paint brush set | Buy now from £32.84, Brewers
- Best for comfort Hamilton For The Trade synthetic paint brush set | Buy now from Toolstation, £7.69
GoodHome fine filament tip paint brush set
Score 10/10
- Buy now from B&Q, £9
Pros
- Resting lip feature to prevent paint transfer when the brush is laid down
- Dense bristles
- Comfy handle
- Eco credentials
Cons
- No textured grip on handle
The coverage was very good and we didn’t experience any bristle loss during painting.
Kit contains 25mm, 40mm, 50mm paintbrushes
This general purpose paint brush set is suitable for any surface or paint type, but we felt it was ideal for emulsion paints due to its deep, dense synthetic bristles. After combing through the synthetic brush with our fingers before starting work, we were pleased to see there was no bristle loss.
The polypropylene handle and nylon ferrule are made using 100% post consumer recycled plastic, and the contemporary design was noticeably different form the other brushes we tested. The handle was rounded, quite chunky and was very comfy to hold over long periods of time, although if you’re a messy painter, the lack of textured grips on the handle make it slippery to hold!
What we really loved about this brush was the resting feature - a raised lip on one side of the ferrule (see picture above) - which is designed to allow the brush to be placed onto flat surfaces whilst minimising paint transfer. It’s perfect for when you need to put your brush down when you go to make a cuppa. There's also a hole in the handle for hanging it up.
More like this
Are these brushes any good?
The dense bristles meant this brush had a high paint hold and release capacity, meaning we needed to re-load the brush less frequently. The coverage was very good and we didn’t experience any bristle loss during painting. Due to its streamlined design, the brush was really easy to clean with no tricky grooves where paint could build up.
Does this set offer value for money
Costing £9 for three, we felt these brushes offered great performance and comfort for the price.
- Buy now from B&Q, £9
Hamilton For The Trade synthetic paint brush set
Score 9/10
Pros
- Fine, long, dense bristles
- Comfortable FSC-certified wood handle
Cons
- Handle can get colour stained easily
- No hanging hole for storage
These brushes felt and performed like expensive professional brushes
Kit contains 25mm, 38mm, 50mm paintbrushes
With a good variety of sizes included, this set is suitable for use with all type of paint and varnish, making it a great all rounder.
The fine-tipped flat brushes have solid, tapered synthetic filaments which help to reduce tramlines when painting.
The FSC-certified wooden beavertail handle was really smooth and comfy, making it easy top paint for long periods of time without any hand fatigue.
The long bristles, were firmly secured in the stainless steel ferrule and we experience no bristle loss when painting. Before painting, the manufacturer advices to wet the brush and spin it out before the first use.
Are these brushes any good?
The dense, yet fine bristles held a good amount of paint and gave a really smooth, even coverage with no bristle loss.
The bristles were very easy to clean, although the wooden handle may get stained with paint if you’re not careful, as it’s unvarnished, so the wood may absorb colour more easily.
Does this set offer value for money
These brushes felt and performed like expensive professional brushes, so we think they were a bargain at £7.69 for the set.
Wooster silver tip paint brush set
Score 8/10
- Buy now from Brewers, £32.84
Pros
- Comfortable FSC-certified wooden handle
- Long, fine, dense bristles
Cons
- Handle can get colour stained easily
At £17.99 for a set for three, these brushes were the most expensive we tested, however they had the added benefit of coming with a one-year guarantee.
Kit contains 25mm, 38mm, 50mm paintbrushes
This set included a good variety of brush sizes suitable for all types of paint and varnish. The fine, synthetic bristles were the longest ones on our test and gave a very smooth finish and controllable paint flow. They were held firmly in a stainless steel ferrule which joined them to the very comfortable beavertail handle which is made from FSC-certified beech.
Before use, we combed through the bristles with our fingers and we were pleased to see there was no bristle loss.
Are these brushes any good?
These brushes are designed to hold their sharp shape for easy and flawless cutting-in and they didn’t disappoint. The fine, yet dense bristles gave a smooth, even finish with reduced tramlines.
The bristles were very easy to clean, however, as its unvarnished, the wooden handle may get stained with paint if you’re not careful.
Does this set offer value for money
At £17.99 for a set for three, these brushes were the most expensive we tested, however they had the added benefit of coming with a one-year guarantee. We felt their comfort and performance meant they were well worth the money.
- Buy now from Brewers, £16.19
Harris Seriously Good fine tip paint brush set
Score 7/10
- Buy now from B&Q, £10
Pros
- Perfect for painting woodwork
- Good variety of sizes
- Comes with 'no bristle loss' guarantee
Cons
- Handle was uncomfortable for use our long periods
- Handle was fiddly to clean
The handle was also quite narrow, which meant we found ourselves gripping it more tightly which made our hands ache over time.
Kit contains 25mm, 38mm, 50mm paintbrushes
This set included a good variety of brush sizes which have been specifically designed and engineered to give good results when painting woodwork with all gloss, eggshell and satin paints.
Before we began painting, we simply combed the brush through with our fingers to make sure there were no loose bristles, which there weren’t!
The brushes were light to hold, however despite the rear grip being made of thermoplastic rubber for comfort, the front of the brush handle was made of harder polypropylene and was less comfortable to hold for long periods of time. The handle was also quite narrow, which meant we found ourselves gripping it more tightly which made our hands ache over time.
Are these brushes any good?
The synthetic bristles were soft and pliable and held the paint well. They applied the paint smoothly and evenly and there was no bristle loss, which was just as well as they come with a guaranteed no bristle loss.
The deep stainless steel ferrule held the bristles firmly and would withstand plenty of washing and cleaning. Although the bristles were easy to clean, the numerous grooves on the ferrule and handle are trickier to clean if you’re a messy painter and smear paint on the handle while working.
They also have a hole in the handle for hanging up.
Does this set offer value for money
At £10 for a set of three, we felt these brushes offered fair value for money if you have a lot of woodwork to paint.
- Buy now from B&Q, £10
Wilko brush set
Score 7/10
Pros
- Affordability
- Good grips on the handle
Cons
- Bristles weren’t very dense
This brush did give a good, even finish, however due to the bristles not being very dense, we found we had to reload the brush with paint more often to get a good coverage.
Kit contains 25mm, 38mm, 50mm paintbrushes
This versatile, lightweight brush set is ideal for covering a wide range of painting jobs, from cutting in to general painting and can be used with all paint types.
Compared to the other brushes on our test, the bristles on these brushes were the shortest and least dense, meaning they needed to be reloaded with paint more often. However, it meant they were good for cutting in.
We combed through the bristles before use and were pleased that there was no bristle loss. The bristles were held firmly in place by a stainless steel ferrule which joined them to the plastic handle.
The handle had ridged side grips and raised dots on the thumb area to help give greater grip while painting - very handy if you’re a messy painter who often gets paint on the handle, making it slippery!
Are these brushes any good?
This brush did give a good, even finish, however due to the bristles not being very dense, we found we had to reload the brush with paint more often to get a good coverage.
When it came to cleaning, the bristles were easy to clean, however the grip grooves on the handle were fiddlier to clean if you’re a messy painter and get paint on the handle while working.
Does this set offer value for money
At under a fiver - £4.50, this set of brushes is ideal if you’re a first-time decorator on a budget.
FAQs
Do you need to prepare paintbrushes for use?
- Before use, flick the bristles back and forth with your fingers to remove dust and any loose bristles. Next, moisten the brush in water if you are about to use water-based paint, or mineral turpentine if you are going to use an oil-based paint. Make sure you remove excess liquid with a paper towel or old rag before painting.
How should you clean a paintbrush?
- When you've finished painting, scrape off as much paint as you can on the side of the paint can. If you've been using water-based paint, run the brush under a tap to remove the bulk of the paint then soak your brush in warm soapy water for about an hour. Rinse with clean water then dry with a clean cloth and store in a dry place.
- If used with solvent-based paints, pour a small amount of solvent-based cleaner into a small jar and work the brush against the sides to get the cleaner into the base of the bristles. Soak for around two hours, dry with a clean cloth and store in a dry place. You should not pour solvents down the sink, so once you’ve finished cleaning your brushes, place a lid on your jar and leave for 24 hours. When the paint has sunk to the bottom, pour the remaining solvent cleaner into the bottle for future use. Leave the paint to dry completely in the jar before disposing of it in the bin.
Get more detailed tips on how to clean paintbrushes here.
How should you store a paintbrush?
- Once you’ve cleaned your brush, slap it against your hand a few times to bring the bristles back into alignment and then reshape the brush so it looks like new. You can do this with your fingers or use a paintbrush comb, available from DIY stores. Wrap the brush in a paper towel or a piece of newspaper and secure with masking tape or a rubber band. You can either store the brush vertically, with the bristles facing upwards, in a jar or paint kettle, or if the brush has a hole in the handle, hang it from a hook with the bristles facing down. Alternatively, you can store your dry brushes horizontally in a paintbrush wallet to help them keep their shape.
FAQs
What paint brush do professional painters use? ›
Paintbrush Bristles: Go for Synthetic
While paintbrush bristles can have either synthetic or natural bristles, synthetic bristles are the most practical. Commonly used by DIY-ers and professional painters alike, they work well with water-based paints like Aura® Interior, ben® Interior, and Regal® Select Interior.
For a durable and reliable brush to use with your every acrylic painting need, consider a synthetic brush instead. Acrylic brushes are often more resistant to wear and tear, as well as slightly stronger and springier than natural bristles.
What do most professional artists paint on? ›Canvas. Stretched cotton canvas is the surface used most often by professional artists, for its cloth weave and spring. When you use acrylics you can paint straight onto canvas, as they will not sink into the material like oils.
What makes a high quality paint brush? ›"In quality brushes, the bristle ends are split, or 'flagged,'" says Rico de Paz, the engineer who oversees Consumer Reports' paint and stain testing. "This helps create good paint release and a smoother finish." The bristles should vary in length, allowing the brush to come to a point for more detailed work.
What kind of paint brush gives the smoothest finish? ›If you're painting a smooth surface, use a white China bristle for a smooth finish or, if you need to achieve an even finer finish, a China bristle blended with ox hair is recommended.
Which type of brush is most effective? ›Boar bristle brushes are popular because of their ability to redistribute the natural, healthy oils in the scalp, which enhances hair health and creates smooth, shiny locks.
Who makes the best artist brushes? ›- Winsor & Newton Foundation brushes. ...
- Chinese brush. ...
- Ron Ranson hake brushes. ...
- Pro Arte Masterstroke miniature painter's brushes. ...
- Derwent water brushes. ...
- Cass Art hog bristle brush set. ...
- Da Vinci Casaneo watercolour wash brush. ...
- Pro Arte Sablene brush set.
Bristle Filbert brush # 6 is popular for Bob Ross style painting's small details like tree trunks and seascapes.
What size acrylic brush do professionals use? ›If you want to create Nail Sets Quickly and have more clients in your salon throughout the day, choose a larger size such as the Size 16. However if you are a new Nail Technician and feel less confident with your bead applications, try a Size 12.
Should you wet your brush before painting? ›Using a brush
Before use, flick the bristles back and forth to remove dust. Then moisten the brush in water if you are about to use water-based paint, or mineral turpentine if you are about to use an oil-based paint. Make sure you remove excess liquid before painting.
Should you wet your paint brush before painting with acrylic paint? ›
Acrylic Paint Instructions and Tips. You don't 'need' to start with a wet brush, but if you want your paint to glide smoothly then it's best to have the bristles wet. I just quickly dip my brush in water, it doesn't have to be soaking wet.
What colors do professional artists use? ›Primary Colors
These colors are Red, Blue, and yellow. An artist uses these colors to get any other color by mixing red, blue, and yellow. Red and blue are considered the most powerful colors in the wheel, whereas yellow is the brightest color.
So, back to the first answer: always use two coats. Using two coats of paint is our industry standard. Applying a second coat provides benefits that drastically outweigh the additional material costs (which are usually less than 20% of the total project costs).
Are more expensive brushes better? ›Cheap brushes don't work as well because they're less durable and need to be replaced more often. Marcia Williams, founder of Embellish Beauty, also prefers pricier brushes. However, she tells me that Real Techniques brushes are good and won't break the bank.
What is the best paint brush to avoid brush marks? ›Use brushes with nylon-polyester bristles. A brush about 2.5 inches wide is a good choice for cabinets. Some painters like the angled bristles of so-called sash brushes.
What is the best paint brush for no brush marks? ›The best paint brush for a smooth finish is the Purdy Nylox Glide brush. It has super soft bristles that do not leave brush marks. It's perfect to use with latex paint. Projects that are perfect for this paint brush include painting cabinets, trim, furniture and doors.
What paint brush creates sharper edges? ›Angled Brush
The sharp edge of this brush is ideal for creating clean lines. Angled brushes work great when you're using painter's tape to create precise designs on interior walls.
Brushes made of the finest, high class, quality materials will last longer and result in that flawless makeup look you are seeking. When determining the quality of your brush, look for soft bristles that don't feel frayed or ragged. The bristles should be held in place by a secure, metal ferule to prevent shedding.
Which brush gives more volume? ›The key to smooth hair with lots of volume is to always use high-quality, 1st cut boar bristle brushes because they are the least damaging to the follicle. Boar bristle brushes redistribute the natural oils from hair and scalp without stretching the hair cuticle.
Are round or flat brushes better? ›A flat brush is more angular and the stroke appears more straight, while a round brush comes to a fine point and its stroke is more organic. Additionally, a flat brush creates very straight lines. These are great for architectural and more angular-looking paintings. Round brushes afford a softer application.
Is it worth buying an expensive paint brush? ›
Good quality brushes are highly recommended for interior painting. The type of bristle and brush style will depend on what type of paint is being applied and what it is you are painting. The make your painting job easier and looks more professional.
Which paint brush is better Purdy or Wooster? ›Wooster brushes are better for large-scale projects, while Purdy is known for its more detail-oriented designs. Purdy brushes also tend to be a little more durable and less prone to falling apart easily than Wooster brushes. They also hold up better with repeated use and washing.
Why are expensive paint brushes better? ›Some more expensive brushes have bristles of varied lengths, resulting in a tapered edge for detailed work. Some brushes have little split ends, called "flagged," that help spread the paint even more smoothly.
What kind of brushes did Van Gogh paint with? ›Van Gogh used large hog hair brushes and no medium. His palette included many of the new 19th-century colours so favoured by the Impressionists: Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine, Prussian Blue, Viridian Green, Chrome Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Vermilion and Ochre.
Which Purdy brush to use? ›Purdy brushes come with different types of bristles (filaments) and blends and each type works best with different kinds of paint. Generally, synthetic brushes are recommended for water-based/latex paints and a natural-bristle brush is best for oil-based paints, stains and clears.
Does Bob Ross paint with oil or acrylic? ›In 'The Joy of Painting' Bob Ross uses rather thick oil paints. Please be careful not to get acrylic based paints, as these will not work for Bob's wet-on-wet-technique.
Is oil or acrylic paint better for beginners? ›Acrylic paint is widely considered to be the most beginner-friendly medium, as it is simple to use, requires very few materials and is much less intrusive on the senses compared to oils. With that being said, acrylic paint dries very, very fast.
What size brush do professional painters use? ›Most professional painters use a 2.5 inch brush as it is the handiest. The 2 inch brush is also convenient but in the end it is a personal preference that determines which is the right fit for you. Try one on for size at the store before you buy and see which one feels most comfortable in your hand.
What brush is best for acrylic fine lines? ›Spotter brush
These are good for very fine detail and creating short crisp lines. These brushes can be used with watercolour, oil or acrylic.
Professional Painters Usually Don't Wash Walls
Washing cuts into painting time, which cuts into their income, so don't expect your hired painter to wash down your walls unless you agree to pay them more for the service. Better yet, hire a cleaner to do this work, or do the cleaning yourself before the painter arrives.
How do you paint like a real artist? ›
- Precision - accurate drawing from observation.
- Values - brightness values.
- Contrast - contrast range in brightness values.
- Edges - sharp or soft.
- Transitions - in brightness values, colors, texture, edges, and temperature.
- Temperature - warm and cool colors.
Sand with fine sandpaper between coats after they dry. Make sure you remove sanding residue before applying additional coats. I recommend three thin coats of paint, but it all depends on the color and consistency. After the final coat of flat paint, sand* lightly with super fine sandpaper.
Should you dry paint brushes upside down? ›Dry your brushes flat or hang them upside down with the brush hairs facing down. If you don't do this, water will get into the ferrule (the metal piece that holds the hair and attaches to the handle) and it will compromise the glue.
How do you prevent brush strokes when painting with acrylics? ›Try an acrylic paint extender (slows drying time) and a paint leveler (smooths itself out) like Golden's Self Leveling Gel. Try using house paints instead of artist paints (less pigment power, but can be very “flat”) Apply the paint in several light layers, instead of one thick one. Lightly sand between coats.
What brush did Van Gogh use? ›Van Gogh used large hog hair brushes and no medium. His palette included many of the new 19th-century colours so favoured by the Impressionists: Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine, Prussian Blue, Viridian Green, Chrome Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Vermilion and Ochre.
What paint brush is best for smooth finish? ›If you're painting a smooth surface, use a white China bristle for a smooth finish or, if you need to achieve an even finer finish, a China bristle blended with ox hair is recommended.
Do professional painters use brushes or rollers? ›Many professional painters combine spray painting, roller painting and brush painting depending on the exact surface being painted. Starting with the brush, each method is faster than the previous one, but each method is less accurate than the previous one.
Is Wooster better than Purdy? ›Wooster brushes are better for large-scale projects, while Purdy is known for its more detail-oriented designs. Purdy brushes also tend to be a little more durable and less prone to falling apart easily than Wooster brushes. They also hold up better with repeated use and washing.
What paint did Bob Ross use? ›What kind of paint does Bob Ross use? Magic white or liquid white is a key ingredient. It is white paint made thinner with oil and solvent and directly and thinly coated on your canvas.
What type of brush did Picasso use? ›Brushes – a couple of flat head brushes (large and small) and a small round head brush.
What brand of paints did Van Gogh use? ›
Van Gogh used the two organic red paints, eosin on an aluminum-based substrate and an aluminum- and calcium-based cochineal, extensively in Field with Irises near Arles. Both paints are known to be very light sensitive [1,2,3,4,5, 7, 45, 46].
What is the paints professionals use? ›Artist grade acrylics, on the other hand, are for professional artists. They are made with higher quality pigments, binders and tend to have a greater color intensity, lightfastness, and permanence than student grade acrylics. These will typically have a smoother consistency and handle better than student grade paints.