The Best Paintbrushes of 2022 - Richr (2024)

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If you’re planning a DIY painting project this summer, you’ll want to choose the best brush for the job. All paintbrushes are designed for the same purpose; there are some differences to note when it comes to make and quality. Some of the key differences include size, shape, and material. In this article, we’ll compare some of the best paintbrushes of 2022 to help you decide which is most suitable for your DIY project.

Best Paintbrushes of 2022

• Purdy XL Swan Flat Paintbrush
• Purdy XL Elite Dale Sash Paintbrush
• Wooster Two-Inch Shortcut Polyester Angle Sash Brush
• Richard 80833 Goose Neck Angular Paintbrush
• Proform Pro-Ergo 70/30 Blend Angle Sash Paintbrush
• Wooster Brush 4235-3 Alpha Semi oval Paintbrush
• Pro Two Inch Trylon Thin Angled Sash Paintbrush
• Purdy White China Bristle Sprig Two-Inch Flat Paintbrush

1. Purdy XL Swan Flat Paintbrush

The Purdy XL Swan is the best paintbrush for walls with a blend of nylon and polyester bristles. The paintbrush is excellent for indoor and outdoor painting and is compatible with several types of paints, including latex, oil bases, stains, and primers.

The design of the brush is made for exceptional paint distribution, and the quality of the bristles contributes to a smooth finish. The Purdy XL Swan is a large brush three inches wide to offer extensive wall coverage. As a result, the brush is best used for larger projects rather than for painting small spaces or nooks and crannies. The brush size is three inches, has a square shape, and is made with nylon and polyester bristles.

Pros

• Great for many types of paints, varnishes, and sealants
• Handle that is comfortable
• Copper ferrule

Cons

• Only suitable for large areas

2. Purdy XL Elite Dale Sash Paintbrush

The Purdy XL Elite offers the best quality brush at a reasonable price. The narrow brush is excellent for tight spaces, nooks, and crannies, including trims, molding, and windows. The brush is made of nylon and polyester bristles, like its cousin, the Purdy XL Swan. The brush is created especially for thicker low-VOC paints, which can be challenging to apply. With thicker bristles, the paintbrush stays firm for detailed work and evenly spreads the paint. The brush is also lightweight with a long handle. The brush size is one and a half inches, has an angled shape, and is made with nylon and polyester bristles.

Pros

• Best for low-VOC and heavy paints
• Great for oil-based and latex paints
• Perfect for interior and exterior painting
• Easy to clean and long-lasting

Cons

• Only suitable for sash or trim

3. Wooster Two-Inch Shortcut Polyester Angle Sash Brush

This Wooster paintbrush is angled for painting edges with a short handle and polyester bristles. The brush is suitable for painting where two unique paint colors meet and is compatible with any type of paint, including latex acrylics and water-based stains. The handle is also comfortable to use. The brush size is two inches, has an angled shape, and is made with nylon and polyester bristles.

Pros

• Easy to control
• Short handle that is
• flexible
• Great for use with any paint
• Suitable for crafting and hobbies

Cons

• Not suitable for large hands

4. Richard 80833 Goose Neck Angular Paintbrush

The Richard Goose Neck Angular Paint Brush performs best in hard-to-reach spaces.

The paintbrush comes with a bendable extender so you can paint ceilings and high places without a ladder. The extender is also great for reaching lower areas, such as baseboards, without bending down. The brush size is two and a half inches, has an angled shape, and is made with nylon and polyester bristles.

Pros

• Very comfortable handle
• Extension pole
• that can be used or not
• Smoothly glides on paint
• Useful with any paint

Cons

• Some paints may not hold well on the brush due to their soft bristles.

5. Proform Pro-Ergo 70/30 Blend Angle Sash Paintbrush

Proform Pro-Ergo paint brush is made ergonomically with a curved handle for the most comfortable painting experience. The bristles are made of PBT filament and makes the job of applying paint faster. In addition, the angled handle makes the brush much easier to hold, lessens the fatigue of your hand, and is perfect for more complex projects.

The brush size is two and a half inches, has an angled shape, and is made with PBT filament bristles.

Pros

• Reduces hand-grip fatigue
• It can be used with any type of paint
• Professional quality

Cons

• More expensive than most sash brushes

6. Wooster Brush 4235-3 Alpha Semi oval Paintbrush

The Wooster Alpha Semi oval paintbrush works well for covering large areas. The brush’s semi-oval sample works excellent for trim and walls. It is large and could be a challenge for DIY paint jobs. The bristles hold a lot of paint without re-dipping the brush, making it perfect for quickly covering a large surface area. The brush is made with trademarked micro-tip filaments. The Wooster Alpha brush is three inches in size, has a semi-oval shape, and its bristles are synthetic.

Pros

• Dispenses plenty of paint over large surfaces
• Leaves a smooth finish
• Bristles did not shed

Cons

• More expensive than most wall brushes
• Large and on the heavier side

7. Pro Two Inch Trylon Thin Angled Sash Paintbrush

The Trylon Thin Angled Sash Paint Brush is perfect for trim jobs and is professional grade. The synthetic bristles are made with Trylon filament and compatible with any paint.

Also, the thin handle makes it easy to use and comfortable to hold. The brush works well after several uses but is more expensive than most sash brushes. The brush is two inches in size, angled, and the bristles are made of Trylon filament.

Pros

• Performs well in high heat and humidity
• Works well with low-/no-VOC paints.
• It can be used with any type of paint.

Cons

• More expensive than average sash brushes

8. Purdy White China Bristle Sprig Two-Inch Flat Paintbrush

The Purdy White natural bristle brushes are perfect for oil-based paints and stains. These brushes absorb stains and heavy paints quite well and do a great job applying them evenly to surfaces.

The handle is made of wood for comfort, and the bristles are white. You can use this brush with oil-based painting along with wood and trims. The natural fibers hold up against the oil in heavier paints and stains. The brush size is two inches, the shape is square, and the bristles are a natural material.

Pros

• Soft bristles produce an extremely smooth finish.
• White natural bristles allow you to see stains better
• Comfortable to hold

Cons

• Only for use with oil-based paints, stains, and clear finishes

Selecting The Right Type of Paintbrush

Several types of brushes are made for particular painting and paint products.

They come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Here is what you need to know about paint brushes before starting your paint job.

Brush Bristle Material

Paintbrush bristles are made with natural hair or synthetic material. Both types of brushes, if well cleaned and dried after use, will last for decades.

Natural bristles are made of animal hair and work best with oil-based paints. They are great for holding more paint and offering a smooth finish. The paint brushes are perfect for applying top coats, varnishes, shellac, enamel, and other oil-based painting products.

Synthetic paint brushes are best for water-based paints and are often made of nylon or polyester. They are perfect for water-based paints, where natural brushes struggle as the bristles absorb the water. In addition to water-based stains, synthetic brushes work well with Low-VOC paints with acrylic latex.

Size

Paintbrushes come in many sizes, usually one inch to six inches. Smaller brushes work well for tight corners, trim, and windows, and mid-sized brushes are best for cabinets and shelves. The biggest brushes are best for large canvasses such as walls and significant flat areas.

Style and Shape

• Square brushes tend to be the largest, around six inches, and are great for large surfaces.
• Angle sash brushes are perfect for painting window frames with short handles and angled shapes.
• Round sash brushes are tiny and best used for decorative and furniture painting.

Quality

Selecting a quality paint brush is ideal for brushes you’d like to last for years to come. Many of the best brushes offer flex bristles, making it easier for them to spring back into their original shape after use. Also, a good rule when selecting a brush is the bristles should be 50 percent longer than the width of the brush, to paint well for its intended use effectively.

What is the best brand of paintbrushes?

Purdy paintbrushes are the top brand.

What paint brush gives the smoothest finish?

The Purdy XL Swan Flat Paintbrush offers the smoothest finish but is only ideal for larger spaces.

What is the best brand of acrylic paint brushes?

The Wooster Two-Inch Shortcut Polyester Angle Sash Brush is perfect for painting with acrylic paints.

What brush do professional painters use?

The Wooster Brush 4235-3 Alpha Semi oval paintbrush is best for professional use due mainly to its larger size.

Are expensive paint brushes worth it?

High-quality paintbrushes are always worth it. They deliver a smoother finish and a better paint job in the end.

How do you buy good paintbrushes?

Selecting a quality paintbrush is ideal for brushes you’d like to last for years to come. Many of the best brushes offer flex bristles, making it easier for them to spring back into their original shape after use. Also, a good rule when selecting a brush is the bristles should be 50 percent longer than the width of the brush, to paint well for its intended use effectively.

What are the softest paintbrushes?

The softest paintbrushes are made of natural hair from animals such as dogs or horses. The softest brush is made from the hairs of the tail of sable martens, small mammals found in Russia and the Ural Mountains. Their hair tapers naturally and comes to a point when put into the paint.

The brushes are expensive but of the highest quality.

What is the best paintbrush for cutting in?

The Purdy XL Elite Dale Sash Paintbrush works well for cutting in.

Is a round-tip paintbrush good for painting?

Round tip paint brushes are perfect for painting furniture such as chair legs along with decorative painting.

Summary

For typical household painting, the Purdy XL Swan flat paintbrush and the Wooster Two Inch Shortcut sash brush are the best for most tasks. They are compatible with oil-based paints and are easy to manage.

However, before selecting a brush for your painting task, think about the surface for which the brush is designed. Also, the level of detail needed in your painting and if you need oil-based or water-based paint. Selecting and applying the right paint with a quality brush makes all the difference in an excellent finished product.