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Best Paint Brush Set
Bates Paint Brushes Four-Pack
A multipack of Bates paint brushes is a valuable option for any DIYer. This best paint brush set has four heavy-duty synthetic brushes in a range of sizes and shapes for tackling any home improvement chore. It includes 2-, 2.5- and 3-inch flat brushes, and a 1.5-inch angled sash brush for painting trim. Expert DIYers who like having extra brushes around for last-minute odd jobs will covet this set.
“I am a professional painter and this is my favorite product I’ve discovered,” writes reviewer, Amazon Customer.
Pros
- Includes four brushes for affordable price
- Each brush is a different size and style
- Has lightweight wooden handles
Cons
- Paint might not go on ultra-smooth
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What to Consider When Buying Paint Brushes
When shopping for the best paint brush, consider the project. Some brushes were designed to cover large areas while others are meant for more precise painting, such as “cutting-in” and trim work. Also, depending on the bristles, some may be better used for certain types of paints, such as oil- or latex-based, while others are better for stains and varnishes. Some brushes offer an ergonomic handle to make it easier to hold, and some may have a handle that can be attached to an extension pole.
The shape of the paint brush matters. A flat brush is best for painting walls while a coned, round one directs paint into carved moldings. For jobs that require cutting into corners, angled brushes are a must for many painters.
The size of a brush is measured by its width. Brushes typically range from 0.25-inch (for precise painting) to 6 inches (for covering large exteriors and masonry).
Types of Paint Brushes
- Brushes with synthetic bristles: These can be used on all types of paint, but work best with water-based formulas. Typically made of nylon, polyester or a combination of the two, synthetic filaments don’t swell up with water like natural bristles can, so they apply latex paints smoothly and easily.
- Paint brushes with natural bristles: They use animal hair, usually hog or badger. Hog hair bristles are also known as China bristles. These brushes perform overwhelmingly better at applying oil-based paints, stains and varnishes.
How We Found the Best Paint Brushes
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What brush do professional painters use?
Professional painters use a mix of brushes that depends on the job and task at hand. They may use a flat brush for painting walls or larger areas, and more specific brushes for edging and trim work. They may also choose their brush based on the type of paint being used on a project. The brushes we selected for this list all have excellent reviews from professional painters.
What type of brush gives the smoothest finish?
If you’re looking for an extra-smooth finish, try a brush with white China bristles, as these can give you the touch you’re looking for. In addition, allowing your paint to fully dry before applying another coat helps with eliminating paint brush marks, as does using a bit of paint thinner or mineral spirits, which helps with even coats.
Are more expensive brushes worth it?
That all depends on the type of brush, what you’re using it for and how comfortable it is to hold. It’s worth trying highly-rated, less expensive brushes before spending money on expensive paint brushes. Make sure you know how to make your paint brushes last longer.