How to Choose a Paint Brush for Any Painting Project

There’s a reason paint brushes come in different sizes and shapes, but if you’re a beginner painter, these reasons may not be too obvious. So if you want to discover the secrets of choosing the right paint brush for the right job, read on

We’ll show you which paint brushes you need to invest in to achieve a smooth, clean finish every time

From detailed trim work to large wall areas, using the right type of brush not only improves your painting results but also saves time and effort

If you’re wondering how to choose a paint brush or trying to understand the differences between paint brush types, this post is for you.

Why Choosing the Right Paint Brush Matters

Not all brushes are created equal. The right brush improves paint flow and coverage, enhances precision and control, reduces drips and streaks and helps avoid unnecessary paint wastage. Whether you’re painting a whole room or precision painting around corners, matching the paint brush to the surface and paint type is the key to professional-looking results.

The Best Paint Brush for Your Project

If you’re deciding which paint brushes to purchase, start by thinking about the surface you’re painting on and the type of paint you’re using.

1. Match the bristle type to your paint:

  • Synthetic bristles are best for water-based paints.
  • Natural bristles work well with oil-based paints.

2. Pick the right brush shape and size:

  • Use a flat brush for large, smooth areas like walls.
  • Choose a sash brush or angled sash cutter brush for corners, edges and trim.

3. Consider the handle and grip:

  • Long handles give better reach.
  • Shorter handles provide more control in tight spaces.

4. Check paint load and release:

  • A high-quality house paint brush holds more paint and releases it evenly for fewer strokes.

Which Bristles to Choose: Stiff or Soft?

The stiffness of the bristles makes a difference in the finish

Stiff or Soft

The perfect handle

Gourd Handle

Gourd Handle

Ergonomic design that reduces stress on the wrist and hand whilst painting. A traditional shape that is featured in our ExperTech Hog Bristle and Detail & Finishing range of brushes.
Short Handle

Short Handle

Featured in our mini cutter brushes and Monarch Cutting in & Framing range of brushes, this shorter handle provides greater precision when painting small spaces such as corners, trims & detail areas.
Flat Beavertail Handle

Flat Beavertail Handle

This shape is rounded and slightly flattened to fit perfectly into the palm of the hand whilst painting.
Square Handle

Square Handle

Square shaped handle with bevelled corners is featured mainly in trim or sash brushes and is comfortable to hold when painting.
Rat Tail Handle

Rat Tail Handle

As featured in our Rat Tail range of brushes, this handle is longer & thinner than the standard making it easy to hold to give greater control.
6 Common Types of Handles

6 Common Types of Handles

Rounded and thin, a long handle is easy to hold like a pencil giving great control & precision when cutting in & painting tricky spaces.

Paint Brush Types and Their Uses Explained

Understanding the types of paint brushes and their uses will help you choose the right one:

  • Wall Brush (Flat): When you have a lot of surface to cover, a flat wall brush is ideal, particularly for surfaces like walls and ceilings. These brushes hold more paint and reduce painting fatigue as they enable longer strokes. This should be your go-to paint brush for wall painting. 
  • Rollers: While not technically brushes, rollers are essential tools for painting large, flat areas quickly and evenly. They are ideal for walls, ceilings and exterior surfaces where speed and smooth coverage are priorities. Rollers need quality roller covers and are best paired with a brush for precision work around edges and trim. You could also use paint applicators if you’re not confident using a brush or roller. 
  • Sash Brush: If you’ve been wondering what is a sash brush, it has thinner bristles and is designed for trim and detailed work like windows, skirting boards and frames. A sash brush can have either a flat or angled shape, offering more control in tighter areas where precision counts.
  • Angular Brush (Sash Cutter): Wondering what is a sash cutter brush? It’s a type of sash brush with angled bristles, also known as a sash cutter brush. It's perfect for cutting in along edges and corners where precision is key.
  • Sash Cutter vs Wall Brush: A sash cutter offers precision, while a wall brush is made for coverage. Use them together for best results.
  • Round Brush: Best used for detailed work on mouldings, balusters or furniture with curved or uneven surfaces. Unlike an angular brush, which is ideal for straight lines and corners, a round brush provides more flexibility and control on rounded or intricate shapes.
  • Sample Pot or Small Brush: Perfect for test swatches or intricate sections like mouldings.

These are the core types of brushes for painting walls and general surfaces. Each is suited to a different task, so you should assess the painting project before buying brushes to make sure you purchase what you need to get the job done to a high standard.

Wall or Sash (Trim)

WALL brushes are for longer strokes and help you cover more surface which makes them perfect for painting walls or ceilings. They have thicker bristles or filaments to hold more paint. Wall brushes are also designed with larger, thicker handles to reduce fatigue and assist in getting a nice long, smooth paint stroke.

SASH brushes are designed to be used on all the trim areas of the house like doors, windows, door frames, skirting boards, gutters, etc. They have less filament or bristles than a wall brush and therefore don’t hold as much paint, allowing greater precision and control.

Angled brushes are also available, these do everything a straight edge sash or trim brush will do, but some people prefer the control an angled filament gives them.

Size and style

Small or Sample Pot size brushes

Small or Sample Pot size brushes

Small or Sample Pot size brushes are ideal for detail work and tight spaces such as skirtings, corners or windows. These brushes are also suitable for use with sample pot paints when testing out new paint colours.

Sash style brushes

Sash style brushes

Sash style brushes are suitable for covering large surfaces and achieving great coverage from good pick up and release of paint. This style of brush can be used in conjunction with wall brushes when needing to paint walls, doors and ceilings.

Angular style brushes

Angular style brushes

Angular style brushes are designed to assist in painting straight edges when cutting in and painting trims & skirting. These brushes are also great for getting into small corners & tricky spaces.

Large Wall or Paint brushes

Large Wall or Paint brushes

Large Wall or Paint brushes are good for large areas, such as weatherboards, fences and brickwork. Best used when a detailed finish is not required.

Expert Tips for Using Paint Brushes Effectively

If you’re painting a house yourself, instead of hiring a professional painter, then take the time to learn some tips from the pros so you, too, can achieve a professional-looking finish.

Tip 1: Break in new brushes before use by flicking or combing out any loose bristles.

Tip 2: Load your brush correctly. Dip it a third of the way into the paint to avoid dripping and clogging the bristles. Avoid overloading your brush because too much paint can reduce control and cause drips. Using paint buckets & trays will help you to wipe excess paint before its too late.

Tip 3: Use long, steady strokes for even coverage. Don’t overwork the paint.

Tip 4: Always paint into the wet edge when blending sections to avoid lap marks.

Tip 5: Use the angled edge of your sash cutter to cut in clean lines without relying on masking tape.

Tip 6: Keep a damp cloth nearby to quickly fix mistakes or wipe away excess paint.

Tip 7: Clean your brush properly between uses and store it correctly to maintain its shape.

Whether you’re working on trim, walls, or furniture, understanding how to choose paint brush types will ensure your next project looks its best.

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