Listen up, DIY enthusiasts! Choosing the right paint brush for your project is just as important as choosing the right paint.
As tempting as it may be to try and save a few bucks on painting tools, investing in quality painting tools and equipment will be well worth it in the short and long term.
A good, quality paint brush is the MVP of your painting squad. It holds more paint, gives smoother brushstrokes and there’s less paint splatter. You'll get that professional-looking paint finish you deserve, and bonus points - your trusty brush will stick around for your future DIY adventures. (Bonus tip: find out how to clean and store your paint brushes to keep them in tip-top shape for your next paint project.)
The right brush size and type will depend on what and where you are painting. You might need a few different brushes to get the job done, but trust us, it's worth it for that pro finish.
Wall Brushes
Say hello to the OG of paint brushes: wall brushes! These beauties come in oval and square shapes, perfect for giving a fresh coat to those exterior and interior broadwall surfaces. But what sets them apart? Thick bristles or filaments, which help these brushes hold more paint and create those oh-so-smooth brush strokes.
Cutter Brushes
Meet the cutter brushes, the super-heroes of trim painting! These brushes do the heavy lifting before rolling, when "cutting in" on doors, and window frames, ceiling, wall, and corner areas; all those ‘hard to reach with a roller’ spots! They don't need to carry as much paint as wall brushes, thanks to their fewer bristles, and their long handles give you the perfect grip for total control. These super-hero brushes come in a range of shapes, all with their own job to do.
Recommended Cutter Brush Usage
Sash cutters are perfect for detailed work on doors, windows or cornices.
Oval cutters are ideal for cutting in walls and trims. The oval shape provides greater control on the brush's edges, while holding more paint in the centre of the brush.
Angled sash cutters have an angled brush which is perfect for accurate cutting in tight areas, such as corners and trims.
Lining fitches are small but mighty, they're thin brushes with stiff bristles to get into those hard to reach places. Also great for achieving a straight line.
Brush Sizes
Size matters when it comes to choosing your brush. Different surfaces will need different brush widths, check out this handy guide to steer you in the right direction.
25mm brushes: Small jobs and touch-up work - chairs and timber trim.
38mm brushes: Furniture, small panels, window frames, trellis, mouldings, shutters and downpipes.
50mm brushes: Small to medium size work - doors, screens, table tops, railings and cabinets.
63mm brushes: Outdoor furniture, cupboards, gutters, eaves and doors.
75mm brushes: Medium to large areas such as fence posts and rails, floor boards, steps, skirtings and fascias.
100mm brushes: Large areas including walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, fences.
Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Head to your local Inspirations Paint store with this paint shops near me feature to chat to one of our friendly staff members and they can set you up with the best team of brushes to get you painting like a pro.