Best Brand of Paint Brushes

Whether you’re a professional painter, a DIY enthusiast, or someone looking to freshen up their space, the right paintbrush can make all the difference. Quality paintbrushes provide smoother application, better coverage, and more control over your work. With so many brands offering different types of brushes for various painting projects, it can be challenging to decide which one is the best.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top paintbrush brands available on the market today, as well as the specific benefits and features that make them stand out. Whether you’re painting furniture, walls, or trim, you’ll find the best option for your needs.

Why Does the Brand Matter?

The brand of a paintbrush matters for several reasons:

1. Quality of Bristles: Higher-quality brands use bristles that hold paint well, don’t shed, and deliver smooth and even application.
2. Durability: A good paintbrush can be used for multiple projects if cleaned and maintained properly. Premium brands use durable materials that withstand heavy use.
3. Types of Brushes: Different brands offer a variety of brushes for specific tasks (e.g., trim, detail, wide strokes), making it easier for you to choose what you need.
4. Ergonomics and Comfort: A comfortable handle and well-balanced design can reduce fatigue during long painting sessions.

The Best Paintbrush Brands for Every Project

1. Purdy

Purdy is one of the most respected and well-known paintbrush brands on the market. For decades, professionals and DIYers have trusted Purdy for its high-quality brushes. The brand is known for its premium craftsmanship, excellent performance, and long-lasting durability.

• Best For: Professionals and serious DIYers.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Purdy brushes are made with high-quality, hand-chiseled bristles that offer exceptional paint pickup and release.
  • The brand’s brushes are known for their excellent finish, leaving behind fewer brush marks and an even coat of paint.
  • Handles are ergonomic and comfortable for extended use.
  • Available in a variety of bristle materials (synthetic and natural) for different paints and surfaces.
• Popular Models:
  • Purdy XL Elite: Designed for smooth and even finishes, it’s perfect for walls and ceilings.
  • Purdy ClearCut: Excellent for trim and detail work.

2. Wooster

Wooster is another heavyweight in the paintbrush market, offering a wide range of brushes designed for both professionals and DIY painters. Wooster’s reputation for quality and performance has made it a trusted choice for a variety of painting projects.

• Best For: General purpose and specialty projects.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Wooster brushes are durable, easy to clean, and hold paint effectively.
  • The bristles are designed for minimal shedding, ensuring a smooth finish with fewer brush strokes.
  • Wooster offers several brush lines suited for specific applications, including wall painting, trim, and detail work.
• Popular Models:
  • Wooster Silver Tip: A synthetic brush perfect for a smooth finish with latex paints.
  • Wooster Sherlock: A brush designed for heavy-duty use, suitable for large surface areas.

3. Behr

Behr is well-known for its paint products, but the company also offers excellent paintbrushes. Behr’s brushes are ideal for homeowners looking for an affordable yet effective brush for their DIY projects.

• Best For: Homeowners and DIYers looking for a good balance between quality and price.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Behr brushes are designed for easy handling and are perfect for both interior and exterior painting projects.
  • The brushes are compatible with both latex and oil-based paints.
  • They offer excellent coverage and smooth application.
• Popular Models:
  • Behr Premium Plus: Offers a solid performance for both cutting in and detail work.
  • Behr Pro: Offers value for money with high-quality bristles that are durable and reliable.

4. Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore is primarily known for its high-end paint products, but the brand also offers an impressive line of paintbrushes. The brushes are designed to provide a flawless finish, especially for fine detail work and trim.

• Best For: Premium finishes and detail work.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Benjamin Moore brushes are engineered to work seamlessly with the brand’s high-quality paint products.
  • They offer a smooth, streak-free application, making them ideal for delicate trim, doors, and cabinetry.
  • Comfortable, ergonomic handles ensure ease of use during long painting sessions.
• Popular Models:
  • Benjamin Moore Advantage: Known for smooth, high-quality results on trim and doors.
  • Benjamin Moore Chinex: A premium option for oil-based paints, offering precise and clean lines.

5. Shur-Line

Shur-Line is an excellent brand for those who need practical and budget-friendly painting tools. Their brushes are designed for efficiency and high performance, especially for large surface areas and quick application.

• Best For: Budget-conscious DIYers and quick projects.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Shur-Line brushes are affordable and designed for easy handling, making them great for beginners.
  • They offer a variety of brushes, including those with built-in paint trays and rollers for faster painting.
  • The brushes have excellent paint pickup and provide even coverage, even for larger areas.
• Popular Models:
  • Shur-Line Premium: Offers great coverage for walls and ceilings.
  • Shur-Line Flat Trim: Ideal for trim and baseboards, providing crisp lines.

6. Floetrol

While not as well-known for its paintbrushes as some of the others on this list, Floetrol does offer brushes that are praised for their ability to leave a streak-free finish. The brand is also known for its paint additives, which help improve the application of paint.

• Best For: High-end projects requiring a flawless finish.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Floetrol brushes are designed for precise work, making them suitable for cabinetry and trim.
  • They provide great control and deliver an ultra-smooth finish with minimal brush marks.
• Popular Models:
  • Floetrol Trim Brush: Known for delivering sharp lines and a clean finish.

7. Zibra

Zibra is a relatively newer brand, but it has quickly made a name for itself with innovative, ergonomically designed brushes. Known for its unique design and comfort, Zibra is often favored by DIYers and hobbyists.

• Best For: Hobbyists, DIY, and creative projects.
• Why It’s Great:
  • Zibra brushes feature unique, ergonomic handles that reduce hand fatigue, making them ideal for detailed or long painting sessions.
  • The bristles are of high quality, allowing for a smooth, even application of paint with minimal shedding.
• Popular Models:
  • Zibra Square: Great for getting into corners and edges.
  • Zibra Triangle: Perfect for painting trim and tight areas.

How to Choose the Best Paintbrush for Your Project

The best paintbrush for your project depends on several factors. Here’s how to choose:

• For Trim and Detail Work: Opt for a smaller, angled brush with synthetic bristles. Brands like Purdy ClearCut and Benjamin Moore Advantage are ideal for achieving clean, precise lines.
• For Large Areas: For walls and ceilings, choose a larger, flat brush or a roller with high-quality synthetic bristles. Wooster Silver Tip and Behr Premium offer excellent coverage and smooth results.
• For Different Paint Types: Some brushes are designed for specific types of paint. If you’re using latex paint, opt for synthetic bristles; for oil-based paints, choose natural bristles or a blend. Purdy and Wooster offer options that are compatible with both paint types.
• Comfort and Ergonomics: If you’ll be painting for hours, comfort matters. Look for brushes with ergonomic handles like those from Zibra and Benjamin Moore.

Conclusion

Selecting the right paintbrush can significantly impact the outcome of your painting project. The brands mentioned above—Purdy, Wooster, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Shur-Line, Floetrol, and Zibra—are some of the best in the business, each offering a range of brushes designed for different needs and preferences.

Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, investing in high-quality paintbrushes will make your painting projects easier, more efficient, and provide better results. Make sure to choose the right type of brush for your project and enjoy a flawless, smooth finish. Happy painting!