Best paint brush for trim. Detailed brush selection guide and wall painting rules

Are you in search of the finest paint brushes for trimming?

Are you considering re-painting the trim and baseboards surrounding your house? It’s a satisfying DIY project that can brighten the space, and improves the appearance.

The right tools are required to ensure you get the best results with any painting job.

Top 11 Best Paint Brushes for Trim and Baseboards

This article explains the best paint brush for trim. We’ll also offer an informative buyer’s guide that will guide you to choose the ideal brush for your needs and budget:

  • What are the different types of paintbrushes used for trimming?
  • What are the things to look out for when buying a painting brush to paint trim
  • Our top trim paintbrush picks!

And more!

Using the same rollers,brushes, and edgers that you use to paint your walls will not give the results people imagine when it comes to trimming work, whether it’s window sills baseboards, door frames or even decorative walls. They brushes tend to be too heavy and wide to get into the tiny gaps as well as corners which are part of the trim.

How to Choose a Paint Brush for Trim

When you are looking to purchase the paintbrush to trim your windows, be sure you measure the area that you’ll be staining or painting because this will give you an idea of the trim brush you’ll require. For instance, if you have a large window sill, then you don’t be able to use just the one-inch size brush. 

However, if you want to get in those corners more narrow crown moldings or baseboards with intricate woodwork may be able complete the job with one of these brushes on their own. Most of the time trimming is a meticulous job that requires a very small area. That’s where the form of the brush is crucial. 

The perfect straight-across filaments (aka bristles) can be used in a number of instances, but an round or angled head may give greater, more precise coverage. They’ll aid in covering the corners with the tightest and most narrow dimensions that should be anticipated when it comes to trimming.

You might be wondering if filaments actually matter. They can in certain instances however, it’s usually much more with respect to the kind that you’re painting with than the place you’re painting. Synthetic brush bristles, like nylon, are best paired together with latex paint and water-based paints as well as natural bristles. a good option if you’re working with almost any other kind of paint such as oil-based or polyurethane.

Top Picks for the Best Paint Brush for Trim

Some paintbrushes that are listed below will give you only the tools required for coating baseboards, creating fine straight cuts along with doors, and reaching the difficult corners of high ceilings.

Our Reviews Of The Best Paint Brushes For Trim

1. Wooster Brush Shortcut Angle Sash Two-Inch Paintbrush

Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush

Its Wooster shortcut brush has been voted our best option for a trimming paintbrush. This model delivers the most effective results when cutting into your trim. It has the sash tip, which has an gold nylon and bristles made from polyester blend that are suitable for use with water-based or latex paints.

The Wooster comes with brass ferrules and the unique “Shergrip” handle that flexes to give you an ergonomic grip and full ability to control the bristles. The 2″ length of the brush is ideal for work in tight spaces and corners and the bristle’s thin shape following your direction to ensure precise lines on unprimed and primed trim.

2. Master Pro Paint Brush Set

best paint brush for trim

The fact that you have a variety of brushes will ensure that you’re ready for any trimming. The five models in this set span between 1 and 2 inches in length and two have an angle-shaped head. 

The handy lanyard on the handle of each one means that you won’t lose the brushes anytime very soon.

3. Best Trim BrushWooster Brush Angle Sash Paintbrush

This model cleans up paint.

best paint brush for trim

There’s a chance that you’ll get severe drips and splashes if you aren’t cautious.

Once you’ve found the right feel the feel, a model such as this is able to be loaded quickly and is perfect for any professional painter.

Some artists who’ve used this model say that it sheds bristles that are fresh out of the packaging.

The best method to deal with it is by gently move the brush using your hands to shake the bristles that are loose out.

Then, continue using the brush in the same way as usual. It will tighten and stop shedding as soon as you do.

4. Bates Choice Paint Brushes

These are high-quality Bates brushes. The model comes with two-and-a half” angled sash brush and another 3″ flat tip brush.

Bates Paint Brushes- 2 Pack, Premium Paintbrush

If you’re looking for a specific style which one is likely to be your primary edge and trim brush for your next painting project.

If you’re new to painting then this is an excellent option because it lets you explore both tip shapes and discover which one you like best.

It’s likely to be the angle sash. However, you must find out for yourself!

5. Purdy Clearcut Series Glide Angular Trim Paint Brush

Purdy 144152130 Clearcut Series Glide Angular Trim Paint Brush

The three” sash paintbrush made by Purdy is another excellent choice to cut in and cover large areas of trim. It provides superior coverage and excellent accuracy for your linework. 

The bristles are constructed with Tynex Nylon and Orel polyester materials that are suitable for use with oil-based paints and latex.

This model has an extended hardwood handle that has fluted edges that allow for maximum control of different grip positions. 

The model has excellent glide and a sharp and angular sash tips to ensure precise line work.

6. Magimate Large Paint Brush

Magimate Wide Stain Brush

Doors are huge surfaces. You require a brush that will give the most thorough coverage without causing streaks and drips. This Magimate 8″ wide paintbrush is a great choice to paint doors throughout the house. The model consists of two four” brushes in a side-by-side setup for a total of 8″ of coverage.

This model also comes with an ergonomic handle made of plastic for greater grip and control of the brush when painting. This model has natural bristle design which allows an oil-based paints and simple cleaning.

7. Zibra Grip-n-Glide Triangle

Zibra PB125LZT Grip-n-Glide 1-1/4-Inch Triangle Paint Brush

With a triangular brush head it’s Zibra paintbrush offers an unique method for making sure that all areas are adequately covered in you paint the trim. 

The angle makes it simple to reach corners where a few walls meet and to paint in a straight line, which means you don’t have to endure the agony of re-painting or taping your walls due to an accidental drip.  

If you are not good at cutting into trim and ceilings, this model makes all the difference. 

8. Infiniti Elementz Professional Chalk and Wax Paint Brush

Professional Chalk and Wax Paint Brush 2PC Set

The paint that you’re using for your trim is based on natural filaments, then you should focus your attention on the brush set to get the task completed. 

The brush’s composition isn’t your only useful feature however. The two paintbrushes featured have the rounded heads that are designed for dealing with the irregularities and tiny angles that baseboards, molding as well as accent trim on walls typically feature. 

These are also tools that are worthy of use with notoriously challenging chalk-finish paints. The smaller model is phenomenal for cabinets because it really gets into all the nooks and hard to reach places.

9. Richard Goose Neck Angular

Richard 80833 Goose Neck Angular Paint Brush with Flexible Soft Grip Handle

Baseboards are a challenging kind that is difficult to finish. 

If you don’t remove and replace your boards, you’re left with the chore of crouching low and searching for the ideal location to hold an even hand, stay clear of mess, and achieve an exact, sharp finish. 

The flexible neck of this Richard paintbrush means that your hands won’t need to go through the awkward process of trying to reach tiny openings, awkward angles, and even projects that need extension poles. 

Richard 80833 Goose Neck Angular Paint Brush with Flexible Soft Grip Handle

The handle creates an ideal painting space for people with arthritis or a reduced mobility. You are able to bend it to fit any of the trim pieces on the building for a smooth no-mess brushstroke. 

And you have also used it for interior painting on bottom trim so you don’t have to bend down as much; just bend the head at the angle you need.

10. Richard Elegance Trim Brush with Soft Grip Handle

Richard 13425 Elegance Trim Brush with Soft Grip Handle

This paintbrush from Elegance is our preferred option to finish the trim on windows around the sills and doors’ frames. 

The Tin 3/4 ” tip offers the highest level of precision line work. It’s the ideal tool to get the corners of windows and doors and provides you with an outstanding quality finish.

The tassel is made of polyester bristles that can be used with latex and water-based paints, and it comes with an ergonomic soft-grip handle that gives you complete control of the brush. 

This brush provides excellent painting performance without any drips streaking, running or running.

11. FolkArt Long Handle Stencil Brush Set, Original Version

best paint brush for trim

At first glance they are FolkArt painting brushes are typically intended for art projects However, their bristles’ small size and small size are ideal for small areas and tiny touch-ups. The reviews prove it. 

After sanding off any imperfections or scratches, you’ll be able to easily fill in any gaps with three of the tassels in this incredibly affordable set. These hold a sharp edge for touching up the trims like ceiling edges and are easy to clean afterward with warm water. And the bristles aren’t sucked out, either.

How Can Trim Paint Brushes Be Divided Into Different Types?

As with many other aspects of the art and art of art, painting is no exception. There is no definitively correct solutions. This is also true with cutting brush preference.

Natural bristle brushes

A different choice for trimming work natural bristle brushes are often used to paint varnishes, oil-based paint shellac, and polyurethane finish.

The bristles of these natural brushes are typically made of animal hair.

They possess a natural feature that causes them to appear to flutter at the end. This is known as “flagging” and, on a high bristle that is of high quality, it makes the brush more stable and holds more paint.

Blended Nylon/Polyester Brushes

A polyester or nylon brush is simple to work with and is easy to clean. Nylon is an extremely durable material, while polyester is excellent in retaining its shape.

The two components make an ideal combination that is extremely well-suited to bristles of paintbrushes.

What To Consider Before Buying A Trim Paint Brush

Before you do anything, make sure to make sure you have your thoughts in order. The purchase of a brush is one of the least expensive equipment purchases you’ll make as an artist, contractor handyman, or as a homeowner.

There’s no reason to worry when you fail with your first choice and need to make a second attempt.

The aim of the guide to get you to an instrument that you’ll be happy with on the first go and possibly be able to finish the job without ever leaving your house.

There are various sizes of both the brush and the handle. If do not feel comfortable trimming using your first trimming brush you test take it off, clean it and keep it in an emergency backup, and then try a slightly different type of brush.

Repeat this process until you have the ideal brush to suit your specific tastes.

This guide will help you understand all you require in the proper paintbrush for trimming.

Shorthand

Choose paintbrushes with non-finished hardwood handles. These brushes give you the most grip and control of them.

A handle that is short is the best to work with precision in tight areas. Some handles feature an adjustable design to provide more grip and greater ease of painting, such as those from Wooster Shortcut trim paintbrush.

Bristles with angled edges

A bristle with an angled design (angled brush) is the most effective method to paint on the trim. Because of their angle, the bristles allow you to draw straight lines every time you stroke. The bristles move in an in-line layout making it easier to draw precise lines.

Paintbrushes are made of synthetic or natural bristle fibers. For natural alternatives manufacturers employ badger or hog hair as bristles. Synthetic bristles include materials like nylon, polyester or a blend between these substances.

Typically, natural bristles work ideal to paint project with oil-based paints and synthetic bristles work well with watercolor and other water-based paints.

Brush Size

When choosing the right amount of brush for painting we suggest using two inches of brush. The size 2” is the best choice to get the best control over precise work such as cutting. The size 2 allows you to have more control over trimming, and reduces streaks spills, messes and drips.

Brush Style

There are three different options to choose from for the trim paintbrush. Each one of them has a specific purpose in painting the trim. They offer various levels of coverage and accuracy. Below are three kinds of paint brushes you can use to work on your trim.

Square Cut

Flat brushes that are square cut is an essential option for painting walls as well as large flat surfaces with trim. It gives you the most coverage, and can be found in sizes of 2 to 4 inches. Choose bristles with flags.

They are tapered and split, which are then laid out in different lengths, creating an edge that is slimline to the brush.

Angle Sash

The angle sash can be the perfect brush to cut in on trimming. This brush can range between 2” and 2.5 inches wide with a thin edge and a tin profile. The bottom part of the brush is the tapered shape and the bristles decrease in size from one end of the ferrule towards the opposite.

Round Sash

The round sash is available in smaller sizes that range between 20mm and 40mm. These brushes are a great choice for finishing off your decorative work and an arrangement that is circular of bristles making them a great choice to create 3D paintings on edge.

Paintbrush brand names

The equipment you employ to paint trim plays crucially in the final outcome of the work. It is true that not all paintbrushes are made equal and certain brands provide better quality products than others. When we paint trims or any other room in the house, we depend in Wooster as well as Purdy paint rollers and brushes to complete the job.

Purdy has an extensive tradition being one of the top manufacturers of paint brushes within the USA. The company is a veteran of 85 years of making paintbrushes by hand, and has produced the finest models that are available. Each Purdy brush is “signed” by the persona making it, ensuring a true and hand-crafted look.

The company was established in 1852. Woosteris one of our preferred choice for the top paintbrush manufacturer on the market. The company is still at the forefront of brush advancement, with innovative features such as its flex-grip handle. Wooster has also been the creator of an angled sash brush. the essential tool for painting the trim.

How does it feel in your hands

Many people don’t think this should be a huge issue as the majority of paintbrushes have similar hand feel to the next.

But that’s not always the situation. Certain, the Purdy and an Wooster sash brush share similar hand-feels.

The keen painter might be able to see the fibers in the Wooster’s brush to be less grippy, whereas the Purdy brush is firmer, more robust feeling in the hands.

How does it load up

To determine how well the brush is loaded it is usually necessary to test the brush, which could void the possibility of returning it.

When you first get a new brush to use, you should soak it in paint for about 3/4 of the way then squeeze out any excess paint onto the bucket or container and begin edge-inserting straight lines.

You’re searching for an instrument that is able to hold an adequate amount of paint, or even lots of it. Also, you want that paint to flow evenly to create a smooth, flawless look.

How do you paint trims without leaving brush marks

Applying a coat of paint to trim and walls will brighten any space. When it comes to painting your home everybody wants the work to be flawless. But the truth is that painting can be a difficult job, and there’s plenty of room to errors.

It’s a challenge to make sure that the walls look correct and the roller will take control of the majority of the work. But, it’s a entirely different story when you’re painting or cutting into the edges.

The process of painting trim can be difficult it’s not difficult to get distracted and make mistakes. Utilizing high-quality paint and the correct paintbrush will go far in making a professional finish to the trim. One last factor you want is for the paintbrush to show after drying.

This short guide on painting trim provides tips for creating a flawless finalization of the project.

Cleanse the surface

The painting process should start by preparing the area to allow paint. Paint will not adhere to the dirtiest trim, which is why you’ll have provide it with a thorough clean-up using a mild soap and water, and the softest cloth. You can also think of sanding it down to bring it back to its original beauty.

Use long, smooth strokes

The way you paint will determine the final appearance that you will get from the trim. When painting, you should try to use gentle, long strokes throughout the length the reach. Long strokes stop streaks and drips while giving the trim you paint professional appearance.

Certain people love the look of the brush strokes within the trim they claim it adds personality to the room. Others prefer a neat appearance with a smooth finish. If you are “cutting in” to the edge, breathe or exhale each time you stroke. To cut into walls with texture, shake your wrist to get the bristles in the cracks and gaps of the wall.

Use less paint

When you dip the brush in the tray for painting make sure to only dip the first inch of bristles. Apply as much paint to the brush as you are able and then work in a systematic manner to achieve the most effective outcomes. Dip the part of the brush in the paint stops the bristles from becoming saturated until they reach the ferrule.

This method of painting is not just saving paint, but it also stops drips from the brush when you work over the top. When it’s time to clean you’ll be able to easily wash your brush, and it’s also less waste.

The trim is sanded

Before painting, smooth the trim. Sanding helps paint stick better to the trim and reduces any imperfections that may occur on the new trim. If you’re sanding trim from the past take advantage of the chance to fill the cracks and repair the damage prior to applying primer or paint.

When sanding, we recommend using 100-grit or 120-grit sanding papers. The use of belt or orbital sanders for the task can speed things up. Belt sanders are an excellent option for flat trimming and the orbital is the best for round trimming.

Use primer

Applying a primer prior the first coat will give you the most perfect finish for the task. It’s not necessary to use primer, however you’ll have more results and a longer service longevity if you use. Primer fills in the gaps and covers any filler putty left on the trim.

Applying a coat of primer can increase the time and costs associated with the task however, it’s well worth the cost. The paint will stick better to primer and you don’t have to take the baseboards off for painting the trim.

Use the brush in a proper manner

When you are painting trim, grasp the brush tightly between your thumb and forefinger while cradling it with your palm like you would with a pencil or pen. Use your forefinger to lead the thin end of the brush (spine) instead of the larger flat end.

The smaller edges of your brush will give you more control and accuracy painting around areas of the trim with less streaks. Three fingers should be placed on the flat end of the brush for greater control when you are edging. Picking a trim tool with an elongated “Shergrip” handle, like the Wooster can allow for precise as well as precise paint of the trimming.

Conclusion

The art of painting trim requires the appropriate paintbrush and expertise. Making use of the right tools to complete the task will give you the best chances of creating a professional appearance on your trim. Pick the paintbrush you prefer to the trim, from one of our most popular models and your trim will look amazing after you’ve finished painting.

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