Start With the Right Paint Brush

How to Choose the Right Paint Brush for Your Project

When it comes to painting, the right brush makes all the difference — not just how easy the job feels, but also how good it looks when you’re finished. At Frank Burton and Sons, we carry a wide selection of quality paint brushes and painting tools. If you’re unsure what to pick, our knowledgeable team is always happy to help.

Here’s a more detailed guide to help you choose the best paint brush for your next project:

Brush Shape: Matching the Brush to the Job

The shape of the brush impacts how well you can control the paint and get into tricky areas.

– Angled Brushes (Sash Brushes): These have slanted bristles that make it easier to cut in clean lines around trim, corners, ceilings, and other tight spaces. They’re ideal when precision matters.
– Flat Brushes: These have straight, even bristles across the top and are best for covering large, flat surfaces like walls, ceilings, fences, and decks. They hold more paint and make it easier to work quickly.

Tip: When in doubt, many DIYers like to keep both a flat brush and an angled brush on hand for different parts of the same project.

Brush Size: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Choosing the right width brush helps you paint more efficiently without making a mess.

– Large Brushes (3″–4″): Great for big, open surfaces where you want to cover a lot of area quickly, such as walls, floors, and large doors.
– Medium Brushes (2″–2.5″): A good all-purpose size, especially for doors, cabinets, and furniture.
– Small Brushes (1″–1.5″): Perfect for trim, moldings, narrow frames, railings, and other detail work.

Tip: A smaller brush gives you more control, especially when you’re painting intricate areas or working with bold, contrasting colors.

Brush Material: Choose Based on the Type of Paint

The material the bristles are made from matters more than you might think — it affects how the brush holds and releases paint.

– Synthetic Bristles (Nylon, Polyester, or Blend):
Best for water-based (latex) paints. These brushes resist damage from water and hold their shape well after repeated cleaning. Some synthetic blends also work well with oil-based paints.
– Natural Bristles (Animal Hair, Typically Hog Bristle):
Designed for oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes. Natural bristles are softer and split at the tips (“flagged”) to create a smoother finish with oil-based coatings.

Tip: Never use a natural bristle brush with water-based paint — it can absorb water, lose its shape, and create a streaky finish.

Handle Type: Comfort Matters More Than You Think

You might not notice the handle when you start painting, but you’ll definitely notice it after a few hours.

– Wood Handles: Provide better balance and grip, making them ideal for longer or more detailed jobs. A classic choice for professional painters and serious DIYers.
– Plastic Handles: Lightweight and often more budget-friendly. A good option for small, quick jobs or one-time projects where long-term durability isn’t a major concern.

Tip: When possible, hold the brush before buying — it should feel comfortable and balanced in your hand, especially if you’ll be painting for long periods.

Other Brush Features to Consider

– Ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles): Look for a rust-resistant ferrule that’s firmly attached to the handle.
– Flagged Bristles: High-quality brushes have split ends (called “flagging”) that help hold more paint and create a smoother finish with fewer streaks.
– Tapered Bristles: Tapered bristles provide more control and a finer, cleaner edge, which is especially helpful for trim and cutting in.

One Last Tip: Invest in Quality

A high-quality brush not only gives you a better finish, it also makes the work easier. A good brush holds more paint, distributes it more evenly, and reduces the number of strokes you need to get a smooth surface. Plus, with the right cleaning and care, a quality brush can last through many projects.

At Frank Burton and Sons, we stock a wide range of brushes for every project and every budget — from quick weekend updates to detailed professional work.

In addition to brushes, we also carry rollers, roller covers, scrapers, sandpaper, drop cloths, caulks, and all the painting accessories you need to get the job done. We even stock quality paints and a huge selection of hardware for all your home improvement needs.

Stop in today — we’ll help you choose the right tools for your project and set you up for success!

Start With the Right Paint Brush