A quality brush will help you achieve even coverage and consistent finish, but not all are made with the same quality and craftsmanship. Most brushes in the market tend to shed or leave uneven streaks, which can leave unsightly patches on your stained project!
For this reason, our woodworking pros have tested the best brushes for staining wood, so you can pick without wasting money.
Reviews of the Top Brushes for Staining Wood
1. Wooster Brush Available F5119-4 Bravo Stainer
This brush is the best choice if you want to stain a large area quickly without sacrificing the finish’s smoothness. The white China bristles on the wide end of the brush make it ideal for finishing large areas smoothly.
It’s helpful for staining wood of any texture, allowing the stain to penetrate deeply into the grain. It’s made specifically for staining decks, and if you buy an extension pole, you can swap out the handle.
The Wooster Brush Available F5119-4 Bravo Stainer is ideal for those who want to stain large pieces of wood. Pick this if you need the right brush that can withstand prolonged exposure to oil-based solvents and maintain its shape.
What We Like
- Multi-purpose brush
- Deck stain brush
- Includes a bucket clip
- Polyester and white bristle blend
- It can be used with an extension pole
- Best brush for interior and exterior projects
What We Don't Like
- Requires mineral spirits
- Size may not be ideal for some tasks
2. Perdura Deck BOSS Deck Stain Brush Applicator
A multi-purpose brush shortens the time it takes to complete a task. It’s ideal for use with any wood stain or paint brand, and you can use it on polished and unpolished surfaces.
We like the convenient storage case for this fence applicator brush, which is robust and aesthetically pleasing. As a bonus, there is a bottle opener and a brush comb on the key ring.
When you need to coat or stain large surfaces swiftly, the Perdura Deck BOSS Deck Stain Brush is your best option. The seven-by-two-inch design with the three-inch filament length is ideal for storing large quantities of paint or oil-based stain.
What We Like
- Best brush for large projects
- Easy to clean
- Carries more paint
- Ideal for water- and oil-based stains
- Ideal for rough and smooth surfaces
- High-quality brushes
- Provide a professional look
What We Don't Like
- A bit heavy
- Not for smaller tasks
3. Linzer 0600 Project Select Premium Stain'N 3550 Paint Brush
The Linzer 0600 Project Select Premium Paint Brush is an excellent option if you’re trying to save money. Being a broad staining brush, it has many of the same features as more expensive alternatives but at a far more reasonable price. It is a straightforward yet effective staining tool.
About six inches in width, and roughly an inch in thickness, you can use this brush for a variety of tasks. You can paint on it or use it with any number of wood dyes.
We like that the flexible bristles and handles are constructed from polyester and molded plastic. The handle is detachable and threaded when you attach it to a long pole.
What We Like
- Affordable quality brushes
- Satin and stain block brush
- For a variety of wood projects
- 1-inch thick bristles
- Threaded grip
- Reusable
What We Don't Like
- Bristles might be too soft for others
- Not as durable as expensive models
4. Pro Grade - Paint Brushes - 5 Ea - Paint Brush Set
These Pro Grade stain brushes are ideal for staining various woodworking projects thanks to their ergonomic wooden handles and stain-regulating bristle tips.
They use a unique filament mixture called SRT, which is more effective in reducing brush strokes and retaining more paint than regular synthetic brushes. They’re made with thin brush tips so you can regulate the staining process on any size interior or exterior project.
The Pro Grade Paint Brush 5-Piece Set can also carry a lot of paint at once, saving you the trouble of making many trips to the supply room. You’ll spend less time on each coat and achieve the look you’ve been striving for.
What We Like
- Affordable staining brushes
- Thin brush tips
- SRT filament blend
- Provides a smooth finish
- Ideal for various wood projects
- Good for touch-ups or a full staining project
What We Don't Like
- Bristles falling when washed incorrectly
- Not ideal for rough surfaces
5. Presa Premium Paint Brushes Set
The Presa Premium Paint Brushes Set is designed to help you finish more quickly. It has a stain-holding capacity up to 30% higher than the industry standard. Its material is built to last and is durable enough to be used on surfaces with a lot of texture. Brushing up after each use should be easy because of its simplicity.
Natural bristle brushes provide a sleeker finish and more consistent release because of their high-quality filaments. Because of this, you’ll be able to paint with greater mastery and accuracy.
This set of brushes is well made so that even the pickiest painter would find them ideal for interior and exterior work.
What We Like
- Ideal for abrasive surfaces
- Good for wood finishing
- Suitable brush for deck boards
- Comfortable handle
- Provides reasonable control
- Provides a smooth finish
What We Don't Like
- Small brush set
- May not hold more stain
6. Minwax 427320008 Polycrylic Wood Stain Brush
The Minwax 427320008 Polycrlic Wood Stain Brush works well indoors or outdoors to seal or stain wood, which can withstand numerous uses. But you should always clean it thoroughly after each use and not after the stain dries.
Applying water-based stains or varnishes is a breeze with this brush. It’s durably built and easy to maintain, making it the best brush for staining wood in terms of value for money.
In addition, it retains its luster even after washing and does not shed. You can apply wood stain evenly with this brush, and you can use it for up to five separate tasks before breaking.
What We Like
- Ideal for water-based stains
- Applying stain is a breeze
- Only warm soapy water for cleaning
- Ideal for mixing paints
- Provides beautiful wood grain color
What We Don't Like
- Not ideal with oil-based paints
- No natural bristles
7. Bates Choice Paint Brushes - 4 Pack
These brushes are so effective that you may finish your painting project in no time. They’re light, sturdy, and simple to maintain. The quality of your work will greatly improve while using these brushes.
Even on repetitive tasks, the brushes are pleasant to use. More importantly, the handle provides superb manipulation of the paint. They store a sufficient quantity of paint to significantly reduce your painting time while still providing you with the desired result.
Amateurs, professionals, and everyone can also use the Bates Choice 4-Pack Paint Brushes with ease. The brush can be cleaned and used for a variety of other colors. It won’t absorb paint and is simple to clean. Also, its one of the good paint brushes for trim, baseboards, etc.
What We Like
- Easy clean up
- Reusable
- Lightweight
- Affordable stain brush
What We Don't Like
- It may not be the right brush for detailing
- Best brushes for small wood projects
Brush for Staining Wood Buyer’s Guide
Material
Knowing what to look for in a wood staining brush is crucial. Use brushes and rollers made of synthetic materials like nylon-polyester or foam.
Size and Shape of Bristles
There are some round brushes still available, but square-cut brushes make up most of what you’ll find in stores nowadays. They work wonderfully as paintbrushes and are a convenient size for painting just about anything.
However, if painting across narrow borders or tight spaces, you need more control with square-cut brushes.
Sash brushes with angled bristles provide extra precision. Cutting into the perimeter of a room is a breeze with a sash brush.
Comfort
The handle of any tool you use should feel good in your hand. Rollers and brushes should have an attachment point for an extension pole, and sprayers must be lightweight and easy to transport.
Ability to Contain Stain and Paint
Not all brushes are the same, so get one that soaks up a significant amount of paint in one go if you’re just starting. This way, you can avoid the expense and inconvenience of purchasing stain remover for wood.
Painting may be messy; if drips occur, you’ll need to wipe them up right once. This means you should select a brush that allows you to apply stain with less dripping and running.
You can save time and effort by painting larger areas, like fences, with a brush that can cover more ground at once. Flagged or split ends are a sign of durability. Bristles that have drooped can carry more and spread more broadly.
Brush Type
Success or failure in a painting project is directly related to the quality of the brush used. Either you’ll be amazed by your work and want to show off, or you’ll be cursing the day you picked up a paintbrush.
The bristles of a paintbrush are the most critical part, yet the handle is still essential. The strands, or filaments, may be made of either natural or synthetic materials.
Natural Bristle Brushes
One type of bristle brush is made from animal hair or fur and is known as a natural bristle brush or white china bristle brush. Depending on your needs, you can use some with either water- or oil-based stains.
Synthetic Bristle Brushes
You can use nylon, polyester, or a combination of the two to make synthetic bristles.
Use a brush with synthetic polyester bristles to spread clear finishes and water-based stains. In contrast to mineral spirits, water causes the bristles on your brush to enlarge and become misshapen.
Also Read: Can You Use Mineral Spirits on Wood?
The smooth appearance you get from synthetic hairs is because they don’t absorb moisture or droop. As a bonus, they’re effortless to tidy up afterward. All you need is some soap and water.
Bristle Strength
Every time you paint, you should avoid having brush hairs adhere to the surface. You will harm the paint job if you attempt to pry the brush bristles out of a recently stained surface.
Get the best brush for staining wood that features sturdy bristles that won’t shed as much. A brush must have bristles that are securely fastened to the mandrel.
Wear and Tear
You can repeatedly use some scrubbing brushes designed for stain removal, while you should throw other models away after a single application. Thus, choose a brush that meets your needs while allowing you to save money in the long run.
Even though disposable brushes cost less up front, a high-quality brush that can be used for multiple years applying stain coatings is the way to go. Pick a brush that you can use multiple times and is simple to clean.
If the bristles run out and you haven’t finished painting, you can save some aggravation by purchasing a brush set. You simply get a new paintbrush and keep working as usual.
Staining Wood: Brush vs Roller vs Spray
Why Opt for a Brush?
- For total coverage
- For small project and touch-ups
- Provides more time to complete the job
Why You Should Use Brush Over a Rag for Staining Wood?
A cloth rag will do the trick if you don’t have a brush handy. While some people may have more luck with a cloth, you may find that a brush works better for what you’re trying to do.
A rag is a throwaway material that can help you cover a large area fast and smoothly, but it isn’t the best choice for finer work.
However, brushes excel at crevices and detailing because they allow for more precise control over the staining process due to their ability to reach into tighter spaces. A rag should do the trick if you need to get anything done quickly.
Brushes, however, are preferable if your job involves a great deal of intricacy and fine-grain wood.
Why Choose a Roller?
- For accelerating the process
- For larger tasks and flat surfaces
- For covering carefully
Why Choose Sprays?
- If you have the chance to buy or rent
- If you are fine with a messy workspace
- For an easier and faster process
Staining Wood: Step-by-Step Process
Materials You’ll Need
- Painter’s tape
- Paint stirrer
- Paint or stain
- Dropcloth
- Paintbrush
- Broom
Step #1: Clean Your Wood Thoroughly
On a bright, clear day, you should remove all filth from the hardwood surface and ensure no chance of precipitation for at least two days.
Step #2: Cover the Areas You Don’t Want to Stain With Tape
Catching the paint is optional if you protect the surfaces with a drop cloth or painter’s tape.
Step #3: Applying the Paint
Spread wood stains on the wood with a paintbrush or foam brush.
The gaps between boards can be filled up with a coat of paint using a paintbrush no wider than one inch. While a cloth can spread wood stains, using a paintbrush or foam brush is still better on extremely porous surfaces. [1]
Step #4: Wipe Any Excess Paint Off the Surface
After you apply stain, you may see leftover paint, so use a damp rag or lint-free cloth, remove it, and set the board aside to dry.
More Effective Ways to Stain Wood with Consistency and Professionally
Tip #1: Make Visual Inspection and Preparation
Before priming and painting, you should sand down peeling, splitting, or flaking areas so that the new paint can adhere properly.
If you want your wood to seem professional, wash the grimy parts with warm water and soap and wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Tip #2: Complete Repairs Beforehand
Clean the wood by spraying it down or wiping it with a moist towel to remove any dirt or debris that can interfere with the stain.
Tip #3: Sand Old Coats
We recommend using sandpaper to smooth down any rough spots left by previous coats of stain or paint.
Tip #4: Always Check for the Weather
Please wait until the dry season to paint or stain wood. Since there is more moisture in the air during a wet season, drying takes longer.
Take your time in between coats if you must stain in damp weather. If you make a mistake when painting, you’ll have plenty of time to fix it before the paint dries enough for a second coat.
Avoid painting in direct sunlight since doing so could result in the paint drying before it has had a chance to penetrate the wood properly.
Tip #5: Use Tinted Paint
If you want to avoid the stark look of a white primer, choose one with a tint instead. It does a better job of hiding the hue of the original stain than the standard white primer.
Additionally, the final coat will be slightly more vibrant and require fewer applications. Existing colors like orange or red, which generally require three layers without a primer, benefit most from using a tinted primer.
Tip #6: Use Only as Much Stain as You Need
Avoid loading your brush with too much stain since this can cause streaks and uneven coverage. An excess stain can also be hard to remove.
Tip #7: Hold the Brush Properly
The best brushes for staining wood and staining at the right angle is important, so make sure you’re standing close to the surface you’re working on, as this will give you more comfort and control.
Tip #8: Begin Painting From the Top to the Bottom
The best way to avoid drips and spatters during wood staining is to work from the ceiling to the floor or the top of the project until the base.
You’ll end up with a paint job that looks better and works better, and you won’t even have to break a sweat in the process.
Tip #9: Do the Finishing While it’s Still Wet
If you want the stain to hold, you need to finish every surface you’re dealing with before it dries. If you do this, you’ll have less trouble with overlapping in your stain.
Preventing Brush Marks or Strokes While Staining Your Wood
Although applying wood stain may seem straightforward, it’s relatively simple to botch. Without the proper method and good brushes for staining wood, your work may dry with brush streaks or blotchy stains.
The trick to avoiding mistakes is to move rapidly but cautiously.
- Make sure the wood is clean and dry before staining, and use a stir stick to thoroughly combine the stain's pigments into the wood stain before applying.
- Brush in small areas, both with and against the grain, to ensure that the stain reaches every crevice in the wood. It's simple to make the stain darker but not so simple to make it lighter, so be careful to keep your brush manageable.
- Wipe in the grain direction between coats to eliminate the extra stain and harmonize brush strokes. These steps guarantee a professional look by eliminating streaks and splotchy spots.
FAQ
Do I need a special brush for stains?
You don’t need any special brush for stains, but stains and finishes that are water-based should be applied using a synthetic bristle brush, while those that are oil-based should be applied with a natural bristle brush.
Are foam brushes good for staining?
Yes, foam brushes are good for staining because they can provide a smooth finish. Inexpensive foam brushes are convenient for one-time DIYers because you can dispose of them once they’ve done their job.
Can I use a brush for applying oil-based paint?
To paint with oil paints, use a brush with natural white china bristles. For working with oil-based paint on a smooth surface, a paintbrush made with natural White china bristles is an excellent choice due to its softness and adaptability.
How can you clean the brush after staining wood?
You can clean the bristles with dish soap and a comb in warm water after being dried with a clean rag. Remove the extra moisture by shaking it out and reapplying it to dry. Dry it overnight by placing it flat inside a paper bag.
Read Next: How to Clean Polyurethane Brush Effortlessly
Is it okay to reuse brushes?
What you may expect from a brush depends on its quality, how well you care for it, and where you keep it. When properly cared for, a good-quality brush can last for years.
Our Top Pick For a Brush for Staining Wood:
Wooster Brush Available F5119-4 Bravo Stainer
Our woodworking team unanimously chose the Wooster F5119-4 Bravo Stainer as the best brush for staining wood.
It has a unique blend of white china bristles and polyester filaments, which makes it ideal for use with all types of stains, including oil-based and water-based paints. It is well-suited for DIYers and professionals and can be used on various wood surfaces.
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