Ever felt the sting of disappointment after using a paintbrush that promised perfection but delivered patchy lines and annoying bristle fallout? You’re not alone. The market’s flooded with brushes all touting to be the “best for trim.” It’s enough to make your head spin, isn’t it?
But worry not. I’ve tested a myriad of brushes, and narrowed down the top performers just for you. Dive in, and let’s find that perfect brush!
Reviews of the Top Paint Brushes for Trim
1. Purdy 144152125 Clearcut Series Glide Angular Trim PaintBrush
The Pudy 144152125 Clearcut Paint Brush is designed with a unique blend of natural bristles tapered to a fine point, making it a high-performance brush that is incredibly easy to create sharp, precise lines and angles.
Whether for painting trims, cutting in around window trim and doors, or creating intricate designs, this good quality brush gave the control and precision needed to get the painting project done right.
These purdy brushes handle is comfortable to grip, even during extended periods of use. During the test, I’m impressed how this brush can be cleaned up easily and maintain its shape and natural bristles integrity even after use.
What i Like
- Slanted bristles
- Easy to clean after use
- Can hold a large amount of paint
- Provides excellent control for accurate edging
- Offers maximum paint pickup
- Handle made of wood and stainless steel ferrule
What i Don't Like
- It's effortless to overload the brush with paint
- Costly
2. Wooster Brush 4153-1 1/2 Ultra/Pro Extra-Firm Lind Beck
The Wooster 4153-1 1/2 Ultra/Pro Brush is incredibly durable and maintains its quality even after a long workday—consistently producing clean edges. This brush’s extra-firm bristles are ideal for corners and short crown molding.
Compared to other brushes on the market, Wooster Brushes retain their shape, even after repeated use in a painting job. While cheaper options are available, these Wooster Ultra/Pro brushes are a worthwhile investment.
This Ultra/Pro brush is available in various sizes, but I like the ½” width because it is particularly versatile and suitable for all-purpose use. I find it especially useful for touching up tight areas.
What I Like
- Provides good value for money.
- Features razor-thin edges for precise painting
- Bristles maintain their shape well over time
- Helps to speed up the painting process
- Designed to be durable and long-lasting
- The brush width is perfect for quick touch-ups
What I Don't Like
- Brush is difficult to control, especially for beginners or those with less experience
- Expensive
3. Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush
The brush’s design is unique and features a short handle, making it easy to maneuver and control, especially in tight spaces.
The angled bristles are soft and provide an even, smooth finish. As one of the best paint brushes for trim, it holds a decent amount of paint to cover more surface area without constantly dipping my brush into the paint can.
The Wooster Q3211-2 Brush is also easy to clean even after multiple uses. The comfortable soft-grip handle of the brush is also noteworthy and helps prevent hand fatigue during prolonged periods of use. However, if you have big hands, this might be an issue for you.
What I Like
- Inexpensive
- Features a comfortable and flexible grip
- Provides good value for money
- Soft bristles
- Simple to clean
What I Don't Like
- Not suitable if you have big hands
- Angled bristles do not have pointed ends
4. Zibra PB100LZS 1in. Square Paintbrush
One of the most notable features of the Zibra PB100LZS Square Paintbrush is its size. With a 1-inch square head, it’s ideal for working with smaller areas or achieving fine details. The bristles of this brush are crafted using a combination of synthetic materials, carefully blended for optimal performance.
In addition, the brush features an angular shape specifically designed to facilitate precise cutting in and trimming of edges. This unique shape enhances control and accuracy, making it easier to achieve clean and defined lines while working on various surfaces.
One minor drawback of this paintbrush is that it’s relatively expensive compared to other brushes on the market. However, this is to be expected given the high quality of the materials and the precision engineering that went into its design.
What I Like
- Smoothly glides over the surface to prevent brush marks.
- Maintains its shape well
- Provides excellent value for money
- Suitable for joints, corners, and touch-ups
- The square head design facilitates easy cutting in
What I Don't Like
- Its bristle material tends to come loose from the ferrule.
- Expensive
5. Bates Interior Trim Brush, 0.75 Inch, Edge Painting Tool
With its 0.75-inch paint brush for trim, it’s the perfect size for precise trimming edges and achieving a clean straight line in tight spaces. One of the standout features of this brush is its angled design, which makes it easy to hold and control.
Its synthetic bristles are designed to hold more paint without soaking it up for a smooth paint release. This means you can spend more time painting and less time reloading your synthetic brushes.
However, the Bates 0.75-Inch Trim Brush may not be suitable for all types of paint. But the brush head is durable, and will not detach easily.
What I Like
- Features a comfortable grip.
- Simple to clean after use
- Provides good value for money
- Applies paint evenly
- Bristles are long-lasting
What I Don't Like
- Not suitable for all types of paints
- The soft grip handle has a tendency to roll when placed on flat surfaces.
6. Purdy 144080310 XL Dale Angled Sash Paint Brush, Tynex Orel
Crafted from a robust blend of nylon and polyester, this brush promises durability like no other. Its remarkable stiffness ensures it retains its shape and performs at its best, use after use. Trust me, it’s built to last.
This trim brush is suitable for various paints, including latex and oil-based paints. It can be used for various painting projects, including trim work, cutting in, and detailing, which makes it one of the best paint brushes.
This Purdy 144080310 XL Paintbrush is ideal for painting trim around exterior window sills [1], eaves, and doors. The moisture-resistant bristles suit humid conditions, and when your hands are oily or wet, its wooden handle provides a comfortable grip.
What I Like
- Can last for years with light use.
- Excellent for touch-ups
- The ideal brush for oil-based paint
- Suitable for use in any climate
- Features a wooden handle
What I Don't Like
- It may not be able to hold more paint.
- The newer Purdy brush angled comes with fewer bristles
7. Zibra PB200LT 2in Angle Sash Trim Paint Brush
The Zibra PB200LT Paint Brush for trim has sturdy stiffness, so you can hold its shape and maintain its performance over time.
In fact, many professionals prefer the Grip-n-Glide Angle Sash paint brush for its effectiveness in molding and trimming. This is due to the flexible bristles and comfortable hourglass handle, especially suitable for those who hold the brush with a pencil grip.
The thin bristles are excellent for loading up a lot of paint, and they never spread out too much. Additionally, the hourglass handle provides a comfortable grip that eases the strain on hands.
What i Like
- Bristles retain their shape well.
- The right brush for painting baseboards
- Perfect for applying semi-gloss paint
- Offers good value for money
- Long-lasting and durable
- The ergonomic handle is suitable for a pencil grip
What i Don't Like
- May be too expensive for some customers
- The brush may cause hand cramping, depending on your grip
Paint Brushes for Trim Buyer’s Guide
Size
It is important to take into account the width of the baseboard or trim that you are painting. Additionally, it is essential to choose a brush that is appropriately sized for the task at hand.
Using a brush that is too big can make it difficult to manage and cause streaks, whereas a brush that is too small may not provide adequate coverage for the surface area.
Shape
Trim brushes are not designed in a round shape. Instead, they are made in a flat, angled style. However, the bristle shape of these brushes can differ significantly. These are three primary shapes available to select from.
- Chisel brush type possesses angled bristles, which are well-suited for creating clean and precise lines. This particular brush variant is commonly utilized by experts to achieve sharp and straight strokes in confined spaces and alongside borders.
- Angled brush, also referred to as a Cutting brush, features stiff bristles that are trimmed at an oblique angle, enabling the artist to create precise and polished strokes. This type of brush is particularly advantageous in confined spaces and narrow sections.
- The Square Trim paintbrush is a popular choice for coating even surfaces with paint. Although they are efficient in covering large areas, they may not provide the same level of precision and control as Angled brushes and Chisel.
Handle
When selecting the best paint brush for trim, the handle is a crucial factor to keep in mind. Opt for a brush that lets you maintain control while you are painting and provides a comfortable grip. When it comes to brush handles, many experts have a soft spot for wood.
It has an air of elegance and tradition. However, it can be a bit on the pricier side. Meanwhile, rubber or plastic handles might lack that classic charm, but they’re wallet-friendly and offer a superior grip.
So, it really boils down to what you value more: aesthetic appeal or functionality and cost-effectiveness. Either way, you’re making a knowledgeable choice.
Style and Bristles
It is essential to contemplate the paintbrush types required and the necessary quality. While high-quality brushes may be more expensive, they tend to be more long-lasting and durable than less expensive, off-brand alternatives.
The following are some of the paintbrush types for trim:
Natural Bristle Brushes
When diving into the world of painting, especially with oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, and the likes of polyurethane and latex finishes, I’d strongly advise you to grab a natural bristle brush.
A natural bristle brush can hold a more significant amount of paint, and the flagging or frizzing at the tip of the soft bristles aids in the precise and even distribution of paint.
Blended Nylon/Polyester Brushes
These brushes are created by mixing polyester and nylon, making them tough and able to maintain their shape. Poly/Nylon brush is often utilized for painting baseboards and trim as they are rigid and have a precise tip. They are also simpler to wash.
Brand and Where to Buy
Zibra, Wooster Bates, and Purdy are among the best paint brush manufacturers that provide a wide range of brushes in various sizes and bristle types to meet the needs of any painting activity.
These brands are readily available for purchase online at sites like Home Depot or Amazon, as well as at local hardware.
The Ideal Type of Paintbrush For Trim & Baseboards
Flexible Bristles and/or Handle
This type of paint brush is useful when working in confined areas as it enables you to maintain control while painting all edges and corners.
Short Handle
Brushes with smaller handles can help you reach and navigate through more intricate spaces while also allowing for better handling and control of the brush for a smoother finish.
2-inch Width
This particular paint brush size is ideal for trimming as it strikes a balance between being not too small or too large. This helps to prevent errors while also enabling you to cover more surface area in a shorter amount of time.
Angled Bristles
Using these types of paintbrushes can enhance the overall coverage of paint on the details of your paint trims and enable you to create clean lines during painting.
Brush vs Roller: Which is the Best Way to Paint Trim and Baseboards?
Why Choose a Roller
Rollers are better suited for larger surfaces like walls and ceilings. They can cover large areas quickly and efficiently but may not provide the same level of detail and accuracy as brushes.
However, if you have large, flat baseboards or trim, rollers can be an effective tool to use.
Why Choose a Brush
Brushes are often preferred for trim and baseboards because they offer more precision and control. Choose paint brushes if you want to easily reach into tight spaces and corners. Brushes are also ideal for creating straight lines and edges.
Additionally, brushes allow for greater flexibility when it comes to applying multiple coats and layering paint.
How Can You Paint Trim and Baseboards Without Brush Marks?
Supplies You’ll Need
- Paint thinner
- Screwdrivers and razor blades
- Bucket of water to soak brushes
- Wet cloth (to wipe away stray paint)
- Painters tape
- Paper or painter's plastic
- Dry cloth (to wipe away debris)
- Sander or paint scraper (to prep surfaces)
- Large 5 or 10-gallon bucket
- Dropcloth (to catch the paint)
Instructions to Follow
- Prepare the surface by ensuring it is free of debris and clean for a smoother finish.
- Start by using a brush that is dry and free from any dirt or debris.
- Keep the brush moist by dipping it back into the paint as needed.
- To prevent the paint from drying on the brush, I advise working on small sections at a time.
- Take long and sweeping strokes and move to the direction of the edges.
- It’s best to refrain from going over a particular section more than two times.
- If possible, paint the baseboards or trim before installation to make touch-ups easier later on.
Extra Tips When Painting Trim or Baseboards
- Before cleaning and storing the brush, ensure that you have utilized all the paint on it. You can do this by running it on a piece of scrap material like a newspaper.
- After completing the painting baseboard or trim task, dip the brush into a cleaning solution; for oil-based paints, use turpentine or mineral spirits, and for latex paints, use dish soap and hot water to clean the brush.
- Once you have washed the brushes in soapy water, shake and spin them to take off any extra water before storing them.
FAQ
Does using an expensive paintbrush make a difference?
Most brushes that are expensive are typically made from higher-quality materials, such as natural animal hair or high-quality synthetic fibers, quality plastic handle brushes, or wooden and are designed to hold more paint and provide better control and precision.
Should I prime trim before applying paint?
Yes, it is recommended to prime trim before you apply paint. Priming helps to create a smooth finish and even surface for the paint to adhere to and can also help to seal any porous areas on the surface. I suggest Zinsser or Kilz primer for good results.
How do you clean trim before the paint application?
To prepare for painting, utilize tack cloth, a cloth that is free of lint and covered in an adhesive material that eliminates dust and debris. If you don’t have access to a tack cloth, a moist or damp cloth is a good substitute.
You might also want to check out:
Which should I paint first, the walls or the trim?
Typically, professional painters commence their paint project by painting the trim initially since it necessitates the most intricate work and is simpler to execute without correcting any errors.
Any mistakes can be easily concealed when the walls and ceiling are painted subsequently.
Read Next: Should You Sand Between Coats of Paint?
my Top Pick For a Paint Brush for Trim:
Purdy Clearcut Series Glide Angular Trim Paintbrush
Overall, the combination of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, unique design, and innovative technology make the Purdy Clearcut Series Glide Angular Trim PaintBrush the best paint brush for trim and baseboards.
It’s a favorite among experts and hobbyists alike because of its sleek finish and user-friendly handling. Trust me, if you want that expert touch, this is the way to go!
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
- Amazon Basics 18-inch Push Reel Lawn Mower Review (2023) - December 8, 2023
- American Lawn Mower Company 50514 Review (2023) - December 6, 2023
- EGO LM2150SP Review (2023) — Should You Buy This Self-Propelled Mower? - December 4, 2023
