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Youll find paintbrushes with a variety of bristle types.

Paint Brushes

The Spruce / Kevin Liang

However, he recommends a natural bristle brush when working with oil-based indoor or outdoor paints.

Size and shape are also important.

For trim, he recommends a brush thats 1 to 2 inches wide.

Purdy-xl-sprig-paint-brush

PHOTO: Amazon

The nylon/poly bristles are medium in stiffness, which helps hold paint without drips.

Once your project is finished, these bristles will wash clean easily with soapy water.

Use these brushes with water-based andlatex paints.

Pro Grade 5-Piece Brush Set

PHOTO: Amazon

The sprig style handle is a traditional beavertail design that is easy to hold and comfortable in your hand.

Still, if cared for properly, this brush can be used for many painting projects.

The handle of the brush has a long, thin rattail design that gives it excellent maneuverability.

Wooster-shortcut-angled-brush

PHOTO: Amazon

Use this brush only for interior paint projects and on smooth to slightly textured surfaces.

Its best for use with water-based paint and enamels.

Its available in angled and flat shapes and several different sizes.

Purdy-white-bristle-sprig-paint-brush

PHOTO: Amazon

Chinex bristles are synthetic but are made to replicate the feel and performance of natural bristles.

They are very stiff, which allows them to smoothly push and pull thick, low-VOC materials.

That helps you work around the short drying time of low-VOC paints.

The Home Depot Wooster Pro 100% Nylon Paint Brush

PHOTO: The Home Depot

The alder wood rattail handle absorbs sweat and is long and thin for maneuverability.

And the Chinex bristles are easy to wash clean once youre finished for the day.

The brush is available in several sizes and shapes.

Purdy Chinex Elite Glide Angled Paint Brush

PHOTO: Amazon

That can be hard on a paintbrush, leading to ragged bristles and an uneven, blotchy paint job.

The brush has an alder wood handle that absorbs moisture and provides a secure grip.

Its a traditional beavertail shape, which is comfortable in your hand.

Purdy Pro Extra Monarch

PHOTO: Amazon

you’ve got the option to use this brush for both latex- and oil-based products.

Use this brush with any paint, whether water-based or oil-based.

The Purdy ClearCut has stiff nylon and polyester bristles that create a very clean line of paint.

Wooster Pro Nylon/Polyester Flat Brush

PHOTO: The Home Depot

With practice, you’ll develop the steady hand required for professional results.

We chose brushes of various bristle types, sizes, and shapes.

Parr says, For trim, a 1- to 2-inch angled sash brush is ideal.

Purdy ClearCut Angle Paint Brush

PHOTO: Amazon

The smaller size and angled bristles allow for precision and clean lines on detailed woodwork and edges.

ThePro-Grade 5-Piece Brush Setincludes flat and angled brushes in various sizes in one handy set.

What Are You Trying to Achieve?

Most paintbrushes are labeled with the degree of stiffness in their bristles.

A medium-stiffness brush is the most useful and versatile option for most projects using water-based or latex paints.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Michelle Ullmanis a writer for The Spruce who specializes in home improvement products, including tools and landscaping supplies.