Giving the interior of your home a re-touch of paint can really make a huge difference, and make your home look fresh and finished.
When retouching the paint in the interior of a home, one of the most popular areas to touch up is the interior trim you find along the baseboards, windows, and doors. If the walls don’t need repainting, simply giving the trims fresh paint can significantly improve the interior’s appearance.
To properly paint trim, however, you will need the right paintbrush.
What are the best paintbrushes for trim? The best paintbrush for trim would be one that gives you good control and precision. Trim is often thin, so you need to be able to maneuver the paintbrush comfortably to not cause any mess. It should also be versatile enough to cover both small and bigger areas of trim.
Choosing the right paintbrush for trim can make the painting process so much easier, and less frustrating. With the right paintbrush, your trim will look perfectly painted and renewed!
Keep reading to find out how to choose the best paintbrush for trim, and the best options on the market right now.
Buyer’s Guide – Paint Brushes For Trim
Don’t just pick up any old paintbrush for painting trim. You need to choose one that is suited for the job.
Ideally, you should use a 2-inch or 2 ½-inch wide paintbrush with angled bristles that has a shorter handle. This will help you cover all the edges of the trim and even fit into smaller spaces. It gives you the ease of having one brush to do it all, while still giving you precision and control.
Here is why these are good properties to look for in a paintbrush for trim:
Width
Having a 2-inch width paintbrush makes it really versatile for trim. It is not too wide and not too thin, so you can cover more area in a shorter amount of time, but still be able to paint smaller areas and details.
You do need to have a look at the trim you will be painting and use this to help you decide as well. If the trim is particularly thinner, then a smaller brush might be better. If the trim is large and you have quite a bit of area to cover, a 2-inch or bigger would be best.
If the trim you are painting is a mix of thickness and edges, then a 2-inch paintbrush should be perfect.
Angled Bristles
Angled bristles allow you to have better coverage when painting along the trim, and it is also easier to make cleaner lines when using angled bristles.
Using angled bristles will get the job done in a shorter time, and you will be touching up fewer mistakes and patches afterward.
Short Handle
A shorter handle gives you more versatility with the paintbrush. Using a shorter handle means you will be able to fit into smaller spaces while keeping good control of the paintbrush.
Often painting trim comes with curves, edges, and hard-to-reach spots, so having control of the paintbrush with a small handle really does help.
Brush Bristles
When choosing a paintbrush, you would be able to choose between natural brush bristles and blended nylon and polyester bristles. Both have their benefits, but blended nylon and polyester bristles are better for trim work.
Natural bristle brushes are better used for oil-based paints and varnishes, and as the natural bristles flair or frizz at the end, the paintbrush can hold more paint. These can be slightly difficult to clean and the brush can lose its shape after a few uses.
Nylon and polyester blend brushes are easy to clean and are very easy to use. Polyester holds its shape well after continued use, and nylon is a strong fiber, so the blend of these two give a paintbrush some good qualities, and make them a good option for painting trim.
Is A Roller Or Paint Brush Better For Trim?
You can choose to use either a roller or a paintbrush for trim, but a paintbrush is definitely the better option if you are wanting better results.
Rollers are a good option if you want the painting to be quick and easy, and if the trim is relatively thick with little details and no small spaces. However, they do not have good versatility and cannot paint smaller spaces.
Paintbrushes are a better option, as they give you a higher-quality finish. Using a paintbrush might take longer than using a roller, but you will be able to achieve better coverage, paint smaller areas, and have more consistent coverage of the trim.
The 11 Best Paint Brushes For Trim
Keeping in mind the trim that you are wanting to paint, and all of the above guidelines on picking the right paintbrush, take a look through the below best paintbrushes on the market at the moment, that will help you paint trim easily at home!
Rank | Product | Size & Shape |
---|---|---|
1. | Wooster Silver Tip Angle Sash Paintbrush | 2.5", angled |
2. | Grip Tight Tools Professional Orange Plus Paintbrush | 2.5", straight |
3. | Bates Paint Brushes 2 Pack | 2.5", angled and straight |
4. | Wooster Brush Shortcut Angle Sash Paint Brush | 2", angled |
5. | Amazon Basics Flat Edge Master Pro | 1.5", flat |
6. | Purdy Dale Angled Sash Paint Brush | 2.5", angled |
7. | Richard Goose Neck Angular Paint Brush | 2.5", angled |
8. | Apollo Brush 500 Series Poly Blend Paint Brush | 3", angled |
9. | Multibrush Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Paint Brush | 2", angled |
10. | Rick’s Professional Grade 2-Inch Angled Paint Brush | 2", angled |
11. | Purdy Chinex 2 ½ Inch Angular Trim Glide Brush | 2.5", angled |
1. Wooster Silver Tip Angle Sash Paintbrush
The Wooster Silver Tip Angle Sash Paintbrush is perfect for painting trim, and to make it more useful, it can be used on walls too.
The paintbrush has a 2 ½ inch width, which is the ideal size for painting trims big and small. The edge of the paintbrush is angled, so you get a more even coverage, and painting is made quicker.
Polyester bristles on the paintbrush are super soft and give a feather stroke with each movement. This allows the paint to go on so smoothly, and there will be no lines left in the paint when it is applied.
Made with a brushed steel Ferrule, the paintbrush is also rust-resistant, so the brush lasts longer. The wooden handle is comfortable to hold and will not lead to hand fatigue too quickly.
This brush, made with silver-tip polyester, is best suited for painting enamel, varnish, polyurethane, and water-based coatings onto wood, which is why it is great for painting trim.
2. Grip Tight Tools Professional Orange Plus Paintbrush
Grip Tight Tools have the Professional Orange Plush Paintbrush with a width of 2.5-inches, making it the right size to use for just about every trim.
You will love the feel of this paintbrush, with the handle being a soft-grip material that fits comfortably and securely in your hand. Painting all the trim in your house will be easy!
The bristles are made from a quality dipped polyester that is strong and holds shape well, but which will also apply paint smoothly and not leave any brush marks behind. The bristles distribute the paint evenly too, so you can quickly paint surfaces.
The tapered and tipped polyester bristles in a mix of black and white give you the smoothest finish. The ferrule is made from stainless steel and is corrosion-resistant, keeping the brush in the best condition for longer.
For comfort while painting, this would be one of the better options for you to choose from!
3. Bates Paint Brushes 2 Pack
The Bates Paint Brushes are professional quality brushes that are designed to be used to paint trim. They are made to be long-lasting and super easy to clean, which makes each painting process a breeze.
The wooden handles on the brushes are lightweight and comfortable to hold, which will make painting for longer periods, and working on tedious jobs, a lot more enjoyable. The comfortable brushes also give you quality control too.
Thick filament synthetic fibers make up the bristles, which are designed to hold more paint. This gives you more time to paint and less time worrying about picking up more paint and gets the job done quicker too. These synthetic fibers are strong to last but soft to not leave brush marks.
The two-pack includes one straight-edge brush, and one angled brush, so you can paint just about every trim and more. Both brushes have a width of 2.5-inches, which covers trims well.
The stainless steel ferrules guarantee long-lasting use, and you can use the paintbrushes time and time again with little wear. It is a really handy pair of brushes to have!
4. Wooster Brush Shortcut Angle Sash Paint Brush
The Wooster Shortcut Angle Brush is a short handle paintbrush that gives you incredible precision when painting trim and other areas.
The flexible Shergrip handle measures only 2-inches long, and gives you better maneuverability in small and tight places, so you can cover all areas of the trim.
With the bristles made from white nylon and gold polyester, they are strong and hold shape well, but also soft enough to not leave marks behind when painting. The bristles are a good blend for all types of paints and work well on different surfaces too.
A brass-plated steel ferrule allows for the longevity of the brush, so it will be your trusted painting tool for a long time! To make the paintbrush even handier, it is designed with a hole in the handle to hang it up when not in use.
The 2-inch angled bristle will cover the trim quickly and evenly and will help you paint faster. The angled shape also helps cover smaller areas and angles better. You will be able to achieve clean, precise lines with this angled paintbrush, all while being comfortable holding it!
5. Amazon Basics Flat Edge Master Pro
The Amazon Basics Flat Edge Master Pro Brush is an affordable brush that still has all the benefits and features you could want from a trim paintbrush.
The polyester-blend bristles are soft yet firm, and flexible too, to evenly distribute paint along the trim without leaving behind marks and without losing shape. With a tapered and tipped design, the paintbrush holds more paint than others, which increases efficiency and gives a smoother stroke.
Being versatile, the paintbrush is ideal for trims, but can also be used for tight corners, detailed areas, frames, and even craft projects. Use all types of paint, stains, and finishes with this brush and bristles.
The reinforced wood handle gives a comfortable and steady hold, and the stainless steel ferrule is rustproof and gives good support to the brush.
As the brush is easy to clean, it can be used time and time again, to repaint lots of different areas in your home!
6. Purdy Dale Angled Sash Paint Brush
The Purdy Dale is an angled paintbrush with a width of 2.5-inches, and it is one of the most versatile brushes that you will find on the market.
The paintbrush has been designed to be used with all types of paints and stains and will go on beautifully smoothly to trim.
Medium-stiff bristles keep their shape well, but also apply the paint evenly and without marks to the wooden trim.
The bristles are made from a blend of polyester and nylon, and with the special tipping and flagging process used to make them, the bristles have the benefits of natural fibers too, but just being longer-lasting.
Purdy is a very trusted brand name when it comes to handmade brushes, and you can be sure that this brush will be of high quality, and give you great results at home.
7. Richard Goose Neck Angular Paint Brush
If you are painting trim in hard-to-reach areas, and where there are quite a few angles involved, then this is a good option to keep in your toolbox.
The long, angled handle extends your reach and opens up more positions for you to use the paintbrush with, so you aren’t limited. The end of the paintbrush handle also fits on an extension pole, so you can reach those high-up areas.
With angled brush filaments, the paintbrush allows for precise cut-ins and will give you a beautiful even finish on the trim, applying the paint evenly and with no marks left behind.
Not only is the handle angled, but it is flexible too, so you can adjust it to suit the angle you are working with, as it bends to any shape.
The synthetic fibers are suited to be used with latex or oil-based paints and can be applied to wood and other surfaces well. The bristles will also keep their shape over continued use, so you can enjoy the flexibility and versatility of the brush over and over again.
The width of the paintbrush head is 2 ½ inches, which is the recommended size to use for painting trim, and with this paintbrush, you will be able to reach the unreachable places!
8. Apollo Brush 500 Series Poly Blend Paint Brush
The Apollo Brush is an angled paintbrush that allows for fast and even application and is ideal for painting trims and walls.
This paintbrush works with all paints, whether you are wanting to apply water-based paint, oil-based paint, or varnish to the trim in your home.
The polyester and nylon blend firm bristles hold their shape after continued use but are feather-like to apply the paint smoothly and evenly without brush marks left behind. The bristles also hold onto a lot of paint, so painting efficiency is increased.
A triple pinned ferrule with a round edge adds to the stability of the paintbrush and ensures that the paintbrush will last through many painting sessions.
The wooden handle is warm and comfortable to hold, and being lightweight, will not cause too much hand fatigue when painting over a period of time.
With the angled bristle finish, you can cover bigger areas and fill in finer details in smaller spaces too, covering all the trim in your home easily.
9. Multibrush Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Paint Brush
The Multibrush Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Paintbrush ensures you always have the right brush you need for any job you are doing.
The brush pulls apart to be able to paint in smaller areas and to cover intricate details on trim easily. With the built-in magnet, the brush can quickly snap back together again for when you need to cover larger areas of the trim.
To make the brush super handy, the magnet also allows you to stick it to metal surfaces, such as the paint tin or a ladder, so it is always close by and ready to use, and not on the floor making a mess.
Constructed of ABS plastic with an easy-grip rubber coating, the paintbrush is comfortable to hold over extended periods.
The polyester bristles are durable and long-lasting and are tapered to give professional finishes to your painting. This also means the paintbrush can hold more paint, so painting is made more efficient.
With the paintbrush being easy to clean as well, you can use it time and time again. You can also just adjust the head of the paintbrush to suit what you need, helping it last even longer.
10. Rick’s Professional Grade 2-Inch Angled Paint Brush
The Rick’s Professional Grade 2-Inch Angled Paint Brush can be used for all paints and stains, and the medium stiffness of the brush works to give a smooth finish every time.
The bristles have been designed and positioned to hold more paint, so you can get your painting done a lot quicker. The round tapered filament bristles offer good medium stiffness and recover their shape after each use. They offer optimal coverage in each stroke.
Made from polyester, the bristles are made to last, and while they are durable and robust, they give smooth finishes.
The handle of the paintbrush is made from birchwood which has been tapered and ergonomically designed to fit into your hand comfortably and easily. It is lightweight, so you can paint for longer periods without becoming tired.
11. Purdy Chinex 2 ½ Inch Angular Trim Glide Brush
Purdy have another brush on offer that is perfect to use for trims. This Chinex range brush measures 2 ½ inches in width, which is the right size to use for standard trims and to cover smaller areas and angles.
The increased stiffness of the bristles makes it a better option for heavy-bodied paints, as they are strong enough to hold onto the paint before applying it to the trim. However, the paintbrush is still suitable to be used with all different paint types.
The natural hardwood handle of the paintbrush is lightweight and comfortable to hold, but durable too. The stainless steel ferrule also adds to the durability of the paintbrush, allowing it to last for quite some time.
If you are using heavy-bodied and low VOC paints, this is possibly the best option for trim painting and will hold up well when using those paints.
Final Thoughts
When painting trim, it is best to choose an angled paintbrush that is around 2 ½ inches wide. This gives you good coverage of the larger areas, but also the option to fill in finer details and angles.
It is better to choose a synthetic fiber brush, as they can hold paint well, apply it smoothly and be durable and long-lasting.
Take a look at the above best paint brushes for trims, and get painting at home!
Related Questions
How do I get a smooth finish on my trim?
To get a smooth finish on your trim, sand the trim down before applying a coat of paint. Use a fine-grit sanding sponge to do this. A sponge works best for trims as it can get into crevices that normal sandpaper cannot, and it can apply pressure evenly too.
What is the best paint to use for trim?
The best paint to use for trim will depend on the look you want in your home, but generally, semi-gloss paint is a good option. Semi-gloss paint will last for a long time and can handle being washed and scrubbed when it is cleaned. You can opt for gloss if you want a shinier finish.
Avoid using satin paint as this is not as durable.
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