When looking for the best paint brush for painting cabinets, there are a few things to consider. If you are painting cabinets in the kitchen you want to make sure that you get the best finish possible, it will of course be somewhere that you will see every day. As well as, ensuring that the paint for the cabinets is durable and can be easily cared for.
What to look for in a paint brush for cabinets?
There are few things to consider when choosing a paint brush for carbinets, there are a lot of options to consider. Below we have identified some of the best recommendations and focused on the following key factors:
Type of Brushes
Cabinet paint brushes come in various materials, shapes, and sizes. The sheer variety can be overwhelming, especially when similar products have conflicting and overlapping descriptions. There are five main categories of brushes to consider:
Brush materials
- Natural Bristle: These brushes are made from animal hair, typically from horses, hogs, or badgers, or a mix of these. They are generally pricier than synthetic brushes. Natural hairs tend to split, which is actually a benefit for brushes as it allows them to hold more paint and provide a smoother application. However, they are not suitable for water-based paints as the splits absorb too much water, ruining the paint. They are ideal for stains or alternatives like Danish or linseed oil.
- Synthetic Bristle: Typically more affordable than natural brushes, synthetic bristles can be just as costly at the high end. They are less absorbent than natural bristles but more versatile, working well with both water- and oil-based finishes. They are usually made from nylon or polyester, with some manufacturers creating unique bristle materials. Top-quality brushes often feature blended synthetic bristles, such as a mix of nylon and polyester.
- Hybrid: These brushes combine the best of both natural and synthetic bristles. They offer the longevity and superior paint pickup of natural bristles, along with the benefits of synthetic bristles like minimized brushstrokes. Hybrid brushes usually have shorter natural bristles and are more expensive than synthetic brushes but cheaper than fully natural ones.
- Foam: Foam brushes are absorbent and provide a smooth finish. They are meant for single use, though some users may get two coats out of one brush. They have defined edges for precise lines but often feature straight-stick handles that can be uncomfortable for extended use.
Brush Size
When selecting brush sizes for painting cabinets, it’s important to consider the specific application and level of detail required. The choice of brush size should be tailored to the needs of the cabinet painting project.
- Areas with a lot of detail, a smaller brush, such as a 1″ or 1 1/2″ brush, is recommended. These brushes are ideal for getting into tight corners and painting door frames and small edges of cabinets.
- If the cabinets have mostly flat surfaces with minimal detail, a larger 2″ brush would be more suitable. This brush is perfect for painting cupboard doors and dado rails of cabinets, providing smooth and even coverage on flat surfaces.
Brush shape
Next is the brush shape, there are different designs for specific applications. Although, it should be said that you do not need to buy every type, a some less is more. Most professional will have either a flat brush for most of their work. However, depending on your application and cabinet design these are some of the factors that you could consider when choosing.
- Angled Brush: Cut at an angle; making it ideal for cutting in, painting edges, and reaching tight corners. The angled shape allows for precise control, making it suitable for detailed work on cabinets.
- Flat Brush: This brush has a flat shape with a straight edge, making it perfect for painting large, flat surfaces. It provides smooth and even coverage, making it suitable for painting cupboard doors and large furniture pieces of cabinets.
- Round Brush: This brush has a rounded shape, making it suitable for painting curved surfaces and intricate details. It is ideal for painting stairway spindles, decorative moldings, and other detailed areas of cabinets.
- Oval Brush: This brush has an oval shape, making it versatile for painting various surfaces, including metal, cloth, and wood. It is compatible with all types of paint and finish, making it suitable for painting cabinets with different materials and finishes.