Without special cutting-in brushes, it is impossible to complete the majority of painting projects. Whenever you need to paint a wall, door, ceiling, etc., you will need one for painting the corners and edges. Cutting straight lines along trim edges and ceiling corners is much simpler when using a good paintbrush.
Dollar store brushes are cheap and won’t last as long or draw as neat of a line as more expensive brushes. In this article, we’ll explore the 4 best paint brushes for cutting in. Please keep reading and pick the one you prefer.
Best Paint Brush For Cutting In
Best Overall: Purdy Clearcut
Although the product’s maker claims that this brush can be used to apply any type of paint, latex paint is actually the best choice for this kind of tool. You can easily perform precise cutting tasks with the help of a nylon-polyester blend handle and moisture-wicking alder wood handle.
Unlike the 2.5-inch Stinger Brush, this 3-inch paintbrush can cover a larger area because it is wider. Furthermore, this brush’s bristles won’t fray after several uses, unlike the analog.
Pros
- perfectly suited for all paint types.
- made of tough nylon and polyester.
- Maintains its shape.
Cons
- For emulsion paint, it is inappropriate.
Best Budget Choice: Wooster Shortcut
Look at Wooster Shortcut if you need a reasonably priced brush of good quality. This brush is specifically designed for use in corners and restricted areas. It offers a smooth finish and is compatible with all water-based stains and paints.
The flexible, 2-inch-long purple Shergrip handle gives the brush enough mobility. To ensure durability, the manufacturer combined white nylon and gold-plated polyester to create the angled bristle.
Pros
- Rubber handle that is flexible.
- incredibly flexible for confined spaces.
- Ideal for all paints.
Cons
- loses its shape after prolonged use.
Best For Small Interior Projects: Richard Elegance
Richard Elegance should always be your first choice if you need a brush for cutting in latex paint. This trim brush has a soft grip and a polyester bristle measuring ¾ inches, making it easy to apply paint. Such a product is ideal for small interior projects because the tapered shape of the brush allows for precise cutting.
This item is more suited to a limited range of applications due to its size and shape when compared to a 3-inch Purdy Clearcut brush that is angular. It is not intended for exterior projects or oil-based paints, in contrast to the analog.
Pros
- ideal for latex paint.
- adequate for little interior projects.
- doesn’t shed its bristles.
Cons
- leaves with paint streaks.
- Not suitable for oil-based paint.
Best For Big Projects: Purdy Xl Glide
Check out Purdy XL Glide if you require a brush that can be used both inside and outside. It is a 3-inch paintbrush with an angled sash that can be used with latex and oil-based paints of all types. The brush has a cozy wooden handle and nylon-polyester bristles for a smooth paint application.
Purdy XL Glide is more versatile and suitable for larger painting projects when compared to Richard Elegance’s trim brush, which has bristles with a smaller ¾-inch diameter. Additionally, Richard Elegance primarily uses latex paint, whereas the analog can also be used with primers and stains.
Pros
- ideal for all paint types.
- both indoor and outdoor jobs can be done with it.
- ideal for extensive painting projects.
Cons
- Brush head wobble is caused by tiny brads.
What Is “Cutting In”?
Cutting in is a term used to describe the method of painting along the edges of the walls where the ceiling meets them. Also along baseboards, trim, baseboards, windows, doors, and adjacent walls. You can use this technique as long as you have a steady hand, some patience, and a good angled brush.
Why Cut In?
You can save time and resources by cutting along the edges and trim rather than having to tape anything off. Additionally, cutting in enables a cleaner edge since the tape can leave rough edges when removed.
How To Cut In?
Start with a smaller container, such as a paint cup with a handle. Paint should be poured in at most an inch deep. After dipping the brush into the paint and wiping the bristles along the paint cup’s edge to remove any excess, repeat.
Make a line of paint on the wall an inch or two away from your edge by holding the paintbrush in the same manner as you would a pencil. This makes the brush’s excess paint easier to remove.
Take the brush and spread the bristles close to the edge. Drag the paint as you move toward the edge, using the fan of the bristles to push it there.
Have a wet painter’s rag on hand. The wet rag can be used to remove any paint that might accidentally get on the ceiling or trim.
How To Choose The Best Paint Brush For Cutting In?
Brush Size
One of the most important factors to take into account when choosing the right tool for your needs is the brush’s size. For the majority of projects, a cutting brush should be between 2 and 2.5 inches in diameter.
Likewise, if you’re planning to finish a small task that calls for thin lines, you should be aware of smaller 1- to 1.5-inch brushes. 3 inches is the largest size for cutting in brushes. It is perfect for creating thick lines and finishing larger painting projects.
Brush Style And Shape
For your convenience, you can select a paintbrush with a different style and shape for corners. For instance, painting a straight line against the edges is simple when using a brush with an angled bristle.
For smaller painting jobs, use a thin, angled sash. Another choice that has a slanted tip for better control while painting is an angled foam brush. Although a round-ended roller is not the most practical option, it can be used in situations where a regular roller cannot reach the edges.
Bristles Material
Without a doubt, edging brushes need to have premium bristles. The type of paint you intend to use will influence the material choice. Thus, if you plan to use oil-based paints, you will need a brush with natural bristles.
Focus on a brush with synthetic bristles if you primarily work with latex paints. Because they retain their original shape after repeated use, these bristles are ideal. Any type of paint can be applied quickly and effectively with a foam brush because it effectively absorbs pain.
Read: How To Clean Your Paint Brush And Roller Cover?
Conclusions
As you can see, we’ve listed the top 4 paint brushes for cutting above. We show you how to pick the right paintbrush for cutting in as well. Just try to wipe it off as soon as possible if you accidentally spill paint on doors, walls, or floors. Not all of the corners and edges should be cut in at once, either.
