The Best Paint Brushes for Cabinets of 2023

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Few areas in the home make as big an impact on its aesthetic vibe as cabinets, whether they be in the kitchen or bathroom. Easily upgradable and customizable, cabinets can be given a whole new look without applying any advanced carpentry, and the reward for the amount of effort put in is almost always disproportionately beneficial. Although painting cabinets is a simple task, choosing the one tool that’s absolutely necessary—the paint brush—is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

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However, finding the right high-quality cabinet paint brush for one’s specific needs can be a challenge. With so many similar options to choose from, separating what’s worth the money from what’s not can become overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve taken care of this so buyers can quickly find the best cabinet paint brush and get to work.

1. BEST OVERALL: Purdy XL Cub Angled Sash Brush
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wooster Brush Q3211-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Paint Brush
3. BEST FOR LARGE AREAS: Purdy Nylox Swan
4. BEST FOR NONPAINT FINISH: Minwax Polycrylic 2-Inch Flat Stain Brush
5. BEST CABINET PAINT ROLLER: Work Tools International Whizz Velour Roller
6. BEST CABINET BRUSH SET: Pro Grade 5-Piece Paint Brush Set
7. BEST ERGONOMIC BRUSH: Proform P2.5AS Pro-Ergo 70/30 Blend Paint Brush
8. BEST MULTISURFACE BRUSH: Modern Art Supplies Chalk and Wax Oval Paint Brushes

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Paint Brush for Cabinets

When researching and selecting our final recommendations, we paid particular attention to the following considerations:

Type

Cabinet paint brushes are made out of a variety of materials and come in all shapes and sizes. Compounding the difficulty presented by the sheer variety of cabinet paint brushes is the fact that many similar products have contradictory and overlapping descriptions. When it comes to finding the right type, there are five main categories:

• Natural Bristle:

Natural-bristle brushes are made from animal hair, usually horses, hogs, or badgers, or a combination of the three, and tend to be more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. Ironically, although we dread split ends in our own hair, the fact that natural hairs split is one of the main selling points for natural brushes; the split allows them to hold more paint and results in a smoother application. However, natural bristles are incompatible with water-based paint because the splits will absorb too much water, which ruins the paint. If shoppers are refinishing their cabinets with stain or a similar alternative, such as Danish or linseed oil instead of paint, natural bristles are the way to go.

• Synthetic Bristle: Synthetic bristles are usually cheaper, although high-end synthetic brushes can cost just as much, if not more, than their natural counterparts. Although synthetic bristles aren’t as absorbent as natural bristles, they’re more versatile, especially considering that they work with both water- and oil-based finishes. Synthetic bristles are usually made from nylon or polyester, although many large manufacturers have developed unique bristle materials. Top-quality cabinet paint brushes will often have blended synthetic bristles that combine nylon with polyester, for example.

• Hybrid: Hybrid bristles combine the best of natural and synthetic bristles in a single sash, which is the technical term for the bristle group. Hybrid brushes offer the longevity and superior paint pickup associated with natural bristles, as well as the favorable characteristics from synthetic bristles, such as minimized brushstrokes. The natural bristles tend to be shorter than the synthetic bristles in hybrid brushes, so users have some control in certain situations. Expect hybrid brushes to be more expensive than synthetic brushes, although they’re cheaper than fully natural brushes.

• Foam: Foam brushes are absorbent and provide a smooth finish. They are designed to be disposed of after a single use, although users might be able to get two coats out of a single foam brush if they’re lucky. Foam brushes have durable, defined edges that result in precise lines. However, foam brushes tend to have straight-stick handles that aren’t comfortable, especially when they’re used for longer periods.

• Roller: Rollers come in a variety of materials, from fluffy cotton to firm foam as well as an array of widths. Rollers are great for covering large, flat areas in a small amount of time. However, rollers aren’t great for cutting in or for tight areas. Also, contrary to what many think, rollers can leave marks just like brushes do, so painters still need to use a careful hand in the final coats.

Firmness

Firm brushes are easier to control and more precise, while softer brushes provide a smoother finish because they minimize the visibility of brushstrokes. Softer brushes are also great for covering large spaces, and they don’t have as much resistance in the bristles and are more comfortable for extended use. Many home painters, DIYers and professionals alike, opt for a medium-stiff brush that keeps its shape and offers the precision of a hard brush without leaving deep brush marks.

Size and Angle

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Paint brushes come in all shapes and sizes. Some are round while others are flat, and there are also thick and thin varieties. But in terms of cabinet painting, thankfully users have to consider only a few variations. Cabinet paint brushes tend to have a flat sash with a chiseled edge that helps create clean lines.

However, some cabinet brushes are wide and have a thick, flat edge that holds a lot of paint; these brushes, known as square brushes, are best for painting intricate details with the same color. Alternatively, there are brushes with angled edges, which are great for cutting into adjoining surfaces that will be contrasting colors.

Angled brushes are also ideal for narrow areas. In terms of width, cabinet brushes usually range between 3 and 6 inches. Narrower brushes are easier to maneuver and more precise than their wider counterparts, although they don’t hold as much paint and aren’t nearly as efficient for large projects.

Comfort

Comfort is key for cabinet paint brushes, and there’s more to it than meets the eye. The handle is the first thing to take into consideration; those who regularly get stiff palms from long painting sessions should take a look at brushes with ergonomic or cushioned handles. Small handles are easy to grip but may move around in one’s hand, while larger handles have the opposite issue. Also, don’t disregard the stiffness of the bristles. Stiffer bristles require the user to apply more pressure, which may cause painters’ hands to fatigue quickly.

Our Top Picks

From cheap to expensive, soft to firm, angled to straight, these are the best cabinet paint brushes on the market.

Our Verdict

Based on its versatility and reliability, users can’t go wrong with the do-it-all Purdy XL Cub paint brush for cabinets. At 2½ inches wide, it has plenty of surface area to cover large spaces as well as a flat edge that’s great for getting coverage into the nooks and crannies of intricate cabinetry. Those who are looking to spend less but don’t want to compromise on comfort ought to check out the Wooster paint brush for cabinets. The combination of the handle and the soft bristles makes this model a no-brainer for the budget-minded painter.

How We Chose the Best Paint Brushes for Cabinets

Each product on our list made the cut after thorough research and an examination of what verified customers had to say about their experience with them. We made sure to cast a wide net at the start by considering cabinet paint brushes at a variety of price points from several manufacturers. In addition to each manufacturer’s reputation and overall quality, we focused on key considerations such as firmness, shape, angle, and size. Once we knew which products excelled in each area, we measured their durability as well as their price against their functionality to get a sense of their relative value. The cabinet paint brushes that we selected are all top-tier in terms of value.

Tips for Using Paint Brushes for Cabinets

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Painting cabinets, whether they are in a bathroom or kitchen, isn’t as easy as it’s cracked up to be. Between the processes involved with doing any DIY painting and the specific techniques needed to achieve a show-stopping finish, getting everything right can be a challenge. However, there are a few quick tips that, if properly followed, can take one’s painting game to the next level.

• Approach corners and edges from below and arc upwards toward the edge with the angle of the brush to get the cleanest lines possible.
• Use the appropriate amount of paint for the brush; we recommend tapping it against the side of the paint can or tray at least twice because excess paint causes visible brushstrokes.
• Paint in the direction of the wood grain, if applicable, on the finish strokes, and always paint back and forth across the same plane; don’t move horizontally and then vertically with a brush.

General Tips for Painting Cabinets

• Make sure to remove all hardware, including internal hardware, before painting.
• Clean each surface that’s going to be painted with a grease-cutting solution, especially if you’re refinishing your kitchen cabinets where spills and stains abound.
• Use painter’s tape to number each cabinet face on the side that’s not currently being painted to keep track of where they go.
• Sand between each coat once it’s completely dry to remove brushmarks and get the smoothest possible finish.
• After sanding, let the dust settle before vacuuming the surface of what was just sanded as well as the entire room you’ll be painting to reduce the amount of dust in the air.

FAQs

Any professional will tell you that one of the best predictors of a high-quality end product is how well the painter uses their “know-how” to get the job done. Painting cabinets may look simple on the surface, but the reality is that achieving a stunning finish, whether it be high gloss, multicolor, or matte, requires a certain amount of planning and patience. Cabinet painting is all about finding ways to enhance workflow efficiency without compromising the end product. Check out the FAQs below to fast-track your understanding of how to get the job done well.

Q. What kind of paint brush gives the smoothest finish?

Softer bristles result in smoother finishes, although softer isn’t always better.

Q. How many coats of paint do I need for cabinets?

All cabinets should get at least two coats of paint—and likely two coats of primer. If you’re painting high-traffic cabinets, you may want to consider three coats of paint.

Q. What happens if I don’t sand cabinets before painting?

If this is the first time the cabinets are being finished, failing to sand before painting will result in a rougher end finish. However, not all paint refinishing jobs require sanding. Sand anything that is damaged, dented, chipped, or rough.

Q. Which is better for cabinets: spray paint or a paint brush?

For wood cabinets, brush painting is the most common DIY method because it’s more intuitive, requires less materials, and is overall much easier. In addition to being cheaper and easier to set up and clean up, the best paint brushes give painters more control over coat thickness and ultimately allow them to create a longer-lasting finish with thick coats. However, brush painting often leaves marks and is quite time-consuming. Spray-painting offers smoother coverage and quicker application but requires additional tools, which have their own learning curve.

Q. What do I need to get started on painting my cabinets?

To get started, you’re going to need a few rolls of high-quality painter’s tape, 40- to 50-grit sandpaper to remove any larger imperfections or dents, and 120- to 220-grit sandpaper for smoothing in between coats. We also recommend keeping paint thinner or remover close by as well as some drop cloths and paper towels in case of emergencies.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens