The Different Types of Brushes for Decorating

With so many paint brushes to choose from, it can be hard to identify the type you need. However, we recommend having a range of options on hand to suit a variety of jobs.

At Dulux Decorator Centre, we stock professional paint brushes in various sizes, shapes and materials. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kit or just starting out in the trade, our guide covers all the essential brushes for any decorating project.

Types of paint brushes and their uses

Explore the different types of paint brushes and learn more about their uses here, from angled brushes to flat brushes.

Angled paint brushes

Angled paint brushes may not be the first type that comes to mind when choosing a brush, but they’re an invaluable tool to have in your kit. So, what are angled paint brushes used for? Primarily, they’re used for precision work like cutting in. This technique ensures smooth joins between surfaces, like walls and ceilings. Learn how to cut in paint with our step-by-step guide.

Round paint brushes

Most brushes have a flat edge, designed to create straight strokes and clean lines. But what are round paint brushes used for? Thanks to their tapered, rounded edge, they offer a softer line, making them a popular choice for detail work and cutting in on curved edges, like coving or ceiling roses.

Flat brushes

Flat brushes, sometimes called square brushes, are the most widely used for decorating. They’re the best choice for painting large surface areas like walls, ceilings and floors, ensuring a consistent application when working in a linear motion.

Masonry brushes

Masonry brushes are larger than other types of brushes, allowing you to cover large surfaces quickly, like exterior walls. Their long bristles make them ideal for painting textured surfaces like brick and render, ensuring your paint gets inside gaps or uneven areas.

What is the difference between natural and synthetic brushes?

The main difference between natural and synthetic brushes is their versatility. Natural fibres should only be used with solvent and oil-based paints, while synthetic brushes can be used with any paint. Discover the range of Dulux Trade paint brushes crafted from high-quality synthetic fibres.

Why do decorators’ brushes have different handles?

Paint brushes have different handle lengths to suit different jobs. For example, a brush with a short handle is great for painting intricate areas, while a brush with a long handle is best for painting ceilings or other hard-to-reach areas.

They are also made from different materials that impact the weight of the brush. For example, a solid wood handle will be heavier than a hollow plastic handle. Brush weight and grip can alter your comfort while working, so it’s an important consideration when buying paint brushes. We recommend trying out a few to find your preferred type.

How to choose the correct brush size

Whether you’re wondering what size brush to paint a door with or looking for the best paint brushes for painting walls, follow these general rules to choose a suitable brush size.

Firstly, consider what you’re painting. Large surface areas like walls and ceilings can be covered quickly with a bigger brush. Intricate areas like skirting boards, windowsills and furniture will require a smaller brush for precision.

When it comes to the finer details and finishing touches, you might need to switch tools. So, what is the best size paint brush for cutting in? Again, this will depend on the surface area. A medium-sized angled brush can be used when cutting in on ceilings and walls, while a smaller angled brush is best for tight corners like windowsills.

To ensure you have a range of brush sizes in your kit, shop paint brush packs.

How to use brushes to blend paint

Whether you’re creating a gradient look or want to touch up one area without having to repaint the whole wall, there are several ways to blend wet and dry paint using brushes.

Blending wet paint

The key to achieving a subtle gradient effect on a feature wall is to work while the paint is still wet. Paint the lighter shade first, then add a band of the darker colour beneath and blend with the same brush, using crisscross motions to drag the paint upwards.

Blending dry paint

If your paintwork gets scuffed or marked, a quick touch-up can refresh the room. However, it can be trickier to blend wet paint into dry paint, even if you’re using the same can of paint to ensure colour consistency. Our top tip is to apply a small amount of paint to the affected area, feathering the edges out with your brush to blend it into the existing paintwork. You can always add more coats if needed.

Once you’ve found the best brushes for your next decorating project, check out these related guides for more handy painting tips:

• The ultimate paint guide

• How to cut in paint