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BlogOur content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.The Best Paint Brush Sets for Painting on Wood, Walls, or Canvas
Last updated: 2 Jul 2024Finding the right tools while preparing to paint can make all the difference in the end result and the time it takes to complete a project. The MODERN ART SUPPLIES Paint Brush Set is our top pick after evaluating numerous options based on bristle quality, handle comfort, and material versatility.
Each brush set on our list comes with multiple brushes of different sizes, with the major difference being the types of paint and material each brush is most suitable for.
- Best Overall: MODERN ART SUPPLIES Paint Brush Set Shop Now ➔
- Most Comfortable Grip: Pro Grade Paint Brush Set Shop Now ➔
- Most Versatile: Magimate Paint Brush Set Shop Now ➔
- Best for Deck Staining: KingOrigin Deck Stain Paint Brush Set Shop Now ➔
- Best for Professionals: KingOrigin Professional Paint Brush Set Shop Now ➔
View all ContentsThe Best Paint Brush Sets
Best Overall
The MODERN ART SUPPLIES Paint Brush Set includes three small chalk paint brushes and two large chalk paint brushes: a 1.00″ round brush, a 1.00″ pointed or trim brush, a 1.00″ flat brush, and two oval brushes (2″ & 2.5″). These wax brushes deliver exceptional results and are designed for compatibility with chalk paints like Annie Sloan, Rustoleum, Pixie, and others. They have nickel-plated ferrules and birch wood handles, making them very comfortable to hold for long periods of time. The natural bristles offer superior paint pick and release (without losing their shape or softness), making them perfect for furniture painting and waxing.
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners
- Comfortable to hold
- Works great with chalk paints
Cons
- Minor shedding can occur after cleaning
Most Comfortable Grip
Perfect for painting both interior and exterior environments, the Pro Grade Paint Brush Set has bristles designed to deliver crisp lines and smooth finishes on walls, trim, cabinets, doors, fences, decks, and even arts and crafts. The premium SRT filament blend holds more paint, guaranteeing a flawless finish. Despite their high quality, these brushes come at an unbeatable price and, as a bonus, are super easy to clean off (with minimal brush shedding)! This versatile set includes a 1″ flat brush, 1-1/2″ angle brush, 2″ stubby angle brush, 2″ flat brush, and 2-1/2″ angle brush, meaning you have every brush you need to tackle projects of any size.
Pros
- High-quality, durable bristles
- Comfortable and ergonomic grip
- Versatile brush size range
Cons
- Bristles might stick in paint
Most Versatile
The Magimate Paint Brush Set is a versatile 5-pack assortment of paintbrushes compatible with every type of paint (anti-rust, water-based, or oil-based paint) and can easily glide on any surface. This set includes an elegant trim brush (3/5 inch) and four flat brushes (1 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 2 inch, and 4 inch), perfect for painting cabinets, baseboards, wall trim, or art projects of all types. The tapered sharp-end brush is perfect for painting in edges, corners, and hard-to-reach areas. The bristles are made of high-quality SRT filament, and the matte plastic handles are comfortable to grip. They hold paint exceptionally well, and you can smoothly blend colors without any deep streaks!
Pros
- Great for all paint & surface types
- Easy to clean after use
- Able to blend beautifully
Cons
- Not very durable
Best for Deck Staining
The thick, high-capacity bristles of the KingOrigin Deck Stain Paint Brushes make painting or staining large areas go by so much faster! This set includes a 1-piece big fence and stain brush, measuring 7 inches by 1.18 inches thick. The bristles are a blend of 70% polyester and 30% SRT bristles, which means they can hold 40% more paint than standard brushes. While this brush is excellent for deck staining, it’s compatible with all paint and surface types. This set makes painting hassle-free with synthetic blended bristles that won’t shed onto your paint job. You can also attach a broom handle or paint handle to the end so you can paint without having to be bent over or kneeling for long periods.
Pros
- Can stain/paint large areas very quickly
- Durable and flexible brushes
- Easy to clean after use
Cons
- Bristles can be rough
Best for Professionals
The KingOrigin Professional Paint Brush Set comes with 3 brushes (4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch width), all with a substantial 1.18-inch thickness, ideal for handling large-scale projects like painting walls or fences. Crafted with high-quality polyester filaments, these brushes hold up to 40% more paint than normal paintbrushes. They are equipped with premium blue copper ferrules and screws for secure attachment to extension poles. They’re great at painting on exterior and interior walls and have a convenient lip for easy hooking onto paint edges. Every stroke is seamless, and the final product always looks professional.
Pros
- Very durable bristles
- Great for all paint and surface types
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Not great for detail work
The Best Paint Brush Set Buying Guide
Diving into the world of painting requires more than just color palettes and canvases; you need the right paintbrush set to truly bring your imagination to life. A fine brush set enhances your work, transforming you from an enthusiastic beginner to a serious artist. This guide will provide you with the essential information you need to find and buy the best paintbrush set for your artistic journey.
Brush Hair Type
No matter the project, the type of brush hair plays a vital role in the outcome. Bristles are generally divided into natural, synthetic, and a blend of both. Natural hair brushes, usually made from hog or sable, allow for a smooth, even application, ideal for oil and watercolor paintings. Synthetic brushes, on the other hand, excel at holding their shape and are perfect for acrylic paints. A blend of both types combines the benefits, offering versatility for artists who work with various mediums.
Brush Shape
Brush shape directly influences the strokes, details, and overall appearance of your artwork. Round brushes are ideal for detail work and precision, while flat brushes allow for broad strokes and filling large areas. Filbert brushes, with their rounded edges, are great for blending. Fan brushes create textured effects, perfect for painting trees or clouds. Explore various shapes to discover what works best for your style, and ensure your paintbrush set includes a variety of shapes for versatility.
Handle Type
The brush handle provides control and comfort, impacting your painting experience and the final result. Handles usually come in short and long types. Short handles offer more control for detailed work, generally preferred by artists who paint close to the canvas. Long handles, in contrast, are favored for large canvas work or when standing at an easel. Your brush set should ideally include both types, catering to a range of painting techniques and styles.
Price and Quality
While it’s tempting to grab the most affordable set, remember that quality should be a deciding factor. High-quality brushes last longer, maintain their shape and provide a better painting experience. However, it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Many brands offer excellent quality at mid-range prices. Remember, investing in a good set is a step towards honing your craft and enhancing your artistic journey.
Brand Reputation
In the sea of paintbrushes, certain brands stand out for their consistent quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Look for brands that are praised by both professionals and beginners. These brands have a proven track record of delivering top-notch products that cater to different skill levels. Be sure to check reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure you’re buying from a reliable brand.
Brush Care
A great paintbrush set deserves proper care. Brushes should be cleaned after every painting session to prolong their lifespan and maintain performance. Look for sets that come with cleaning instructions or a guide. Some sets might even include brush cleaners, making maintenance easier and more efficient.!
Paint Brush Set FAQs
What does a paint brush set typically include?
A paint brush set typically includes a variety of brushes that are designed for different purposes. This can include flat, round, fan, filbert, and angle brushes. The number and types of brushes can vary depending on the set.
What types of paint can I use these brushes with?
Paint brush sets are usually versatile and can be used with all types of paint such as acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, and more.
How do I clean my paint brushes after use?
It is recommended to clean your brushes immediately after each use. Use a gentle soap and warm water to remove the paint from the bristles. Gently reshape the bristles and lay the brushes flat to dry.
Can I use the same brush for different types of paint?
While it is possible to use the same brush for different types of paint, it is generally not recommended as it can lead to cross-contamination of colors and mediums.
How do I maintain the shape of my paint brushes?
After cleaning your brushes, use your fingers to reshape the bristles. Avoid soaking your brushes as this could cause the bristles to become loose.
Why are some of my brushes shedding bristles?
This can happen if the brushes are not properly cared for. Excessive soaking, harsh cleaning, or using a brush with paint that it's not designed for can lead to this problem. Always clean and dry your brushes properly to avoid shedding.
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