Painting the corners and edges of your walls and ceilings is what cutting in is all about. To get this critical step in painting right, you must buy the best paintbrush for cutting in and learn how to use it properly.
Cutting in is done separately from the rest of the walls and ceiling, requiring a different type of brush to get into those corners and edges. The best paintbrush for cutting in must be able to leave the right amount of paint in the edges and corners, producing a beautiful finish to your paint job.
Paint brushes are the obvious choice for cutting ceilings because they give you tight control. In this article, we’ll look at the best paint brushes to help you pick the correct one for what you want to do.
Top 10 Paint Brushes for Cutting In & Edging
We have checked all the paint brushes on the market to bring you the top choices for getting the best possible finish on your ceilings and walls.
1. Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush
Features:
- It has a Flexible Shergrip handle measuring two inches.
- Brass-plated steel ferrule
- Blended white nylon and gold polyester bristles suitable for all paints
The Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash paintbrush follows in the footsteps of the original nylon-polyester Shortcut, released in 1991. Wooster is a trusted name, having been around in the painting industry since 1851.
Users of the Wooster Shortcut praise it as a brush you can use all around the house. It's a smooth brush that gives users like you perfect results with all types of paints and stains. The Wooster Shortcut is arguably the best paintbrush for cutting in ceilings; it gets into edges easily thanks to a flexible handle, producing a high-quality finish.
Pros
- The 2-inch handle allows it to get into corners with ease.
- It works with all types of paints.
- A trusted brand makes it.
Cons
- It doesn't work well on some wooden surfaces.
2. Pro Grade – Paint Brushes – 6 Pack Variety Angle Paint Brushes
Features:
- Thick synthetic filament blend that holds more paint
- Durable wooden comfort grip handle
- Thinner tip at ends for greater precision
The Pro Grade 6 Pack Variety Angled Paintbrushes package contains a 2.5”, a 3” brush, plus two 1.5” and 2” brushes. All the brushes have a wooden handle with a comfortable grip making cutting in and trimming easy.
All six brushes in the Pro Grade 6 Pack with synthetic bristles are reusable and long-lasting. The brushes come with thinner tips at the bristles for greater precision in tight corners. One positive feature of the Pro Grade 6 Pack paint brushes is that they use a synthetic filament blend that helps hold more paint.
Pros
- It has a comfortable grip.
- They are easily washable for reuse.
- They offer users greater precision.
Cons
- Some users found the finish is not the highest quality compared to other brushes.
3. 2″ Purdy Nylox Dale Angled Sash Paint Brush
Features:
- 100% Tynex nylon filament
- Natural hardwood handle
- Stainless steel ferrule
The 2” Purdy Nylox Dale Angled Sash paintbrush is the best for interior paint jobs. It has a carefully tipped 100% Tynex nylon that gives the Purdy Nylox Dale greater abrasion resistance, making it more durable. It also has a natural hardwood handle that provides users with an ultra-smooth finish, mainly when they use latex paint.
Pros
- It has greater abrasion resistance for durability.
- It offers the best interior paint performance.
- It gives you an ultra-smooth finish.
Cons
- Its use is limited to latex paints.
4. Purdy Clearcut Series Glide Angular Trim Paint Brush
Features:
- Stainless steel ferrule with rounded edge
- Natural hardwood handle
- Fluted and angular trim
With its superior cutting-in capability, the Purdy Clearcut Series Glide Angular Trim paintbrush adds great value to any painting toolset. The Purdy Clearcut works with all paints and is easy to clean up.
Purdy engineered the Clearcut series to have increased stiffness, allowing it to work in any weather condition. A smooth finish is guaranteed with this hand-chiseled, tipped-only paintbrush.
Pros
- It works with all paints.
- It works in all climates.
- It helps with quick, easy cleanup.
- Speed and smooth finish every time.
Cons
- It is a bit expensive.
5. Wooster Softip Angle Sash Paint Brush
Features:
- Plastic handle with angle sash style
- Gold polyester and white nylon with chisel trim
- Brass-plated steel ferrule
The Wooster Softip Angle Sash paintbrush works with all paints and is the most popular paintbrush in the Wooster range. Its 2” inch plastic handle makes it easy to control in corners and edges.
The nylon-polyester blend gives the Wooster Softip added resistance to wear and tear, while the soft tips ensure a smooth finish.
Pros
- It has durable bristles with added resistance.
- It produces a smooth finish.
- It’s easy to handle and control.
Cons
- It shows brush marks.
6. Zibra Grip-n-Glide Triangle Paintbrush
Features:
- Wooden hourglass-shaped handle
- Uniquely-shaped triangle bristles
- Solidly round, tapered brush tips
The Zibra Grip-n-Glide Triangle paintbrush works with all latex paints and is tailor-made for corner work. It has an hourglass-shaped wooden handle that provides users with excellent coverage, and the unique triangle shape gives clear lines, so there’s no need to use tape for guidance and protection.
Pros
- Best for coverage.
- It gives a smooth finish.
Cons
- Some users on Amazon reported that the bristles start falling off after three or more uses, although the manufacturers did not admit this.
Also Read: Best Paint Brushes For Chalk Paint
7. Proform Technologies 2-Inch Picasso Oval Angle Sash Paint Brush
Features:
- Oval ferrules made to hold more paint
- PBT filament blend gives easy paint application
- No-drip ferrule design
The Proform Technologies 2-inch Picasso Oval Angle Sash comes from a relatively unknown brand, but the brush hits the mark with excellent paint pick-up and release. You also get clean lines that do not require any taping.
Pros
- It cuts a lovely line.
- It holds paint very well.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Bristles can extend and put paint on the walls.
8. Wooster Extra-Firm Lindbeck Angle Sash Paint Brush
Features:
- Rust-resistant steel ferrule
- Extra-firm angle sash
- NylonPlus filament
Wooster did it again with yet another quality paintbrush! The Extra-Firm Lindbeck Angle Sash paintbrush is the best choice for thick and fast-drying paints. This is because this paintbrush resists wear, maintains rigidity, and cleans up easily.
Pros
- Cleans easily for reuse
- It cuts a sharp line in humid conditions
- It is very durable
Cons
- Not suited for wooden cabinets and similar furniture
9. Purdy XL Glide Angled Sash Paint Brush
Features:
- Long natural hardwood handle
- Brushed copper ferrule with a rounded edge
- Orel polyester and Tynex nylon blend
The XL series is Purdy's most popular paintbrush line, and it's easy to see why with brushes like this XL Glide Angled Sash. Purdy’s engineering makes the XL Glide Angled Sash a fantastic option for both indoor and outdoor paintwork. It's great for touch-ups, trim and medium-sized surfaces.
Pros
- Adds extra shine
- Works with all paints
- Great for outdoor and indoor use
Cons
- You may need a smaller brush when working on baseboards.
10. Wooster Silver Tip Angle Sash Paint Brush
Features:
- Hardwood handle
- Chisel trim
- Satin ferrule
- CT polyester
The Wooster Silver Tip Angle Sash paintbrush has a flexible, soft, and very thin filament that helps eliminate brush marks. The Silver Tip is the best option for the job if you want to apply enamels to metals or varnish to wood. The Silver Tip is excellent at leveling and produces a smooth finish with all paints.
Pros
- Smooth finish
- Works well with all paints
- It can be used on all surfaces
Cons
- It is not as durable as some other similar brushes.
What Does Cutting In Mean?
Cutting in is a technique used to paint the tight areas that rollers cannot reach. Cutting in is used for painting wall edges, ceiling lines, skirting boards, architraves, and around door and window frames. It's creating a border for your painting job, keeping paint off the areas where you do not want it to be.
Buying Guide for “Cutting In” Paint Brush – What to Look For?
Cutting in is such an important step in a painting project. Therefore, it is imperative to get the correct brush for the job. Before buying a brush for cutting in, consider the brush material, size, style, and end type. The type of paint in use is usually the overriding factor when choosing a brush.
- Brush material – Natural bristles, foam brushes, and synthetic bristles are the best brush material for cutting in.
- Brush size – Use the 1-inch to 1.5-inch for the smallest projects. The 2-inch to 2.5-inch brush is the best option for cutting in as it caters to average projects. A 3-inch brush is the largest size you can use for cutting in.
- Brush style – Angle sash bristles are slanted to help paint in a straight line. For smaller projects, a thin-angle sash with fewer bristles is ideal. An angled tip on a foam brush helps in applying paint with control.
- Brush end type – Angled bristles make painting against the edge easier. The angled tip on foam brushes makes application easier. A round–ended brush gets paint to the edges where a regular roller will not reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let's round out this article by answering several frequently asked questions about the best paintbrush for cutting in.
Use slow-drying paint, always paint horizontally, go with the grain on the wood, do two coats, and use a quality brush.
A brush with super soft bristles that does leave brush marks is the best, e.g., the Purdy Nylox Glide.
Work confidently with a high-quality brush for the best cut-in results.
Conclusion
Painting a wall or ceiling seems like an easy DIY task until you actually do it yourself! Cutting in makes a massive difference in the success of your painting project, and when it is done correctly, the results are a joy to look at. It would be best if you always used high-quality paint brushes like the ones listed in this guide. If you do, you won't ever go wrong!
