9 Best Paint Brush For Polyurethane

Achieving outstanding, professional results while applying polyurethane is much more than just skills and expertise. You need a top-notch paintbrush for achieving that flawless finish.

The paintbrush used to coat the surface plays a crucial role in determining the final look of the surface. The finer your brush is, the smoother the coat will be. And naturally, there are hundreds of options available in the market. At times, even professionals get confused while selecting the correct brush for their projects.

After a ton of research and testing, we have curated a list of the 9 best paint brushes for polyurethane you can consider today. Besides, we have also added a buyer's guide to help you make the correct choice.

So, let’s not wait further and dive straight in, shall we?

Best Paint Brush for Polyurethane

Whether you're working on furniture, floors, or any other polyurethane project, these brushes are known for their quality, durability, and excellent performance. So, if you want to achieve professional-level results with your polyurethane coating, here's the list of the 9 best paint brushes for polyurethane.

Wooster 3103-1 Brush - Best for Decoupage & Crafts

The 3103-1 by Wooster Brush Store is an excellent product for various reasons, one of which is the smooth, even finish it offers. The highlight of this paintbrush is the handle which has an in-built stiffener blade ensuring tidy, precise results. Thanks to Wooster for this high-quality brush which is perfect for decoupaging, crafts, and antiquing.

Wooster Brush 3103-1 1/2 3103-1-1/2 Foam King Paintbrush,...

Why Did We Like It?

Get ready to paint the smoothest surface with this excellent brush by Wooster. This foam brush coats your walls perfectly without leaving any visible brush strokes or lumps behind. Plus, the foam is quite flexible, allowing even distribution of the paint.

Furthermore, it has incredibly fine pores, which prevent bubbles from forming in the finish. Simply dip the brush into the finish, and let it soak up. Then apply it gently to the surface. If you’re a DIY-er or build customized furniture as a hobby, then you can never go wrong with this.

Moreover, we found that the make of the product is very durable and much better than cheaper brushes. Since the product is so affordable we didn’t expect it to be of such high quality. You may rinse, dry, and reuse these brushes, and they remain in perfect condition.

What Could’ve Been Better?

While testing this product, we did not come across too many flaws. However, we found that getting even a speck of lint on the brush was difficult. Since it was easier to clean with a paper towel, we recommend buying paper towels along with the brush.

Pros

Budget buy
Built-in stiffener blade
Available in different sizes
Fewer drips
Durable

Cons

Not suitable for large projects
Difficult to paint the edges

Bristle Material: Synthetic (Polyester) | Brush Width (inches): 1 | Handle Material: Plastic | Suitable for: All-purpose

Pro Grade Chip Paint Brushes - Best for Versatility

Up next, we have Chip paint brushes by Pro Grade. Whether you have to help your child with their craft project or are planning to paint a piece of furniture, this brush can be the ideal choice. Because of their versatility, these brushes can be used to apply anything from staining to varnishing; rest assured, you’ll not be disappointed.

Sale

Pro Grade - Chip Paint Brushes - 36-Pack - 2 Inch Chip Brush...

Pro Grade 2" Chip Brushes
36 Chip Brush Pack

Why Did We Like It?

We were immediately struck by the impressive customer reviews for this paintbrush, so we decided to give it a shot. And guess what, we weren’t disappointed in the least. As such, it is excellent for applying and staining polyurethane finishing. Plus, these brushes are great for acrylics, gesso, and glues, as well.

What’s more, the sturdy hardwood handle provides better grip and durability to its users. You don’t need to worry about the handles breaking anymore. As a result, these brushes are super affordable and the perfect option for DIYers and hobbyists.

Not only that, but its square, trim shape goes super smooth on flat surfaces. Also, these brushes are meant to be disposed of after use. So, this 36-Brush set provides excellent value and convenience to the users.

Apart from DIY works, these brushes are a perfect option for homes, businesses, and even industrial projects. Their durability and versatility are sure to provide you with a hassle-free experience.

What Could’ve Been Better?

No doubt, this product is one of the excellent options available in the market, mainly due to its affordability and durability. But we found that it wasn’t an ideal option for achieving a smooth look. However, it’s good to go with projects which require a chalk-like texture. Apart from this minor issue, this product works surprisingly well.

Pros

Easy to clean up with soap and water
Suitable for rough coatings
Value for money
Durable
Can be used for various purposes

Cons

Not suitable for large projects
Not recommended for resin laying

Bristle Material: Natural (China Bristle) | Brush Width (inches): 2 | Handle Material: Wood | Suitable for: All-purpose

Wooster Q3108-2 Brush - Best for Smooth Finish

Since 1851, Wooster Brush Company has been known for producing innovative paint brushes of premium quality. And on this note, let us introduce you to the Q3108-2 Wooster brush. Thanks to soft bristles, this brush ensures a uniform and smooth finish without any extra effort. It’s suitable for both thick and thin coatings and is a perfect choice for DIY-ers and hobbyists.

Sale

Wooster Brush Paint Brush Q3108-2 Softip Paintbrush, 2-Inch,...

Soft brush tips provide a smooth and even finish with all...
White nylon and gold polyester with chisel trim

Why Did We Like It?

To be honest, we found that this brush remains in flawless condition even after using it countless times.

Furthermore, it has Kaiser handles, and the balanced weight of this brush allows you to paint comfortably for hours without any strain. This makes it an ideal choice for all DIYers and professionals.

Apart from this, the tip of the brush features ultra-thin filaments to provide an unblemished finish without any marks. The brush offers an even and smooth effect while coating polyurethane.

On top of that, the mixture of white nylon and gold polyester filaments maximizes paint absorption while minimizing stray drips. And, the nylon/polyester combination of the brush is resistant to wear and tear, providing greater durability.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Overall, we were pleased with the performance of this product. However, since the handle is a bit slippery, it becomes tough to maintain a grip. So, we recommend you wear latex gloves to gain a grip and also to avoid staining your hands. Otherwise, this paintbrush is worth investing in.

Pros

Easy to clean with mineral spirits
Excellent durability
Wonderfully blends the color
Excellent for trimming
Reasonably priced

Cons

Unfit for woodwork
Uncomfortable grip

Bristle Material: Synthetic (Nylon/Polyester) | Brush Width (inches): 2 | Handle Material: Plastic | Suitable for: All-purpose

‎Minwax 427350008 Polyurethane Brush

Founded in 1904, the Minwax Company is among the world’s chief manufacturers of wood finishing and maintenance products. So, we have decided to present one of the best products of this brand. The Minwax 427350008 polyurethane brush is distinctively designed for coating wood products.

Sale

Minwax 427350008 Polyurethane 2" Trim-Black China Bristle...

Designed with natural bristle for a smooth, glass like...
Natural bristle for increased absorption and hold of clear...

Why Did We Like It?

Get ready to beautify your wooden surfaces with the natural bristles of this paintbrush. Available in three different sizes, this provides a smooth and glass-like finish to your surfaces. The natural bristles promise improved absorption of the coating and ensure even distribution of paints.

Moreover, it is designed explicitly for polyurethane usage and is perfect for applying water-based stains and finishes. Unlike disposable foam brushes, it performs exceptionally well in laying down a smooth coat of finish.

Its stainless steel ferrule prevents the paints from staining. And you need not worry about the sheen, thanks to its bristles which ensure a glass-like finish. But that’s not all; DIY-ers who frequently work with oil-based stains, are sure to love this paintbrush because of its durability.

What Could’ve Been Better?

In our opinion, the Minwax Polyurethane brush is an excellent option, especially because of the smooth finish its bristles offer. However, we found that the bristles of the brush were a bit stiff. This might not be of much importance to DIY-ers, but it might be a drawback for professionals.

Pros

Easy to clean
Reusable
Excellent for staining and varnishing
Durable
Bristles can bear a lot of paint

Cons

Brush lines appear on the surface
Expensive

Bristle Material: Synthetic (Polyester) | Brush Width (inches): 2 | Handle Material: Plastic | Suitable for: Polyurethane

Magimate P001WS Brushes

Up next is the P001WS, from the house of Magimate, which is yet another top-notch paint brush that will not disappoint you. It can be used for a variety of coating and stains, thanks to its time-tested versatility. The pack consists of 5 brushes that are enough to meet all your needs.

Magimate Paint Brushes Set, Sash Brushes, Soft Tapered...

Specs: 3 Long Handle angled paint brushes 1-1/2 inch, 2 inch...
Ideal with varnish, oil-based or mixed paints coating for...

Why Did We Like It?

The P001WS Magimate Paint brushes are premium quality brushes loaded with features, but they are unique because you can use them for any kind of stain. Be it acrylic, latex, watercolor, oil-based coating, or even epoxy.

Now, the soft synthetic polyester bristles hold the paint really well and don't let it drip. This brush relieves you from the hassles of scrubbing the floors due to the dripping.

This angled sash brush ensures you can paint clean lines without much effort. Paneled doors, furniture, cabinets, or window trims, you’re good to go with this one. Also, the wood handles are ergonomic, allowing you to work comfortably with a good grip.

What Could’ve Been Better?

This paintbrush is without a doubt one of the best options available in the market, especially because of its versatility and smooth handles. That being said, while testing, we found out that the brush delivered an uneven finish. So, we recommend you sand the surface before using it.

Pros

Bristles do not shed
Ideal for all kinds of surfaces
Ensures a comfortable grip
Holds stains really well
Quality is guaranteed

Cons

Uneven surfaces
Synthetic bristles require maintenance

Bristle Material: Synthetic (Polyester) | Brush Width (inches): 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 | Handle Material: Plastic | Suitable for: All-purpose

Hiltex 00308 Brush

We are halfway through our suggestions, and here’s another top-notch paintbrush from a very trustworthy brand that you should check out. Available in different widths, these brushes are ideal for a wide variety of projects; rest assured you won’t be disappointed.

Hiltex 00308 Brush Paint Stain Varnish Set with Wood...

SYNTHETIC PAINT BRUSHES: These professional paint brushes...
PAINTBRUSH BRISTLES: Each set has polyester bristles with...

Why Did We Like It?

We loved a lot of things about this paintbrush; however, the thing that drew us in from the start was its versatility. Because of this, the brushes perform excellently on doors, cabinets, windows, trims, corners, and decks.

Moreover, because the polyester bristles are thick, they can retain more paint. This means you can now finish your painting project faster, thus saving time. Not only that, but the feathered ends maximize the paint distribution capacity of these brushes.

Whether you decide to spend the weekends painting a new project or decide to renovate and paint a multitude of surfaces, these are ideal paint brushes. Plus, the wooden handles offer you a comfortable grip. Also, they do not shed bristles like a cat shedding its fur.

What is more, all these handy features are coupled with a decent price tag, ensuring you get great value for money.

What Could’ve Been Better?

We were quite pleased with the performance of these brushes, but the only gripe we have is that they are not suitable for long-term projects. That being said, these brushes are ideal for DIY-ers for touch-up work, although they might not be suitable for professionals. Apart from this, we did not notice any significant flaws in this otherwise great product.

Pros

Premium quality paint brush
Offers a comfortable grip
Budget buy
Cleans up in a breeze
Leaves no brush strokes

Cons

Doesn’t last in the long run
Not suitable for tacky paints and varnishes

Bristle Material: Synthetic (Polyester) | Brush Width (inches): 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 | Handle Material: Plastic | Suitable for: All-purpose

Purdy 144152330 XL Paint Brush

Purdy has been manufacturing paint brushes for over 84 years and has introduced several innovations in the process. The Purdy 144152330 XL is no exception. Featuring a distinctive copper ferrule, this brush is designed to cater to all your painting needs and is well-known for its impeccable performance.

3" Purdy 144152330 XL Glide Angled Sash Paint Brush, Tynex...

PURDY XL PAINT BRUSHES - Purdy XL Series brushes are great...
VERSATILE - Our most popular brush line, these medium-stiff...

Why Did We Like It?

One of the best things about Purdy is that it does not compromise on its quality, so it is the go-to brush of professionals. This brush’s beauty is that it is versatile, made to work for all kinds of stains and paints, and is enough to meet all your painting needs.

Moreover, the brush is highly durable since the bristles are made up of Tynex Nylon and Orel polyester. We found that after every use, the brush returns to its original shape; kudos to Purdy for getting that right!

You will also love that it delivers a smooth, glass-like finish even with latex. At the same time, the extremely soft bristles of this brush allow the paint to flow smoothly, making your task a breeze.

What’s more, the cover is designed to keep the bristles safe and in their original form, thanks to the wax coating. Plus, the stiffness retention feature of this brush delivers impeccable performance even outdoors.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Our only gripe is that the brush sheds bristles, and this is not something we expected from a brand as renowned as Purdy. Apart from this, we noticed no major flaws in this otherwise excellent product.

Pros

Lasts much longer
Ensures maximum coverage
Retains original shape after use
Hinders mold development
Imparts a glass-like finish

Cons

Sheds bristles
Angular trim isn’t always the best

Bristle Material: Synthetic (Nylon/Polyester) | Brush Width (inches): 3 | Handle Material: Wood | Suitable for: All-purpose

Wooster 5232-3 Gold Edge Varnish

When it comes to brushes, Wooster needs no introduction. Another quality product from the brand, the 5232-3 Gold Edge Varnish is a commendable paintbrush. Equipped with chemically tipped polyester, its fine and soft bristles ensure almost “no brush marks” on the coating.

Sale

Wooster 5232-3 Edge Varnish, 3 Inch, Gold,White

White and gold CT polyester filaments for excellent control...
Firm formulation, soft touch

Why Did We Like It?

Wooster is well-known for its top-notch products, and this paintbrush is no exception. Right off the bat, we were impressed by the semi-professional finish. This is an ideal brush for ensuring a smooth finish to your surfaces.

We particularly liked the CT polyester bristles which do an exceptional job of soaking up the paint and providing you with a smooth finish without shedding. Furthermore, it is outstanding for all enamels and paints. Overall, the brand’s innovation and high-quality materials deliver terrific results, making it highly popular.

Added to that, its overall impeccable quality makes it one of the best-selling products in the market. If you’re a DIY person, then this is a perfect option for you with its durability and easy-to-clean features.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Frankly, it was difficult for us to find flaws with this brush. However, if we have to nitpick, we would say that the bristles take a bit too long to dry. But we are sure that the users will overlook this slight inconvenience given the affordable price.

Pros

Soft bristle ends to ensure smooth application
Durable and easy to use
Provides brush-free stroke surface
Doesn’t leave bubbles

Cons

Bristles take a long to dry

Bristle Material: Natural (China Bristle) | Brush Width (inches): 3 | Handle Material: Wood | Suitable for: Varnishing

Mintcraft 150015 Paint Brush

This appealing product by Mintcraft is ideal for stains, finishes, and oil-based paints. It works to give your surfaces a smooth finish, and you can also rely upon this brush for applying adhesives or cleaning parts.

MINTCRAFT 150015 ProSource Chip Paint Brush, 1-1/2 in W,...

1.5 inch wood handle Brush
Sanded wood handle and tin plated with white natural...

Why Did We Like It?

In our opinion, this 1.5-inch brush works best for trims, window areas, and corners. Since it features a sanded wood handle, it provides a comfortable grip and is preferred by professionals.

The tin-plated ferrule adds to the protection of the brush, making it corrosion-resistant. If you want to achieve that smooth, semi-professional finish for your surfaces, then this could be your go-to brush. Its easy-to-clean features make it highly popular among DIYers and hobbyists.

You can apply oil-based stains, paints, and finishes with this brush effortlessly. Its white natural bristles are ideal for applying polyurethane coating. They ensure a smooth and fine finish to your surfaces. Add to that an affordable price tag, and you’ve got a product that’s suitable for all levels of users.

What Could’ve Been Better?

It is undoubtedly one of the most reasonably priced and excellent performing paint brushes. However, despite cleaning, these brushes are to be discarded after every use. But, given its affordable price, this won’t be an issue for the customers.

Pros

Ergonomic design
Great price point
Ensures a smooth finish
Easy to clean
Doesn’t shed bristles

Cons

Need to be discarded after every use

Bristle Material: Synthetic (Polyester) | Brush Width (inches): 1.5 | Handle Material: Plastic | Suitable for: All-purpose

Best Paint Brish For Polyurethane Comparison Table

Product	Bristle Material	Brush Width (inches)	Handle Material	Suitable for
Wooster 3103-1 Brush	Synthetic (Polyester)	1	Plastic	All-purpose
Pro Grade Chip Paint Brushes	Natural (China Bristle)	2	Wood	All-purpose
Wooster Q3108-2 Brush	Synthetic (Nylon/Polyester)	2	Plastic	All-purpose
‎Minwax 427350008 Polyurethane Brush	Synthetic (Polyester)	2	Plastic	Polyurethane
Magimate P001WS Brushes	Synthetic (Polyester)	1, 1.5, 2, 2.5	Plastic	All-purpose
Hiltex 00308 Brush	Synthetic (Polyester)	1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3	Plastic	All-purpose
Purdy 144152330 XL Paint Brush	Synthetic (Nylon/Polyester)	3	Wood	All-purpose
Wooster 5232-3 Gold Edge Varnish	Natural (China Bristle)	3	Wood	Varnishing
Mintcraft 150015 Paint Brush	Synthetic (Polyester)	1.5	Plastic	All-purpose

Buying Guide For The Best Paint Brush For Polyurethane

Knowing just the 9 best recommendations and a few pros and cons is simply not enough information, especially when you’re in quest of a good paint brush for polyurethane. You need to be aware of a lot of other factors that come into play.

So, to help you choose the right paintbrush, we have explained all the other important factors here. After reading this, we are confident that you will be able to choose the right paintbrush based on your needs.

Types of Paint Brush Bristles

The very first thing to keep in mind is the kind of bristles you need to achieve a smooth and flawless surface. In this regard, you will find that there are two types of bristles, each catering to different purposes.

If you want to coat oil-based polyurethane, we recommend you go for natural bristles to ensure a smooth surface. But, if you want a professional finish, then synthetic bristles are a perfect option.

Shape And Width

The next thing to keep in mind when buying a paintbrush is size and width. A brush of 2 inches will prove ideal for small projects. At the same time, brushes of 4 inches will help you with larger projects.

So, when selecting a paintbrush, it’s best to go for the one based on the projects you are handling. You must choose a wider brush for projects that involve larger surfaces, whereas narrow widths will suffice for smaller ones.

Handle

Along with the shape and width, we also recommend you consider the brush's handle before making a purchase. If you’re working on small projects, it’s best to go for short and thick handles. But, if you have large projects at hand, a big handle will provide you with a comfortable grip.

Quality

Not to forget, the quality of the brush is of utmost importance for polyurethane coatings. Therefore, do not compromise on quality just to save some money. So, we recommend you invest in a top-notch quality brush from a premium brand for perfect application.

Ferrule

Before you invest money in a brush for polyurethane, make sure the ferrule keeps the bristles together. You can go for a stainless steel ferrule to prevent rust. We recommend you slightly tug the bristles to ensure the ferrule is secure.

Paint Brush for Polyurethane FAQ's

Synthetic bristle brushes, specifically those made with polyester or nylon bristles, are typically recommended for polyurethane application. They provide smooth and even coverage, and their bristles are resistant to the harsh chemicals found in polyurethane.

The size of the brush depends on the size of the project and personal preference. For larger surfaces, such as floors or large furniture pieces, a wider brush (2 to 3 inches) can help speed up the application process. For smaller areas or detailed work, a narrower brush (1 to 2 inches) provides more control.

Yes, you can reuse a paint brush for polyurethane as long as you clean it properly after each use. Regular maintenance and cleaning will help preserve the brush’s performance and ensure a smooth application in the future.

To achieve a smooth finish, it’s important to apply polyurethane in thin, even coats. Avoid overloading the brush with too much product, as this can result in drips or uneven application. Work in long, smooth strokes, following the grain of the wood or the desired direction. Take your time and allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying additional coats.

Conclusion

Polyurethane is the best varnish for ensuring that your surfaces stay protected and attractive. There’s nothing more pleasing than polishing your creations and watching them shine with long-term protection.

With that, we have come to the end of our review; and we hope our top picks help you choose the right paintbrush. Before we wrap up, we’d like to highlight our favorite paintbrushes from the list.

The Wooster brush 3103-1 is the best overall, mainly because of its versatility and the great coverage it offers. Followed by it is the Pro Grade Chip paintbrush because of its durability and comfortable grip. Other than that, if you’re looking for a really affordable product, we recommend the Mintcraft 150015 which doesn’t shed bristles.

That’s all for today, then. Bye!

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