9 Best Paint Brushes For Trim of 2024 [Tested]

Apart from providing just precision, a top-quality paint brush uses less paint and offers more versatility to help you deliver even and textured finishes while painting.

That being said, choosing the best paint brush that provides precision, versatility, and durability can be pretty tricky. As there are many options available on the market, selecting the right one gets rather confusing and time-consuming.

So, we thought of assisting you in the buying process by bringing you the top 9 paint brush options available in 2022. Our experts have personally tested these paint brushes, and we have provided a detailed review for each one of them based on the results they shared.

Now, without further ado, let's begin!

Best Paint Brushes For Trim

Here’s the list of the 9 best paint brushes for trim of 2024, carefully curated and reviewed by our experts to help you find the perfect brush for precise, versatile, and durable painting.

1. Wooster Brush Q3211-2 - Best for Tight Spaces

Wooster is one of the leading American brands that specialize in manufacturing paint brushes, and the Q3211-2 lives up to the brand's name. Featuring a flexible handle, this paintbrush ensures that it is easy to operate in tight spaces, thereby making its way to the top of this list.

Why Did We Like It?

We were quite happy with what the Wooster Brush Q3211-2 had to bring to the table. For starters, its short handle helps in providing precision while painting edges and tight spaces. The bristles do an excellent job of working with almost all kinds of paints.

Furthermore, the brass-plated steel cap adds to its durability and visual appeal. It weighs just about 1.6 ounces and comes in a wide variety of sizes. Having said that, the main USP of this product is its top-notch portability; in fact, the tiny build quality makes it appropriate for painting baseboards.

Apart from being highly durable, it is super easy to control as it helps you paint different parts of the room without even tapping off. This product is a must-have for those who are not professional painters. 

What Could've Been Better?

While testing the Wooster Brush Q3211-2, we did not find any major drawbacks. However, this paintbrush may not be ideal for you if you are into heavy-duty professional painting. Other than this, this product does a fantastic job in delivering smooth and even finishes.

2. Pro Grade - Paint Brushes - Best for DIY Painting

Next up, we have paint brushes by Pro Grade. They happen to be one of the best-selling paint brushes on the market simply because of the various features they come with. They usually come in a pack of 5, with each brush serving various needs to help achieve your painting goals.

Why Did We Like It?

There were quite a few reasons why we liked the Pro Grade paint brushes. Firstly, we were pretty happy to see that they come in a set of 5. The premium quality of these brushes delivers desired results, be it on doors, walls, decks, trims, or fences.

Apart from this, the brushes feature SRT filaments that help in holding more paint so that you can save time, avoid streaks, and deliver top-notch finishes. They come with high-quality stainless steel ferrules that make them extremely durable and long-lasting.

That said, the grips feature smooth hardwood that enhances the comfort of using these brushes, hence allowing you to paint for longer hours at a stretch. They have fine tips that provide enough precision and control while painting through tight spaces. 

What Could've Been Better?

The Pro-Grade paint brushes may not be the appropriate choice for those who are intending to use them professionally. These brushes are made for light-duty DIY painting jobs and may not be the right fit for professionals. But, it certainly does not disappoint with light-duty painting projects.

3. Richard 13418 - Best for Accuracy & Precision

Allow us to introduce you to Richard 13418. Richard is one of the most reliable brands on the market when it comes to painting brushes, and this product is no different. Having said that, the 13418 variant can be used to paint anywhere that demands accuracy and precision.

Why Did We Like It?

We liked almost everything that Richard 13418 had to offer. To begin with, the tapered polyester bristles ensure it leaves clean edges while painting. The soft-grip handle makes it very comfortable to hold. And it also comes with a spectacular paint pick-up and release feature that helps provide a smoother finish.

Furthermore, this particular paintbrush is extremely durable and does best when used with latex paint. Weighing just about 1.58 pounds, the 13418 paint brush by Richard is also one of the lightest options on the market.

What's more? Well, it is one of the highest-rated paint brushes on this list, and the brown and yellow color combination gives it a very sleek and trendy look. 

What Could've Been Better?

Without a doubt, the Richard 13418 is one of the best and most reliable paint brushes out there. However, we found out that the bristles tend to hold on to paint. Other than this minor drawback, it does a very smooth job.

4. Wooster Brush Q3108

Wooster's second product on this list clearly signifies how good this brand is at manufacturing paint brushes. The Wooster Brush Q3108 takes it to a new level by yielding smooth finishes with all oil-based paints, thanks to its super-soft bristles.

Why Did We Like It?

Made using white nylon and gold polyester bristles, the high-quality paint brush from Wooster is a practical option to consider buying. However, the brass-plated steel cap is what caught our attention from the beginning, giving it a very sturdy yet ergonomic look.

The yellow-colored plastic handle is very comfortable to hold, allowing it to be used for long hours. You would be pleased to know that the tip, apart from being soft, is also rigid, making it perfect for painting edges and for cleaning dust off PC motherboards.

Furthermore, this painting brush weighs under 2 ounces, making it extremely lightweight; it can fit into pockets very easily. It works perfectly with acrylic paint and is one of our list's most affordable paintbrush options. 

What Could've Been Better?

The Wooster Brush Q3108 checks pretty much all the boxes. However, you may want to avoid it if you are looking for a paintbrush for professional painting projects. This paintbrush is meant for light-duty painting jobs only. To be fair, it would be silly to look for heavy-duty paintbrushes at this price point.

5. Purdy 144080225

Purdy specializes in delivering hand-made paintbrushes. It has been in business for over 85 years, and the Purdy 144080225 is an excellent example of its craftsmanship. That being said, this unique paintbrush by Purdy is an option you may not want to miss out on, mainly because of the smooth finish it delivers.

Why Did We Like It?

For us, the Prudy 144080225 is not just any other paintbrush. This is particularly because it is handcrafted in the USA. Also, it is a pretty good option for using latex paints. Its edges are squared, and the stainless steel ferrule boasts a very sleek and sturdy look.

Apart from that, the premium quality bristles last longer than most options on the market. We also liked the keeper that comes along with the paintbrush, covered in wax; it keeps the brush safe from any contact with water.

Overall, this paintbrush is one of the best options for professional painting projects. It does not bend even after being soaked in water for a considerable amount of time. Without a doubt, the Prudy 144080225 is a reliable paintbrush and definitely worth the investment. 

What Could've Been Better?

The Prudy 144080225 is one of the noteworthy paintbrushes on this list. Having said that, we found out that the bristles start to shed after a couple of uses. We really wish the manufacturer had made genuine efforts in delivering good-quality bristles. Other than this shredding issue, everything else works perfectly.

6. Wooster Brush 5221-2 1/2

As you already know, Wooster is one of the leading manufacturers of paint brushes, so we think it made sense to add yet another marvelous paint brush from the brand. The Wooster Brush 5221-2 1/2 does an extremely precise job, thanks to its width and angled bristles.

Why Did We Like It?

There are quite a few reasons for the inclusion of this product on this list. Firstly, the silver tip does an excellent job of providing a smooth application of paint. The bristles are made of chemically tipped polyester, making them very super flexible and thin.

Furthermore, the wooden handle adds to its elegance by giving it a sleek and sturdy outlook. Weighing just about 4 ounces, this paintbrush is appropriate to be used for long hours without feeling uncomfortable.

Apart from that, it is super easy to clean. The durable build quality makes it long-lasting, and it is also suitable for professional painters as the angled bristles do a fine job of painting the cleanest of edges. Overall, the Wooster Brush 5221-2 1/2 is one of the most sought-after paint brushes by professional painters on this list. 

What Could've Been Better?

Despite being one of the most expensive paint brush options on this list, we found out that the bristles keep coming off after repeated uses. It is pretty disappointing, given its price and other features. However, it still remains a go-to paintbrush option for many professional painters.

7. Zibra PB125LZT

Now that we are nearing the end of our list, it's time to introduce you to Zibra PB125LZT. Zibra is a North American brand that takes immense pride in delivering application-based paintbrushes, and this product is no exception. In fact, the hourglass design of this paintbrush ensures that it is easy to use throughout all surfaces.

Why Did We Like It?

We must say we were pretty impressed with the features that Zibra PB125LZT had to offer. For starters, its smooth bristle technology creates an optimum balance between bristle softness and stiffness, ensuring smooth paint release and high durability. This paint brush's bristles are quite smaller compared to most options on this list, ensuring even paint on rougher surfaces.

However, what caught our attention the most was its build quality. It is made of hardwood and aluminum, giving it a professional and sleek look. Also, the ergonomic hourglass design provides optimum comfort so that it can be used for long hours without the problem of hand cramping.

Furthermore, it weighs just about 2.39 ounces which makes it extremely light-weight. This paintbrush is so much more than just its design and builds quality; in fact, the tapered brush tips allow it to deliver smooth, crisp, and even coverage. 

What Could've Been Better?

The Zibra PB125LZT is undoubtedly one of the best and most visually appealing paintbrushes on the list. However, it is not very easy to wash because of the triangular metal protector. Other than this minor issue, it is one of the best paintbrush options for trim.

8. Purdy 144080310

Next up, we have another spectacular paint brush from the Purdy family called Purdy 144080310. As you already know, it is a well-established paint brush brand that specializes in manufacturing paint brushes that work well on trim. It is also known for its compatibility with almost all kinds of paint.

Why Did We Like It?

To be honest, we were quite impressed with the features that Purdy 144080310 brought to the table. Firstly, we really liked the fact that it is extremely lightweight, weighing just over 1 pound; it becomes the perfect option for outdoor painting projects. The brushes are rigid, making them suitable for humidity and with different temperatures.

Furthermore, this paintbrush's angled bristles make it perfect to be used on trim, ceilings, and walls. The handle is made of good quality hardwood, providing durability and ensuring it lasts long even after repeated uses.

What's more? Well, this paintbrush is able to hold good amounts of paint, so you need not worry about taping the room while painting. It has a firm grip which makes it very comfortable to hold. Overall, the Purdy 144080310 is one of the best in class when it comes to painting brushes for trim. 

What Could've Been Better?

We did not really find any significant drawbacks with this particular product. However, we did notice that this new version of the Purdy brush has 25% fewer bristles than the old version. This makes it a little difficult to be used in tight spaces and on edges. Other than this minor drawback, everything else on this brush works fine.

9. Bates Trim Brush

Frankly speaking, our list of the top 9 paint brushes would not have been complete without the inclusion of this trim brush by Bates Choice. Bates Choice is one of the leading North American brands that deliver top-notch paintbrushes. This particular model is relatively newer in its line-up and allows for an outstanding paint job.

Why Did We Like It?

As a trim brush from a brand with only 6 years of experience, Bates Trim Brush exceeds our expectations in all aspects. The handle is made of high-quality control plastic, making it very lightweight and comfortable to hold, which makes long, tedious painting jobs a lot bearable.

Furthermore, the thick bristles are able to hold large quantities of paint, saving time and delivering smooth finishes. That’s not all; they are quite rigid and long-lasting. Also, this trim brush is suitable for both professionals and novices; since it is an angle sash, it suits all users.

Apart from all that, it is one of the most affordable options for paintbrushes on this list. They serve to be great value-for-money paint brush options. The Bates Trim Brush is one of the highest-rated products on the market and an option that should be considered. 

What Could've Been Better?

The Bates Trim Brush is undoubtedly one of the most affordable yet efficient paintbrush options out there. However, while testing it out, we noticed considerable bristle shedding after several uses. Given the price point, you really cannot complain, but we wish the manufacturer had taken note of it.

Best Trim Brusher Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Trim Brusher

So, that was our review of the top 9 paint brushes for trim. Things do not end here though, in order to choose the best option, there are several factors that you need to keep in mind while buying. Since you would be busy choosing the paint color, we have brought this buyer guide to assist you.

We strongly recommend reading this part as we are going to take a brief look at all these important factors that will help you choose the best paintbrush.

Quality

Quality plays a huge role in choosing the best paintbrush. A top-quality paint brush should be able to offer smooth finishes.

Furthermore, the bristles should be longer in the center and shorter on the outside. Quality bristles should be able to hold paint, providing control and coverage.

Size

Paint brushes for trim usually come in between 1 and 6 inches. As a rule of thumb, the tighter the painting space is, the smaller the brush should be. For trim, we strongly recommend going with brushes that are between 1 inch and 3 inches.

Material

Never ignore the material while buying a good-quality paintbrush. There are mainly two categories of brush bristles: synthetic and natural. Synthetic brush bristles are mainly made out of polyester or nylon. They are best suited to be used with water-based paints.

On the other hand, natural brush bristles are made of animal hair, mainly of a badger or a hog. They are best suited to be used with oil paints.

Trim Brusher FAQs

What are the benefits of using a top-quality paintbrush for trim?

A top-quality paintbrush for trim offers several benefits, including:

• Precision: It allows for more precise painting in narrow and detailed areas.
• Versatility: It provides the ability to deliver even and textured finishes.
• Durability: It is designed to be long-lasting and withstand frequent use.

What are the different types of brush bristles available for paintbrushes used for trim?

There are two main types of brush bristles for paintbrushes used for trim:

• Synthetic bristles: Made of polyester or nylon, these bristles are best suited for water-based paints.
• Natural bristles: Made of animal hair, such as badger or hog hair, these bristles are best suited for oil-based paints.

How can I ensure smooth finishes and control while using a paintbrush for trim?

To ensure smooth finishes and control while using a paintbrush for trim, choose a brush with high-quality bristles that can hold paint well. The bristles should be longer in the center and shorter on the outside, allowing for better control and coverage.

Can I use a paintbrush for trim with both oil-based and water-based paints?

It depends on the type of bristles used in the paintbrush. Synthetic bristles are generally suitable for water-based paints, while natural bristles are better suited for oil-based paints. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure compatibility with the paint type you intend to use.

How do I clean and maintain a paintbrush for trim?

To clean a paintbrush for trim, follow these steps:

1. Remove excess paint by scraping the brush against the edge of the paint can.
2. Rinse the brush under running water for water-based paints or use an appropriate solvent for oil-based paints.
3. Gently comb or reshape the bristles to their original shape.
4. Hang the brush to dry or store it horizontally to prevent bristle deformation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint brush for the trim can not only help in giving painting projects a smoother finish but also lessen the discomfort of tedious jobs. So, if you want to work for longer hours without ruining the finish, a paintbrush for trim is a must-have.

With that, we have come to the end of our review-based guide. We hope you have gained some important information about buying the best paint brush for trim in 2024. But, before we sign off, we would like to mention our top picks.

The Wooster Brush Q3211-2 is the best overall. The pack of 5 from Pro Grade is comfortable to use and very long-lasting, while the Richard 13418 is exceptionally lightweight and comes at an affordable price.

On that note, we wish to take your leave. Until next time!

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