Repainting your ceiling might seem like a straightforward D.I.Y. project, but many don’t realize the steps needed in order to do so. One of those steps is called cutting in, which involves painting the edges and corners of your ceiling separately from the main surface.
In order to keep your ceiling looking beautiful, you’ll want to make sure you find the best brush to cut in ceilings and learn how to properly use it. This article will help you by covering the following topics:
- Top 8 best paintbrushes for cutting in ceilings
- What’s the best type of brush for cutting in ceilings?
- Best way to paint cut in ceilings without marks
Before we get into how to flawlessly cut in your ceiling, let’s dive into the top brushes you should use. If you’re working with a textured ceiling, don’t forget to check out our guide to the best brushes & rollers for popcorn and textured ceilings.
Top 8 best paintbrushes for cutting in ceilings
Paintbrushes are the way to go when cutting in your ceilings, as they allow for the tightest control. This is critical when you’re working with limited space. However, you’re still going to want to make sure you’re using the right brush for the job.
Here are our top recommendations when looking for the best brush for cutting in ceilings.
1. Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon-polyester blend
Best Feature: Flexible handle
The Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash brush could be considered the best paintbrush for cutting in ceilings. It is made using a short, flexible handle that makes it easier to paint edges and corners. The nylon-polyester bristles also help create a quality finish.
2. Purdy Clearcut Glide Angular Trim Brush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 3-inch
Material: Nylon-polyester blend
Best Feature: Quality
The Purdy Clearcut Glide Angular Trim brush is a high-quality paintbrush that will help you easily cut in your ceiling. The angled bristles are made of quality materials that will create a line-free finish. The brush is also designed for use on multiple projects around your home.
3. Proform Technologies Picasso Oval Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2.5-inch
Material: P.B.T.
Best Feature: Cleanliness
The Proform Picasso Oval brush is an ideal choice for those who are looking for efficiency in both the actual painting and the cleanup. The brush is carefully designed to allow for great hold and application of your paint. It’s also created to not drip, making it easier to clean and dry afterwards.
4. Wooster Ultra/Pro Extra-Firm Lindbeck Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon
Best Feature: Control
The Wooster Ultra-Pro Extra-Firm Lindbeck brush is designed to help painters maintain control while cutting in their ceilings. The 100% nylon bristles help the brush to hold paint and apply it for a smooth finish. The brush is also very durable and easy to clean.
5. Purdy XL Cub Angular Trim Brush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon-polyester blend
Best Feature: Ease of use
The Purdy XL Cub Angular Trim brush is a great option if you want to prioritize quality and ease-of-use when cutting in your ceiling. Its wooden handle is designed to help you easily paint along tricky edges and corners. It also features the same high-quality bristles used with most other Purdy brushes.
6. Zibra Grip-n-Glide Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: White filament
Best Feature: Ease of use
The Zibra Grip-n-Glide brush is another great option that was designed with cutting-in in mind. The angled bristles are high-quality and will leave you with a smooth finish. The handle was also designed for comfort and grip.
7. Pro Grade Angle Brushes
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 12
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon-polyester blend
Best Feature: Quality
This pack of Pro Grade Angle Brushes is for those looking to invest in quality brushes. The angled bristles are designed to help you cut in your ceiling with a line-free finish. These brushes are also long-lasting and easy to clean, so you’ll still have them whenever you need a touch-up.
8. Purdy Pro-Extra Glide Angular Trim Brush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2.5-inch
Material: Nylon-polyester blend
Best Feature: Efficiency
The Purdy Pro-Extra Glide brush is a great choice for those who want to cut in their ceiling quickly and still leave it looking great. The angled bristles are designed to both hold more paint and release an even amount for a smooth finish. This brush also works well with all types of paint.
What’s the best type of brush for cutting in ceilings?
When you’re shopping for the best paintbrush to cut in ceilings, there are a few things you should look for in your chosen brush(es). These are the things you should pay attention to:
- Size – You’ll want a length that is small enough to help you maintain control, but not so small that it’s inefficient. We recommend a brush between 2 and 3 inches long, depending on your project.
- Angled bristles – Brushes with an angular sash will help you when working on more intricate projects to glide your paint and eliminate lines.
- Material – You’ll want to opt for a brush with medium stiffness. This will help with the application paint so you get a quality finish. Nylon-polyester is the most popular, but you can use whatever you’re most comfortable with.
Best way to paint cut in ceiling without marks
If you’re cutting in your ceiling yourself for the first time, it’s normal to feel anxious about how it will turn out. To make sure your ceiling looks its best, here are some tips for keeping your ceiling free of marks and lines:
- Use painter’s tape – Applying this before you start painting will ensure your paint doesn’t end up where you don’t want it, allowing you to focus on your paint strokes.
- Use an angled brush – We’ve mentioned it before, but we’ll say it again! These brushes will help you beautifully apply your paint.
- Hold your brush properly – Hold the brush where the handle meets the ferrule and paint on an angle (not straight up and down). This will give you the most control.
- Use the right amount of paint – Start by only dipping your brush halfway into the paint, and avoid reloading your paint unnecessarily by pushing the paint you’ve already applied. This will help you create a smooth surface and avoid unwanted blotches of paint being left over.
- Use a ceiling line painting tool – If you’re still nervous, many tools exist that will help you paint a perfect, straight line. You can use a guide – like the Warner Paint Guide – or an edger – like the Shur-Line Pro Paint Edger – to help you cut-in with ease.
Now that you’ve learned all about brushes for cutting in ceilings and how to use them, you can get started on your project. If you’re thinking about going the professional route instead, the City Painters are here to help. Contact us here or give us a call for a quote!