Best Paintbrushes for Latex Paint: Top 10 + Best Brush Types

There are several different types of paint bases, each providing their own benefits. Latex paint is great for everyday paint projects. If you’re thinking of using latex paint for your next project, you’ll need to be prepared.

To get the best results, you need to use the best paint tools. This article will help you find the best paintbrushes for latex paint by covering the following:

• 10 best paintbrushes for latex paint
• Best way to paint using latex paint: brush, roller, or spray?
• What’s the best type of brush for latex paint?
• Best way to paint using latex paint without marks

Before we get into what tools to use for painting with latex, let’s dive into your choices for the best brush for latex paint. If you’re going to be working with polyurethane, check out the best brushes for polyurethane.

10 best paintbrushes for latex paint

One of the best ways to ensure your getting the best results with your latex paint is to use a high-quality brush. If you’re looking for recommendations for what to use, here are some of the best paintbrushes for latex paint.

1. Purdy Pro-Extra Glide Angular Trim Brush

Type: Brush

Quantity: 1

Size: 2.5-inch

Material: Tynex, Chinex, and Orel (Nylon-Polyester)

Best Feature: Extra paint holding capacity

For a paintbrush guaranteed to give you optimal coverage, go with the Purdy Pro-Extra Glide Angular Trim Brush. Its bristles are designed to hold more paint, allowing you to achieve your ideal finish faster. It’s been approved for use with all paint types, so you can use it beyond your latex paint projects.

2. Bestt Liebco Master Foam 4 Piece Mini Roller Kit

Type: Roller

Quantity: 2

Size: 4-inch length

Material: High-density foam

Best Feature: Kit includes everything you need

If you want to paint using foam while getting great value, this Bestt Liebco Master Foam 4 Piece Mini Roller Kit is for you. The kit comes with everything you’d need to paint with, including an extra foam roller cover. The foam rollers are great for achieving a smooth finish.

3. Hiltex Pneumatic Air Texture Spray Gun

Type: Spray

Quantity: 1

Size: 354 g

Best Feature: Locking control on trigger

The Hiltex Pneumatic Air Texture Spray Gun has lots of features to help you paint efficiently. It is made with a locking control on the trigger, allowing you to spray evenly with less effort. It also features a comfortable handle and interchangeable nozzles.

4. Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush

Type: Brush

Quantity: 1

Size: 2-inch

Material: Nylon-Polyester

Best Feature: Short handle

If you need a brush that will help you maintain comfort, check out the Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush. This brush is made with a short, flexible handle, which allows you to stay comfortable and paint in tight spaces. Also, the quality bristles will help you get the full coverage you desire.

5. Purdy White Dove Roller Cover

Type: Roller

Quantity: 1

Size: ⅜-inch nap, 9-inch length

Material: Woven Dralon

Best Feature: Versatile material

For those painting large, smooth surfaces, opt for the Purdy White Dove Roller Cover. This roller cover is the perfect option for indoor and outdoor projects with little to no texture. It’s made with a quality fabric that allows you to use it with multiple paints on multiple projects.

6. Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Double Duty Paint Sprayer

Type: Spray

Quantity: 1

Size: 1.88 kg

Best Feature: Approved for indoor and outdoor use

If you want to invest in a quality paint sprayer that you can use for multiple projects, choose the Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Double Duty Paint Sprayer. This is an HVLP sprayer that is constructed to provide you an ideal finish on both indoor and outdoor projects. It is approved for use with latex materials but might require some thinning.

7. Purdy Nylox Dale Angular Trim Brush

Type: Brush

Quantity: 1

Size: 2-inch

Material: Nylon

Best Feature: Specifically for latex paint

The Purdy Nylox Dale Angular Trim Brush is specifically made for use with latex paint. It’s made of high-quality materials, allowing you to get a smooth finish on your projects. These materials are also durable, allowing you to reuse this brush again and again.

8. Wooster Golden Flo Roller Cover

Type: Roller

Quantity: 1

Size: ¾-inch nap, 9-inch length

Material: Microfiber

Best Feature: Made for rough surfaces

The Wooster Golden Flo Roller Cover is the best choice for those working with rough surfaces. The yellow fabric is high-capacity, allowing you to easily achieve a full coverage. It’s approved for use with latex, oil, and acrylic products.

9. TACKLIFE Paint Sprayer

Type: Spray

Quantity: 1

Size: 2.05 kg

Best Feature: 3 different spray patterns

For a paint sprayer that you can adjust for your project, check out the TACKLIFE Paint Sprayer. This sprayer has three spray patterns and two nozzle sizes, allowing you to get your desired paint flow for your project. It is also lightweight, making it easier to hold and maneuver while you paint.

10. Wooster Softip Angle Sash Paintbrush

Type: Brush

Quantity: 1

Size: 2-inch

Material: Nylon-Polyester

Best Feature: Soft brush tips

For a super smooth finish, try the Wooster Softip Angle Sash Paintbrush. The bristles of this brush are made of nylon-polyester, helping you achieve an even coverage. It works well with both latex and oil-based paints, so you can reuse it for multiple projects afterwards.

Best way to paint using latex paint: brush, roller, or spray?

The best way to paint using latex paint is entirely based on what type of project you’re working on and your own personal preferences. Brushes are great for small projects, cutting in, and any time you want to paint with caution. Rollers are the best choice if you’re painting a larger, flat project and you want to speed up the process.

Sprayers are great for the largest of projects and achieving a smooth, even coverage. However, they can get a bit messy and costly.

Choose a brush if…

• You’re working on a small, detailed project.
• You’re cutting in your walls, ceiling, or another surface.
• You want to paint with careful precision.

Choose a roller if…

• You’re working on a large project.
• You’re working with a flat surface.
• You want to paint faster.

Choose a spray if…

• You’re working on larger or multiple large projects.
• You have the money to invest in a sprayer.
• You’re prepared to clean up any messes made.

How to choose the best tool for painting with latex paint

To get the best results using latex paint, your painting tools need to work well with it. Here is what to look for in your brushes, rollers, or sprayers:

Brushes

• Should have a sash cut to help with cutting in and painting edges.
• Should have stiff bristles to keep your lines steady during application.
• Should be made of a synthetic material, such as nylon, polyester, Chinex, or a blend.

Rollers

• Should be made of synthetic or foam material.
• Length is dependent on the specific project.
• Nap size is dependent on the surface you’re painting on.

Sprayers

• Should be approved for use with latex paint (the sprayer could clog otherwise).
• Should be lightweight or easy to maneuver around your home.
• Paint flow and spray patterns are dependent on your specific project.

What’s the best type of brush for latex paint?

If you’re still unsure what to look for in a brush or roller, here’s a guide on what to look for to get the best results using latex paint.

What’s the best brush material for latex paint?

The material of your brushes and rollers will determine how well it will hold and apply the paint. Here are the best materials for painting with latex paint:

• Nylon-Polyester: Best for durability and quality using latex paint.
• Polyester: Maintains shape and stiffness, giving you a smooth application.
• Chinex: The synthetic alternative to natural bristles; great for cleanliness and maintaining brush-life.
• Foam: Great at holding and releasing paint onto smooth surfaces.

What’s the best brush size for latex paint?

Different sized projects will require different sized brushes. These are the best brush sizes to consider:

For standard pain brush length

• 1-inch to 2-inch brush: Ideal for small areas and cutting in.
• 2.5-inch to 3-inch brush: Great for cutting in and medium-sized projects like doors, and cabinets.
• 4-inch brush: Best choice for painting large, flat areas.

For roller brush length

• 4-inch mini roller length: Good choice for rolling paint onto small surfaces.
• 9-inch roller length: Best choice for most projects.
• 18-inch roller length: Professional size for the largest projects.

For roller nap brush thickness

• ¼-inch roller nap: Ideal for smooth surfaces with little to no texture.
• ⅜-inch roller nap: Best for surfaces with medium texture.
• ¾-inch or larger roller nap: Great for rough surfaces like brick or stucco.

What’s the best paintbrush style for latex?

Brushes come in several different styles that are ideal for different types of projects. These are the different styles that you might choose to use with latex paint.

• Thin angle sash: Best for painting corners and edges.
• Angle sash: Preferred choice for cutting in or painting trim.
• Flat sash: Bristles cut straight across for painting flat areas.
• Trim: Great for painting large, flat areas like siding.
• Walls: A thick brush for large surfaces like walls.

What’s the best paintbrush end type for latex?

The end type of your brush will determine how your paint is applied. Here are the end types you might encounter:

• Chisel trim brush: Bristles are slanted to provide a straight line.
• Square trim brush: Bristles are square-cut for easier application on flat surfaces.
• Angled brush: Foam and bristles are cut on an angle to better cover trim and cut in.
• Round-ended roller: Rollers have round ends that prevent lines and overlapping.

Best way to paint using latex paint without marks

Using the right brush to paint isn’t the only thing to note when painting with latex. Here are some tips for getting a mark-free finish when using latex paint.

• Check the weather – If you’re working outside, check the weather and plan accordingly to avoid your project being compromised by rain or humidity.
• Clean the surface first – Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that could appear in your paint.
• Protect the area – Apple painter’s tape and/or sheets to the surrounding area so you can focus on the task at hand.
• Mix in a conditioner – Adding a paint conditioner to your latex paint will help to thin it so it will spread evenly across the surface.
• Use only what you need – Dip paintbrushes ⅓ of the way into the paint, and use a paint tray or a screen to remove excess paint from rollers. This will help you avoid unnecessary blotches or uneven patches.
• Finish painting while it’s still wet – Complete each surface of your project before it dries to avoid potential overlapping from appearing.

Now that you know everything about brushes for latex paint, it’s time to get started on your project. If you’d prefer to hire a professional, the City Painters are here to help. Contact us here or give us a call for a quote.