Trim and baseboards can add a beautiful touch to any room. If the baseboards in your home are overdue for a repaint, you might be considering doing it yourself. In order to get the most out of your D.I.Y. project, you’ll want to make sure you invest in the right tools. That includes making sure you have the best paintbrush for trim and baseboards.
There are plenty of options for baseboard brushes, rollers, and sprays out there, so it can get confusing to know what ones are the best. This article will help you find the right tools by exploring the following:
- Top 8 best paintbrushes for trim and baseboards (+ rollers and sprays)
- What’s the best type of brush for baseboards?
- Best way to paint baseboards: brush, roller, or spray?
- Best way to paint baseboards without brush strokes
Before we dive into how to select the best option for you, let’s discuss our top recommendations for painting your baseboards. Don’t forget to also check out our guide to the costs of painting doors and trim to help you with your planning.
Top 8 best paintbrushes for trim and baseboards (+ rollers and sprays)
If you’ve been hunting for the best paintbrush for baseboards, look no further. These are our top picks that we recommend you check out for your next baseboard paintbrush, roller, or sprayer.
1. Purdy XL Cub Angular Trim Brush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Brush
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon-polyester
Best Feature: Smooth finish
One of the most popular Purdy brushes, the XL Cub is a great option for a baseboard brush when you’re looking to paint with precision. The angled nylon-polyester bristles help to create a high-quality finish. Its shorter handle also makes it easier to paint in tricky areas.
2. Wooster Super Doo-Z Roller
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Roller
Quantity: 1
Size: ⅜-inch nap, 3-inch length
Material: Shed-resistant white fabric
Best Feature: Affordable quality
The Wooster Super Doo-Z Roller offers great coverage for an even better price. The white roller cover is made of shed-resistant material that holds onto more paint and keeps debris out. It’s also the perfect size for working with baseboards.
3. Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Max HVLP
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Spray
Quantity: 1
Size: 5.08 kg
Best Feature: Multi-usage
The Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Max is a great option for those who are looking for both efficiency and quality. This sprayer is designed to be used on multiple household D.I.Y. products, and works with a variety of paints – including latex. Its design also makes it easy to move around and focus on your intended surfaces.
4. Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Brush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Brush
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon-polyester
Best Feature: Easy grip
The Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash brush is a perfect brush for baseboards that require careful precision or painting in tight spaces. It’s flexible handle is easy to hold and helps completely paint your baseboards with focus. The angled nylon-polyester bristles also guarantee that your baseboard will be left looking beautiful.
5. Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Spray
Quantity: 1
Size: 6.8 kg
Best Feature: Control
The Graco Magnum X5 is a great choice for those who want to easily and efficiently paint their baseboards. It allows you to adjust the pressure, helping to apply the perfect amount of paint. This sprayer is also ideal for those who want to invest in quality and commit to ongoing D.I.Y. projects around the house.
6. Purdy XL Dale Angular Trim Brush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Brush
Quantity: 1
Size: 2.5-inch
Material: Tynex-Orel
Best Feature: Versatility
The Purdy XL Dale brush is designed specifically for multiple surfaces, including baseboards. The angled, high-quality bristles create a great finish and allow you to easily paint surfaces. It also works well with all paints.
7. Wooster Super/Fab Roller Cover
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Roller
Quantity: 1
Size: ⅜-inch nap, 4-inch length
Material: Golden yellow fabric
Best Feature: Smooth finish
If you need to replace your roller cover before you can begin painting your baseboards, the Wooster Super/Fab Roller Cover is a great option. The fabric is crafted to ensure complete coverage and a beautiful finish. It also works great with many paints and stains.
8. HomeRight Super Finish Max Sprayer
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Spray
Quantity: 1
Size: 1.5 kg
Best Feature: Affordability
If you’re wanting to invest in a sprayer for your baseboards, the HomeRight Super Finish Max is a great option. In addition to having the best price tag, the sprayer functions on a professional level, leaving your baseboards with a smooth, even finish. It can also be used with multiple projects if you’re looking to invest for the future.
What’s the best type of brush for baseboards?
If you’re a D.I.Y. beginner, it’s normal to be confused when figuring out what type of paintbrush to use for baseboards. When searching for the right brush, you’ll want to make sure you keep the following characteristics in mind:
- 2 or 2.5-inch size – This size will allow you to get more done in less time without making any messes or mistakes.
- Angled bristles – This will help to to carefully apply your paint on more detailed surfaces, and keep your baseboards line-free.
- Nylon or nylon-polyester bristles – This is the best material to work with to ensure a quality finish.
Pro Tip
There are different kinds of nylon and polyester. Some brushes, like the Purdy XL Dale brush, advertise their bristles as Tynex-Orel. This is actually a high-quality type of nylon-polyester. Make sure to do your research on what’s available so you don’t miss out on a great purchase.
Best way to paint baseboards: brush, roller, or spray?
If you’re wondering whether you should paint baseboards with a brush or roller, or even invest in a spray gun, you’ll need to consider exactly what you’re working with and what you’re hoping to accomplish.
You’ll most likely want to use a brush, since this option will allow you to paint more carefully and do a quality job. Smaller rollers can be used if you want to be more efficient and aren’t so worried about the details. You should only opt for a spray gun if your baseboard is larger and/or you’re prioritizing time over quality.
Choose a brush if…
- You’re working with smaller and/or more detailed baseboards.
- You want a high-quality finish with complete coverage.
- You’re not rushed for time.
- You’re just looking to do a touch-up.
Choose a roller if…
- You’re working with baseboards that have fewer details.
- You want a decent quality finish.
- You want to paint faster.
Choose a spray if…
- You’re working with baseboards that are larger and/or have minimal or no detail.
- You just want to freshen up your baseboards and aren’t concerned with perfection.
- You prefer to prioritize time over quality.
Best way to paint baseboards without brush strokes
Achieving beautiful baseboards on your own is easier than you might think. Here are some tips on how to paint baseboards without brush streaks or marks.
- Clean your baseboards – Use a damp cloth to eliminate any dust or debris. This will ensure that your paint sticks to the baseboards, and that there isn’t dirt stuck in the finished product.
- Fill in any holes – Use spackling paste to patch any holes in your baseboards, and then wipe away the excess. This will help keep your brush strokes smooth and make your baseboards look good as new.
- Sand your baseboards – This will smooth your baseboard and help your paint stick.
- Use a primer before you paint – Primer will also help your paint stick to your baseboards and help give them a beautiful finish.
- Paint in horizontal strokes – Your paint strokes should be long, fluid, and parallel to the floor. This will help keep your paint line-free.
- Use smaller amounts of paint – Make sure to only stick your paintbrush halfway into the pain. This will ensure you’re only working with what you need, and not creating any thick patches or messes.
- Hold your brush properly – Hold your brush on an angle so that you maintain comfort and control while applying your paint.
Now that you know all about the different tools available to help you paint your baseboards, it’s time to decide if you’re ready to commit to your D.I.Y. project. If you’d like to take the professional route instead, the City Painters are here for you. Contact us here or give us a call to get a quote for your project!