Many different paint projects require a technique called cutting in. This involves painting a straight line that covers edges and corners and establishes a clean border, and it’s a crucial step in painting walls, ceilings, doors, trim, and more.
If you’re new to cutting in, you might be wondering what paintbrush to use for edges. This article will help you find the best paintbrush for cutting in by covering the following:
- How to cut in edges using a paintbrush
- Best way to paint cut in edges without marks
- 10 best paintbrushes for cutting in edges
Before we get into your options for the best cutting in paintbrush, let’s dive into how to properly cut in your edges with a brush. If you’re specifically looking for brushes to help you cut in your ceiling, check out the best paintbrushes to cut in ceilings.
How to cut in edges using a paintbrush
Cutting in is the process of painting the surface between the edges and corners and the main, flat surface of your project, such as walls, ceilings, and doors. This involves wiggling your paintbrush into the edge so you can easily cover the entire surface. In order to do this properly, you need to find an approved brush for edges. Keep the following qualities in mind when selecting the best brush for cutting in.
What’s the best paintbrush material for cutting in edges?
Finding the best paintbrush for edging your specific project partly depends on what type of paint you’re using. As a general guideline, here are the best brush materials for cutting in:
- Natural bristles: Helps give your edges a smooth finish with oil-based paints.
- Synthetic bristles: Maintain their shape for high-quality coverage with latex paints.
- Foam brush: Absorbs and releases all paint types well to give you quick and beautiful results.
What’s the best paintbrush size for cutting in edges?
Using a paintbrush that’s too big or too small can negatively affect your ability to properly cut in your edges. Follow the guidelines below to get the best size of paintbrush for cutting in your project.
- 1-inch to 1.5-inch: Should only be used for painting edges on the smallest of projects.
- 2-inch to 2.5-inch: The most ideal size for cutting in the average project.
- 3-inch: The largest size that can be used if needed and/or preferred.
What’s the best paintbrush style for cutting in edges?
The style of your brush is important when attempting to cut in. Stick to these styles below to help you find the best paintbrush for cutting edges.
- Angle sash: Bristles will have a slanted appearance to help you paint in a straight line.
- Thin angle sash: The same as the above, but will have less bristles to help you cut in smaller projects.
- Angled foam: A foam brush with an angled tip to help you apply paint with lots of control.
What’s the best paintbrush end type for cutting in edges?
The ends of your brush have a significant effect on the application of your paint, especially when cutting in edges. Opt for these end types when searching for the best paintbrush to use for cutting in.
- Angled bristles: Brush with a slanted edge to make painting against the edge easier.
- Angled foam: Foam brushes will typically have an angled tip to make applying paint easier.
- Round-ended roller: While not the best choice, using a roller with rounded ends helps to get paint into edges and corners where regular rollers aren’t able.
Best way to paint cut in edges without marks
Cutting in the edges of your paint project can seem a bit complicated. Here are some tips to help you paint your edges without leaving any brush marks behind.
Buy a high-quality brush
Finding the right type of brush is only half the battle. Purchasing a well-reviewed brush made of quality materials will help you cut in more easily and prevent mishaps.
Cut in your edges first
Your edges should always be cut in before you paint the main surface of your project. This will help you better blend the edges with everything else.
Use the right amount of paint
Using too much paint can cause blotches, uneven coverage, and dripping. Only ⅓ of your brush’s bristles should be dipped into the paint, then be tapped on the sides of the can or bucket to remove the excess paint.
Wiggle your brush into corners
Corners are a tricky spot for achieving full coverage. Lightly wiggling your brush into the corners will help you cover everything and still get a smooth finish.
Work your way into the edges
When cutting in, start by leaving a small space between the edges and your paint, then keep going back to close the space. This will help you cover your edges without creating lines or accidentally getting paint where you don’t want it.
Try feathering
Feathering is a technique where you apply less pressure to one side of your brush, causing part of your paint to have a feathered look. Attempting this while cutting in will help you blend the rest of your paint without any lines later on.
Wipe off any mistakes
Accidents can happen. If you get any paint where it shouldn’t be, quickly remove it with a damp cloth.
10 best paintbrushes for cutting in edges
With the amount of brushes available, finding the right one can be tough. If you need help narrowing your search, here are our recommendations for the best paintbrushes for cutting in.
1. Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon-Polyester
Best Feature: Comfortable handle
For a brush that will keep you painting for longer, opt for the Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush. This brush is made with quality materials that will give you a smooth finish. Many often consider this to be the best Wooster brush for cutting in because of its short, flexible handle, which is comfortable to hold and allows you to paint in tight spaces.
2. Purdy Nylox Dale Angular Trim Brush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon
Best Feature: Smooth finish
The Purdy Nylox Dale Angular Trim Brush is a great option for cutting in with beautiful results. The bristles of this brush are specially designed to apply paint with a smooth finish. This brush works best with latex paints and interior projects.
3. Shur-Line Premium Paint Edger
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 4.78 x 14.61 x 21.44 cm
Material: Woven pad
Best Feature: Clean lines
If you’re looking for a cool gadget to help you cover your edges, the Shur-Line Premium Paint Edger is for you. This paint edger uses a fabric pad and wheels to help you easily apply paint in a smooth line along your edges. It also allows you to attach an extension pole so you can comfortably use it in hard to reach places, such as your ceiling.
4. Wooster Ultra/Pro Extra-Firm Lindbeck Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon/Plus and nylon blend
Best Feature: Controllability
For a brush that will give you lots of control, try the Wooster Ultra/Pro Extra-Firm Lindbeck Angle Sash Paintbrush. This brush is made with stiff bristles that help you control your brush strokes as your cutting-in or edging. It’s also great if you’re working with thick coats of paint.
5. Purdy Clearcut Glide Angular Trim Brush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2.5-inch
Material: Nylon-Polyester
Best Feature: Precision
If you want crisp lines while you’re painting, the Purdy Clearcut Glide Angular Trim Brush is your ideal choice. This brush is specifically designed for cutting in and allowing you to paint with precision. It works best with latex-based paints and primers.
6. Zibra Grip-n-Glide Triangle Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 1.25-inch
Material: White filament hair
Best Feature: Triangular shape
As one of the most unique brushes on the market, the Zibra Grip-n-Glide Triangle Paintbrush is a great choice for cutting in and edging. This brush has a triangular design that allows it to flawlessly paint along your edges. It’s also super durable and has a comfortable handle.
7. Wooster Silver Tip Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: CT polyester
Best Feature: Softness
The Wooster Silver Tip Angle Sash Paintbrush is perfect for mark-free cutting in the edges. The brush is made with soft bristles that are great at applying a smooth finish. This brush works best with enamel paints but is approved for use with all types.
8. Purdy XL Glide Angular Trim Brush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2.5-inch
Material: Nylon-Polyester
Best Feature: Versatility
For a brush that can be used on various projects, check out the Purdy XL Glide Angular Trim Brush. This brush is designed to be used in many different environments and with all latex and oil-based primers, paints, and stains. The angular design makes it a perfect option for cutting in.
9. Proform Technologies Picasso Oval Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: PBT proprietary filament blend
Best Feature: Cleanliness
The Proform Technologies Picasso Oval Angle Sash Paintbrush is a great brush for achieving quality results. The brush is designed with an oval ferrule in order to hold more paint, helping you achieve full coverage faster. This also helps prevent dripping and makes it much easier to clean.
10. Wooster Softip Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon-Polyester
Best Feature: Quality
For a smooth finish and even coverage, the Wooster Softip Angle Sash Paintbrush is your top choice. This brush is constructed to be comfortable and easy to use while helping you achieve your ideal finish. This brush works with all latex and oil-based paints.
Now that you know everything about what brush to use for edges, it’s time to start cutting in. If you think you might want to hire a professional instead, the City Painters are here to help. Contact us here or give us a call for a quote.