Spindles can add a beautiful touch to your banisters and deck. If you’re thinking they’re due for a fresh coat of paint, you’ll want to make sure you have the tools and information you need to make them look their best.
Before you paint, you need to know what tools are available to use and how to use them. This article will help you determine the best brush to paint spindles with by covering the following:
- 8 best brushes for painting spindles
- What’s the correct brush for painting banister spindles?
- Best way to paint spindles: brush, roller, or spray?
- Best way to paint banister spindles without marks
- What’s the best brush for staining deck spindles?
- Best way to stain deck spindles with consistency
Before we get into the best way to paint your spindles, let’s dive into the best paintbrushes for spindles currently available. If you’re doing additional interior painting, make sure to check out our guide to the best flat paintbrushes for walls.
8 best brushes for painting spindles
Whether you want to paint your banister spindles or deck spindles, there are plenty of options to choose from. These are our recommendations for the best brush for painting spindles.
1. Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Brush
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch
Material: Nylon-polyester
Best Feature: Short handle
The Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush is great for painting your spindles while maintaining comfort. The short, flexible handle is perfect for maintaining control when painting in tight spaces. The angled bristles are also really helpful at achieving a quality finish.
2. Vanitek Poly Foam Brush Set
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Brushes
Quantity: 10
Size: 1-inch to 4-inch
Material: Polyurethane foam
Best Feature: Variety
If you’d prefer to use foam brushes for your spindles, the Vanitek Poly Foam Brush Set is a great option. This pack comes with a variety of quality brushes, allowing you to use what works best. These brushes are also super-absorbent, and release paint and stains well for beautiful coverage. And afterwards, you can just dispose of them!
3. Bestt Liebco Foam 4 Piece Mini Roller Kit
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Roller
Quantity: 2
Size: 4-inch length
Material: Foam
Best Feature: Smooth finish
For those wanting to use a roller on their spindles, the Bestt Liebco Foam 4 Piece Mini Roller Kit comes with everything you’ll need. This kit has two foam roller covers, which will help you achieve a smooth finish and great coverage on your spindles. The rollers are also lint free and work great with all paints except for shellac.
4. Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Spray
Quantity: 1
Size: 5.08 kg
Best Feature: Versatility
If you want to paint your spindles with a smooth finish and little mess, the Wagner SprayTech Control Spray Max H.V.L.P. sprayer is a great option. This sprayer makes it easy to adjust the flow of paint so you get the right amount for your specific project. It also works great for both indoor and outdoor projects.
5. Wooster Ultra/Pro Firm Willow Thin Angle Sash Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Brush
Quantity: 1
Size: 1.5-inch
Material: Nylon-polyester
Best Feature: Coverage
For a thinner paintbrush to use on your spindles, check out the Wooster Ultra/Pro Firm Willow Thin Angle Sash Paintbrush. The bristles are designed to help you achieve great coverage on all types of projects. It’s also great for use indoors and outdoors.
6. Zibra Grip-n-Glide Triangle Paintbrush
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Brush
Quantity: 1
Size: 1.25-inch
Material: White filament
Best Feature: Coverage
The Zibra Grip-n-Glide Triangle Paintbrush is a great option for working with detailed spindles. The design of the brush helps you to paint comfortably while achieving great coverage and a smooth finish on the surface you’re painting. This brush is also very durable, so you can use it many times.
7. FoamPRO Fine Finisher Roller
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Roller
Quantity: 1
Size: 2-inch length
Material: Foam
Best Feature: Smooth finish
The FoamPRO Fine Finisher Roller is great for those who’d like to use a small roller on their spindles. The quality foam helps provide a lint-free, even finish. This roller also works with various paints and stains.
8. DEKOPRO Paint Sprayer
Image Credit: Amazon.ca
Type: Spray
Quantity: 1
Size: 1.52 kg
Best Feature: Affordable
For a lightweight and affordable sprayer, check out the DEKOPRO Paint Sprayer. This sprayer makes it easy to adjust the paint flow, allowing you to use it on spindles and other small-surface projects. It also works well indoors and outdoors with various paints.
What’s the correct brush for painting banister spindles?
Banister spindles typically make use of more detailed designs. That’s why the correct brush for painting banister spindles is one that is smaller in size and has angled bristles. The smaller size – preferably between 1 inch and 3 inches – will allow you to paint within the tighter spaces between spindles, focusing on fully covering each surface. The angled bristles, meanwhile, will help you to apply soft lines for a smooth finish.
Best way to paint spindles: brush, roller, or spray?
When it comes to what paint tool you should use when painting your spindles, your best option is to use a brush. Spindles are smaller, have less space between them, and can have intricate details, so a paintbrush is the most practical and efficient option. The right brush will allow you to comfortably paint while achieving full coverage and a smooth finish.
You’re welcome to try using a mini roller or a sprayer, if you’d prefer. If your spindles have flatter, simpler designs, you can use a small-sized roller to speed up the process and achieve a consistent look. Using a sprayer is the ultimate choice for speed, but whether you buy or rent one, be prepared to clean up a mess after the job is done.
Choose a brush if…
- You’re painting spindles with complex designs.
- You want the best coverage.
- You’re most concerned about the quality of your painting.
Choose a roller if…
- You want to speed up the painting process.
- You’re painting less complex spindles.
- You want a consistent finish.
Choose a sprayer if…
- Saving time is your top priority.
- You want to invest in a sprayer.
- You don’t mind having to clean up a mess afterwards.
Best way to paint banister spindles without marks
When planning to paint your banister spindles, you want to make sure they look their best. Follow these tips to ensure your painted spindles are free of marks:
- Clean your spindles – Using a damp cloth to wipe down your spindles will ensure that any dirt and debris that was on them doesn’t appear in your paint.
- Sand your spindles – Using sandpaper to smooth down your spindles and remove old layers of paint (or stain) will help your new paint stick better.
- Use painter’s tape – If you’re painting near any other surfaces, applying painter’s tape to them will allow you to focus on your paint strokes without worrying about getting paint on the surrounding area.
- Apply primer – Coating your spindles in primer before painting will help create a smooth, beautiful finish by helping your paint to stick in place.
What’s the best brush for staining deck spindles?
Similar to when working with banister spindles, the best type of paintbrush to use for staining deck spindles is one smaller in size and with an angled design. Using a brush between 1 inch and 3 inches long will help you comfortably achieve full coverage, especially when working in the tight spaces between spindles. And the angled design will help you keep your brush strokes smooth.
When it specifically comes to staining, you’ll want to make sure your brush’s bristles are made of synthetic material that has been approved for use with stains. You can also opt to use a foam brush instead, which absorbs and releases stain well for full coverage and a beautiful finish.
Best way to stain deck spindles with consistency
Staining the spindles on your deck sounds simple enough, but skipping steps could result in undesirable results. Here are some tips to help you achieve stained spindles with a consistent look.
- Check the weather – Make sure you’ll be able to stain your spindles while your deck is dry, as damp wood will make your stain prone to cracking and peeling.
- Clean off your spindles – Like with any paint job, you’ll want to wipe off any dirt and debris that could show up in your stain.
- Protect the surrounding area – If you’re staining near any other surfaces or are prone to messes, make sure to use painter’s tape and cloths/sheets to protect the surrounding area. That way, you can focus on the task at hand.
- Match your stain to the wood – Using the same type of stain that was previously used on your spindles will ensure that you don’t accidentally plug your wood pores.
- Use thin coats – Only applying a bit of stain at a time will ensure you don’t end up with blotches or uneven layers.
Now that you’re all set to take on painting your spindles, it’s time to get started. If you’re thinking you’d rather go the professional route instead, the City Painters is here to help. Contact us here or give us a call for a quote.