When it comes to choosing a paint brush for your project, there are a LOT of options out there. Have you ever gone to the home improvement store and just stared at the wall of brushes with no clue which one to choose?
Today I’m going to help you learn about the differences between some common brushes so you can make sure you’ll end up with the best possible results when painting. (Plus you can enter to win a 3-pack of Purdy paint brushes below!)
I’ve partnered with my friends at Purdy – who’ve been handcrafting quality paint brushes in the US for almost 100 years – to explain some of their popular brushes and what type of projects they’re best suited for. You can also visit the Purdy Tool Selector to learn more about all the brushes, rollers, and painting applicator tools they have available:
*Purdy Tool Selector: Click here to find the right Purdy tool for your next project.
*Where to Buy: Click here to discover where to buy Purdy tools for your next project.
I’ve used Purdy brushes myself for many years and still regularly use the first ones I bought – if you clean them well (use the cleaner which you’ll see further below) and take good care of them (keep the protective cover on when they’re not in use), they’ll last practically forever!
First, the Purdy XL brushes are the most versatile which is probably why I have three in different sizes! The bristles are medium stiffness and they’re great for interior and exterior projects and all paints and stains.
The tipping and flagging process for the bristle ends means sharp cut lines and also smooth application. I like using the wider brushes for furniture projects and the smaller one for decor.
Next is the Purdy Clearcut Elite brush. It has ultra-stiff bristles which helps “cut in” for crisp, clean lines.
The stiff bristles make cutting in along trim, corners, and ceilings easier without needing to use painter’s tape.
I used this Purdy Clearcut Elite brush on the striped dresser I recently painted (below).
Next is the Purdy Chinex Elite Bow brush, which has extra stiff bristles for rough surfaces and is designed for heavy bodied and low VOC paints.
The bristles are preflagged, which means the ends are split (like split ends on hair) – so they can hold more paint and apply it more smoothly.
The Chinex Elite Bow brush is perfect for rough surfaces like brick, concrete, or stone – like my white stone fireplace that I recently painted.
Another helpful tool I used when painting the fireplace is the Purdy Pail. It has multiple grip options to help reduce hand fatigue or you can hang the handle on a ladder hook. It fits up to 4.5″ mini rollers, so you don’t need a large paint tray.
One of my favorite features is the strong magnet inside, where you can rest your brush out of the paint if you need to step away from the project for a bit.
Finally, the Purdy Nylox Glide brush has super soft nylon bristles. This gives a very smooth finish for doors, trim, and bathroom or kitchen cabinets.
The 100% nylon filaments give a smooth, even finish without leaving any brushstrokes (I need to try this one on my furniture projects sometime!). This brush is meant for use with latex paint.
Lastly, to keep your brushes clean and tangle-free, the Purdy Brush and Roller Cleaner should be used whenever you’re cleaning your brushes. One side is a brush comb and the curved side is for removing excess paint from roller covers.
It has a comfort thumb grip and the blade is rust-resistant stainless steel.
Friend, I hope that cleared up any confusion about which paint brush to choose for common painting projects. You can learn more about which painting tools to use with the Purdy Tool Selector:
*Purdy Tool Selector: Click here to find the right Purdy tool for your next project.
*Where to Buy: Click here to discover where to buy Purdy tools for your next project.
Below is just a small section of the Purdy display at my local Menards.
Be sure to save or pin this post to refer to later when you need to buy another paint brush.
Now it’s time to give away a 3-pack of Purdy paint brushes to one lucky winner!
Giveaway open to US residents, 18 years and older.
GOOD LUCK!
Carol says
I want to paint a console table for my foyer.
Susie Wilcox says
I didn’t know I needed so many different brushes! That Elite one would be perfect for the dresser I just bought on FB Marketplace and want to redo. Love the dresser you did with it. The bucket and brush cleaning tool are also must haves. Thanks for the give away! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Sharlee says
I have several well loved Purdue brushes. I especially find the angled style is the most versatile for the painting I do. I have also reserved one brush just for when I clear coat a piece. If given the choice between a bottle of perfume and a new paintbrush, guess which one I would choose!
Toni says
A brush for every project!
MaryAnn Smith says
I’d paint a nightstand that needs revamping.
Ann Marie Alexander says
Love my purdy brush! Would love another!
Karen Jones says
I have a Purdy brush I use on furniture and they’re great!
Mother Deer says
Thank you for this opportunity to win Purdy brushes. I have a garage full of projects to be painted 🙂
Diane says
What a wonderful package to own! Fingers crossed and thank you.
p says
I love Purdy brushes 😉 Thanks for the opportunity.
p
Tammie N. says
I could use some new paint brushes! Merry Christmas and thank you for the giveaway.
Mary @ The Handcrafted Haven says
Love this!! My Nylox brush is my favorite one 😊 then probably the Clearcut for those crisp lines!
Peggy D says
I have a lot of projects coming in the new year! I would put the brushes to good use!
Fiona says
Thank you! It’s great to hear from someone who really knows these brushes explain what each one can be used for. Definitely pinning for future reference.
C Ferguson says
I love using Purdy brushes. They provide smooth finishes.
W.Jean Sisk says
I would paint all the things. lol
Ashleigh Hall says
THANK YOU for such great tips!! So timely and helpful! Merry Christmas!
Karen A Blush says
Thanks for the review, I have used Purdy for years but tend to stick to the same three, Will have to try others and the brush cleaner looks worth trying also.
MaryB says
We plan to paint the entire interior of our tiny condo.
Lizzy says
These are super useful tips. Thank you!
Lizzy says
I forgot to ask, do you ever use specialty brushes, like the Annie Sloan ones?
Gail says
THANK YOU so much for this post on Purdy brushes! As they are made in the USA and in my home state of Oregon, I am quite partial to Purdy. As a furniture refurbisher they are my go to brush.
katklaw777 says
I am painting a dresser for my new grand baby, these would sure come in handy!
gwen says
Thanks Jen for the brush-up tutorial on brushes! (couldn’t resist!) i’ve never been too picky about my brushes and have always thought Purdy brushes were fine, although i must admit i didn’t know exactly the purposes for each one – thanks! I’ve used a 5in1 for my roller and also have a spinner for rollers and brushes and as long as the brushes are stored correctly, it’s a great tool. i have not seen a 5in1 with the comb tool, does that mean it’s now a 6in1 tool? i’ll check it out next time i’m in the hardware store. Happy Holidays Jen!
jacquelyn gageby says
Great info, thanks.
Susan St. John says
I have a dresser just like the one you updated. I have used Purdy brushes before and they allow for great control while painting. I have never tried the that tool for cleaning a roller, I will have to see about getting one. Thanks for the giveaway and the tips,
Happy Holidays !
Junkinjackie says
The brush cleaner is great, makes all the difference for a clean brush!
Sarah Padgett says
I would pain a table I picked up on the side of the road last week.
elle says
There is no question that the right brush and a quality brush make for a better paint job. Thanks for your excellent explanation of the different brushes and where they are best used– very useful!
Dixie Lee says
That brush cleaning tool looks fabulous. I have a comb, but no special tool for rollers. I paint a lot of furniture, but I’m not as good at it as I would like to be, and would love to see if these Would help with my next big project, which is painting the walls, window vanity, and tub surround in my master bath.
Lola Fields says
Well, I’ll have to buy a cleaning tool. I love these brushes
Marie says
Good to know. Thanks!
Cindy says
Thanks for all the helpful info about the brushes!
ChrisT says
Thank you for this paintbrush post. I haven’t had the best experiences with Purdy brushes but you make me want to give them another try.
Rose Cocchiarella says
I have a table to paint. What would be the best Purdy brush or roller nap to chalk paint the top of a table for my sewing & craft room? Thanks so much for all your tips and ideas!
Donna Payne says
Purdy has always been my go-to brush for our multiple home remodel projects! But I loved learning about the different types and purposes!
Kathy E. says
I am one of those people who loves to paint! Purdy is always my first choice among paint brushes and I have several. The painting projects I prefer are walls in spicy colors…they really brighten a room!
duchick at gmail dot com
Sharon says
I too love Purdy brushes. It would be so fun to win some during this holiday season.
Robin says
Very useful information, thank you.
Lynn says
I love Purdy brushes!
susan says
Been using Purdy brushed for years. Had a painter tell me it’s the best brush to use. Love that paint pail! Thanks for the giveaway
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Cynthia says
I am happy that you explained the difference in the brushes. I use the clear cut brush for wall painting.
Cynthia
Joan says
This was very helpful. I have been wanting to paint the stone on my fireplace and this has helped me decide how to do it. Thanks.
Kelly says
I love my Purdy brushes, I’ve had my 2inch angled brush through several painting projects. Love your blog!