Different Brush Types and Their Uses: A Handy Guide for DIY & Decorating

Are All Paint Brushes The Same?

Different Brush Types and Their Uses:

When it comes to achieving a flawless paint finish — whether you're transforming your kitchen cabinets, updating a tired set of drawers, or refreshing your living room walls — the brush you choose matters just as much as the paint. Different brush types are designed for different tasks, surfaces, and finishes.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most essential paintbrush types, their ideal uses, and how to pick the right one for your next decorating project. Let’s take the guesswork out of your toolkit and start out different brush types and Their uses guide!

1. Flat Brush

Best For: Walls, large flat surfaces, and cutting in

A flat brush — sometimes called a “wall brush” — is a versatile go-to for most DIY decorators. With straight, square bristles, it holds a good amount of paint and offers smooth, even coverage on broad surfaces.

Ideal For:

• Painting large areas like walls or ceilings
• Cutting in along edges and corners
• Applying water-based paints and emulsions

Pro Tip: Go for a synthetic bristle flat brush when using water-based paints for a cleaner finish with fewer brush marks.

2. Angled Brush (Cutting-In Brush)

Best For: Trim, corners, edges, and detailed areas

Angled brushes (also called sash brushes) have slanted bristles that give you more control in tight or tricky spots. They’re perfect for cutting in around skirting boards, light switches, and window frames without masking tape.

Ideal For:

• Cutting in clean lines along ceilings and edges
• Painting skirting boards and door frames
• Applying paint around fixtures and corners

3. Round Brush

Best For: Furniture painting and curved details

Round brushes are ideal for decorative or curved surfaces, like turned legs on furniture or carved moulding. They’re also a favourite among upcyclers using chalk or mineral paints, as the shape helps push paint into grooves and textures.

Ideal For:

• Painting furniture with detail
• Working into mouldings or crevices
• Applying chalk, mineral or milk paint

Bonus Use: Some round brushes are specially designed for wax application during furniture restoration.

4. Detail or Artist’s Brush

Best For: Touch-ups and very fine work

These small, fine-bristle brushes might resemble art tools — and that’s exactly why they’re great for precision work. Keep a few on hand for touching up edges, corners, and any area where a larger brush feels clumsy.

Ideal For:

• Tight spots around hinges, handles, or grout lines
• Correcting paint bleeds or smudges
• Decorative paint effects or stencilling

5. Stiff-Bristled Brush

Best For: Exterior wood, textured walls, and masonry

These brushes have thick, durable bristles and are designed to hold heavier paints — such as masonry paint or weatherproofing treatments. They’re great for getting into brick textures or grainy wood.

Ideal For:

• Outdoor sheds, fences, or decking
• Brick or stonework
• Applying stains or oil-based treatments

Brush Material Matters: Natural vs. Synthetic Bristles

• Synthetic bristles (nylon/polyester): Ideal for water-based paints. They resist water absorption and hold their shape well.

• Natural bristles (hog hair, for example): Better for oil-based paints, stains, or varnishes — they hold more product and give a smooth finish.

Tip: If you're using chalk or mineral paints, many brands recommend synthetic brushes designed for those formulas — available right here at ColourSupplies!

Don’t Forget: Brush Care = Long Life

A good brush can last years if you care for it properly:

• Clean immediately after use (warm water for water-based paints; solvent for oil-based).

• Reshape the bristles before drying.

• Store in a dust-free place, ideally hanging or flat.

And with that, we close out our Different Brush Types and Their Uses!