Best Cut In Paint Brushes for Professional Results

Achieving crisp, clean paint lines between walls, trim, and ceilings is the mark of professional-quality interior painting. While high-quality rollers can make quick work of large surface areas, carefully cutting in edges with precision is what really makes a paint job stand out. This is where having the right cut in paint brush is critical for success.

With a properly angled sash brush in hand, even novice DIY-ers can attain sharp borders that complement their paint color choices beautifully. Continue reading as we dive into what defines the best cut in paint brushes and review this year's top-rated options for flawless results.

What Makes an Ideal Cut In Brush?

Cutting in requires painting narrow, straight edges where a standard roller simply won't fit. Window and door trim, baseboards, ceiling borders, and the transitions between walls are all common cutting in applications. With such precision work, not just any paintbrush will do.

The Right Bristle Type

A cut in brush needs soft, flexible bristles that fan out to follow edges precisely. Stiff, thick bristles are best suited for heavier bodied paints like enamels. Softer synthetic blends or natural bristles have more give to prevent leaving visible brush strokes on walls or trim.

Look for tapered brush bristles that maintain shape yet have some springiness. This allows maximal control so painters can cleanly outline borders in a single pass. Firm enough to hold ample paint, yet supple for steadiness along intricacies.

An Angled Edge

What distinguishes a dedicated cut in paintbrush from other types is mainly the sharp angle of its edge. This is what permits flawlessly painting borders and corners so color does not bleed onto adjoining surfaces.

Some feature a slanted sash design with the bristles set at 30-60 degrees to the handle. Others have bristles inset into the ferrule at an angle. Either achieves getting into tight areas standard brush heads simply cannot.

Ergonomic Handle

Look for a comfortable, easy to grip handle no longer than about 5 inches. Cutting in requires working with the brush vertically as much as horizontally. A short handle provides superior leverage and control when painting corners or cutting ultra-fine lines.

Seeking a balanced brush that feels naturally extensions of your hand reduces fatigue over long sessions. This results in greater precision through your entire project.

Natural Vs. Synthetic Bristles

Premium cut in brushes feature either natural hair bristles or synthetic filaments. Each option has advantages making them ideal for certain paints and applications.

Natural Bristle Brushes

Time honored classics, natural bristle brushes feature hair sourced from hogs, goats, or horses. Their soft ends carry more paint for better transfer and coverage.

However, they lack stiffness for pressing paint into uneven textures. Natural filaments also absorb water from latex paints making them prone to drips once loaded.

Synthetic Filament Brushes

Synthetic polymer filaments offer consistent flexibility and shape retention across multiple coats. Nylon and polyester bristles stand up to solvents so are idea for oil-based alkyds, stains, varnishes and lacquers.

Manufacturing means exactly duplicating the filament thickness and density for uniform paint pickup and release. No shedding or loose hairs either.

Yet synthetics lack the subtle responsiveness of real hair needed for ultra-fine edging. Static buildup also leads to premature drying with water-based paints .

Blended Bristle Brushes

New generation blended bristle brushes offer a hybrid option balancing natural hair softness with synthetic support. This solves issues like excessive water retention while delivering precise paint transfer.

Angled cutting in brushes with a mix of nylon and polyester filaments infused into flagged natural tips are ideal all-arounders. The offer shape retention across multiple trim and wall paint jobs .

2023's Top Rated Cut In Paint Brushes

With so many cut in brush options on the market, choosing the right tool for your specific painting project can get confusing. To aid your buying decision, we researched the field and selected these top 5 cut in paint brushes for value and performance:

Best Overall: Purdy Elite Extra Firm Sash Brush

Boasting over a century of US manufacturing experience, Purdy's sash brush hits the sweet spot of affordability and quality. With its superb cut in abilities, this rugged performer tackles everything from walls and ceilings to trim and cabinets.

The seamless tapered synthetic filaments offer just the right degree of flex and snap for super sharp lines. Easy cleanup with soap and water keeps this brush looking new even over years of weekend paint jobs .

Best Budget: Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Brush

Our top value pick, this Wooster combines premium quality at an attractive price point. The Shortcut's brilliance comes from an inset blend of natural hog bristle and polyester filaments set at a sharp 20-degree angle.

Generating less drag than full synthetics, it glides smoothly across edges and into corners. With quality exceeding its cost, casual DIY-ers get pro-tier edging without breaking the bank.

Best for Tight Spaces: Purdy Clearcut Series Glide Brush

Featuring a slender head just under 1-inch wide, Purdy's Clearcut brush masters cutting in where bigger tools cannot reach. Its sharply slanted synthetic filaments hug corners and intricacies for banding with zero bleed.

Coming from a trusted heritage brand, expect reliable longevity even holding up across years of occasional trim paint jobs . No wonder this gem makes our list for cramped cutting in tasks.

Best Angled: Wooster Pro Extra Firm Angled Sash

Wooster's Brilliant angled sash brush generations rave reviews from seasoned professionals. With chisel-cut synthetic filaments set at a sever 30-degree slant, it was born to cut.

The slender head profile neatly follows ceilings, crown moldings, and door jambs with one stroke perfection. Sturdy filaments resist matting down over successive coats too.

Whether cutting architraves or edging window panes, this brush's quality and performance punches far above its modest price.

Best Splurge: Escoda Versatil Travel Brush

For painters seeking the ultimate cutting in instrument, Escoda's Versatil brings sublime quality. Handmade in Spain, each brush features a mix of natural kolinsky red sable fur and synthetic filaments.

The elegantly angled head accommodates multiple grips for everything from broad sweeps to signing artist detail work. Despite the luxury price, one taste of its buttery smooth paint flow justifies the extra cost.

Cutting In Painting Techniques

Wielding quality brushes is essential, yet proper technique remains key to expert edging. Follow these proven tips when undertaking your next cutting in paint job :

Prep Properly

Always prepare surfaces appropriately before painting. Fill any cracks or holes with spackle then sand smooth once dry. Dust and degrease the area, then apply primer to any unpainted drywall or wood.

Load the Brush

Dip just the first third of bristles into paint allowing capillary action to draw it upwards. Tap lightly against the can rim to prevent messy drips later. Heavily soak softer natural filaments but avoid overloading stiffer synthetics.