One of the more challenging parts of DIY painting is to achieve that perfect glossy finish. You know: smooth, even, and professional-like. This is possible if you’ve done your research (you’ve come to the right place) to at least know the basics and get yourself the best possible kit to use. The kit in this scenario being... the paintbrush.
Related: How to choose the best paint for your walls at home
Before choosing which brush to go for, it is important you can answer the following questions. What are you painting? What paint will you be using? What sort of finish are you looking for?
If you're using water-based paint, then a synthetic brush will be most suitable, and if you are using oil-based paint, then a natural bristle brush will be most suitable. And, to check which type of paint you might have pre-purchased, it’s handy to know that a water-based paint will clean off using water, whereas an oil-based paint needs solvent. Once you’ve ticked these off, you’re good to go.
Tips
Two biggest tips that are useful when using gloss like paints are:
1. Preparation is key - ensure the wood is smooth before application.
2. Use a decent primer - to remove any stains from appearing through the gloss finish.
Related: The best acrylic paints
How do you get the perfect gloss finish?
The size of the best paint brush for gloss will greatly impact on the success of your finish. The guide below will hopefully give you an idea as to what size of paint brush you should go for:
1. 0.5-Inch – all the small bits and pieces, like small window frames
2. 1-Inch – narrow spaces, such as door frames and stairway spindles
3. 1.5-Inches – architraves, skirting and larger door frames
4. 2-inches – panels, wider skirting, cupboard doors and dado rails
5. 2.5-Inches – large panels, furniture, beams, and doors
6. 3-inches and 4-inches – larger objects, cutting in walls and floors
Best paintbrushes for gloss
1 of 8Harris 103021008 1" Ultimate Woodwork Gloss Paint Brush
Harris's one-inch Ultimate Woodwork Gloss Paint Brush is an absolute standout and overall, is the best paintbrush for gloss. Apart from being Amazon's choice with over 120 ratings, it has a specialised blend of filaments to ensure you get the finest finish. Especially with gloss eggshell and satin paints. It features no-loss bristle technology and is excellent for skirting boards, door architraves, stair banisters and windows.
2 of 8Hamilton Prestige Synthetic Laying Off Brush
The Hamilton Prestige Synthetic Laying Off Brush is another well-recommended paintbrush for gloss. The thin brush is comprised of finely tipped synthetic filaments designed for finishing (not application). It has a rust-resistant stainless-steel ferrule and is vapour box compatible.
3 of 8Harris Essentials Woodwork Gloss Paint Brush 3 Pack, Grey, 1 x 1, 1 x 1.5, 1 x 2
If you're after an excellent set of three paint brushes for gloss, Harris has the Essentials Woodwork Gloss Paint Brush Three Pack. In this set, you'll get a one-inch brush, one 1.5-inch brush and one two-inch brush. These are great for painting interior woodwork such as skirting boards and doors. The soft synthetic filament brushes give you that perfect finish and even has comfortable handles.
4 of 8Dulux Perfect Finish Triple Brush Set, 3 Pieces - Blue
Dulux's Perfect Finish Triple Brush Set of Three in blue is another great paintbrush solution for gloss. This set includes a one-inch brush, a 1.5-inch brush and a two-inch brush, one of which is a unique triangular brush. They all have split bristle tips for a smooth even finish and are easy to clean.
5 of 8ROYAL BRUSH Golden Taklon Paint Brushs, One Color, Assorted Sizes
Another great gloss set is this ROYAL BRUSH Golden Taklon Paintbrush set, all in one colour. This set includes a one-inch brush, a two-inch brush and a three-inch brush – all quite wide and with sturdy hardwood handles. Ideal for acrylic paints, varnishes, glazes, watercolours and adhesives, this set is made of white taklon, gold taklon and camel hair. The soft bristles give you smooth strokes and the holes on the handles make them easy to hang and dry. Plus, taklon hair is more hygienic.
6 of 8Hamilton 23140-005 Prestige Pure Synthetic 5 Paint Brush Set, Set of 5 Pieces
An additional Hamilton winner for gloss paint is the Prestige Synthetic Five Paint Brush Set. With over 1000 ratings and named as Amazon's choice for Hamilton paintbrushes, these have high-quality synthetic filaments, great for paint pick-up and spreading rate. The rounded beavertail handle is super comfortable, and the brush has a rust resistant stainless-steel ferrule.
7 of 8Coral 31417 Zero Paint Brushes with No Loss of Bristle Paintbrush Heads 5 Piece Pack Set, Yellow, Set of 5
We couldn't finish this article without including a product by Coral. The Zero Paint Brush set in yellow is a set of five gorgeous solutions for gloss paint. The bristles, as stated in the name, are firm and the brushes have advanced filaments for firm control. You also get the dual benefit of the material handle – very comfortable and soft indeed. This set includes a 0.5-inch brush, one-inch brush, 1.5-inch brush and a pair of two-inch brushes.
8 of 8Harris Essentials Walls & Ceilings and Woodwork 10 Pack, 0, 1 x 1.5, 1 x 2 Gloss 1 x 0.5, 1 x 1, 2 x 1.5, 2X 2 Emulsion Paint Brushes
If you're ever in need of the complete set of 10, Harris has you sorted. This Wall & Ceilings set includes 0.5-inch, one-inch, 1.5-inch and two-inch gloss paintbrushes. You'll also get 0.5-inch, one-inch, 1.5-inch and a pair of two-inch emulsion paintbrushes. All very suitable for walls, ceilings, and interior gloss woodwork. They've got comfortable well-gripped handles and just need to be ran under the tap to clean once painting is complete.
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