With that being said, it does have some downsides. For example, the Finultra can go a bit stiff after a while, even if you’re really careful with it. But for its price and how well it cuts in, it’s not the end of the world. One area where the Prodec Ice Fusion brushes excel is in cutting in bold colors. They are, by far, the best brushes I’ve used for this purpose. The Shurglides come in a set of five, including a 1in, two 1.5in and two 2in brushes. Each brush has chunky, soft-grip handles that are comfortable to paint with for long periods and feel nicely balanced in the hand. Absolutely. As all manner of debris and dust could have built up between the bristles during transport or storage in a shop, you’re going to want to give it a good wash and comb first. Cleaning the Prodec Ice Fusion brushes is a breeze, as they don’t tend to clog up. This is a considerable advantage for those who like to maintain their brushes for the long run.

I used to be all about Purdys, but Arroworthy’s are starting to become one of my new favourites, and I know a bunch of other decorators who feel the same. Having tried the Finultra over the past year or so I have to say, it’s top-notch. Featuring soft, synthetic heads, use these brushes with emulsion and they will hold the paint well, minimising mess and guaranteeing a good, even finish. For about three months, I used these brushes solely for emulsioning and found them to hold up beautifully. After this, I used them with gloss and eggshell finishes and was delighted to see that they delivered a perfect finish each time. Now let’s chat about the Arroworthy Finultra which is a very solid brush. Using it is a breeze and cutting in almost feels like it’s doing the work for you. Furthermore, this brush holds plenty of paint and delivers razor-sharp lines, all while being comfortable to hold.

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After that, on subsequent outings, moisten the bristles with thinner, and remove any excess. This will prime the brush for the paint to come. Among the paintbrushes that have impressed me, the Prodec Ice Fusion certainly stands out. These brushes are a testament to quality and durability, and unlike others I’ve used, they don’t shed bristles, which is a significant plus. In terms of comfort, the Purdy XL Elite scores highly. Its ergonomic design ensures extended use doesn’t result in aching hands.

READ NEXT: Take a look at our favourite cordless drills What should I do with the brush after painting? Another reason I have a soft spot for the Wooster Gold Edge is its durability. I’ve found that these brushes are real workhorses that stand up to daily use throughout the year. It is worth mentioning that I have noticed a slight drop in quality over the years. The brush sometimes loses a few bristles during washing, presumably due to changes in their manufacturing process about 15 years ago. Nevertheless, the issue is minor and doesn’t detract from the brush’s overall performance. As mentioned above, I usually go for Purdys, but the Axus Onyx is a solid alternative, especially considering it’s a bit lighter on the wallet.

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When it comes to durability, The Purdy XL Elite is top-notch. Unlike others I’ve used in the past (Hamilton Perfection, for instance), the Purdy XL Elite manages to hold its shape and integrity even after extensive use and washing. Durability – Durability is, of course, an important consideration before buying a cutting-in brush. You’ll want something that keeps its shape after multiple washes and doesn’t lose bristles over time. Fineness of the tip – The finer the tip of your brush, the sharper the lines you can achieve. It’s that simple. Best Cutting-in Paint Brushes 1. Purdy XL Elite However, be warned: always wash these brushes with cold water. Hot water can weaken the glue holding the bristles in place. If you do this, the Wooster Gold Edge brush is truly an exceptional tool, offering a blend of precision, durability, and a comfortable grip. 4. Arroworthy Finultra Any ‘best paint brush’ list is incomplete without the mention of Purdy so it’s no surprise that the Purdy XL Elite has claimed a permanent place in my toolbox for the times I need to cut in.

The Axus Décor 1.5in Precision Angled Cutter Brush has been designed with this specific task in mind. Featuring a blend of synthetic filaments, tapered for releasing paint evenly onto the surface, the angled taper of the brush is what makes it ideal for finer detail, keeping the paint on the wall where it belongs and not making a mess of anything it shouldn’t.The bristles strike an ideal balance between soft and firm, contributing to a beautiful finish. The handle is comfortable, and designed for prolonged use without causing hand fatigue.

Key specs – Brush sizes: 1 x 1in, 2 x 1.5in, 2 x 2in; Bristle type: Synthetic; Handle material: Synthetic; Handle style: Beaver tail; Ferrule material: Metal In terms of price, the Ice Fusion brushes are half the cost of some of their competitors, like Purdy, and they deliver just as superior a performance. They work well with all kinds of paint and are particularly effective in delivering smooth finishes with oils. Be sure to wash right down to the base of the brush so you clear all the paint, then simply dry with a clean rag or towel and hang it up to dry. Any storage tips to keep my paint brushes in good condition? Here’s the thing with the Axus Onyx though – I’ve found that they work a treat when they’re new, but after a few washes, they start losing a bit of their magic. That’s when I’d suggest switching them to use with stuff like Zinsser BIN instead of emulsion.It’s soft, holds a fair amount of paint, and can handle any water-based finish. A worthy addition to any toolkit, this one. 5. Axus Onyx Cutter Brush The standout feature of this brush is its paint-holding capacity. It’s surprisingly high, allowing for fewer dips and longer strokes, saving you precious time on your painting projects.