Thinking About DIY Wall Painting But Unsure Which Brushes to Use?
Jul. 09, 2025When it comes to painting, the quality of your work depends heavily on your tools — especially your brush. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, the brush you choose plays a big role in how your wall turns out. That’s why it’s important to pick the right brush for the job.
How to Choose the Best Brushes for Painting Walls
If you’re new to DIY painting, selecting the right brush can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, focus on four key factors: material, shape, size, and quality.
1. Material
The first thing to check is the type of bristles the brush has. Most paint brushes are made from one of three materials: natural hair, synthetic fibers, or foam.
Natural brushes (often called China bristle brushes) use animal hair such as boar, badger, or horse. They’re best for oil-based paints, absorb paint well, and deliver a smooth finish. These brushes can be cleaned and reused.
Synthetic brushes are typically made of nylon, polyester, or a blend of both. They work great with water-based (latex) paints, providing an even coat without shedding. Like natural brushes, they’re reusable after cleaning.
Foam brushes are made of sponge-like material. While they hold and release paint effectively, they’re often designed for one-time use, though some can be cleaned and reused with extra care.
Which material is best for wall painting?
For most wall painting projects, synthetic brushes are the best choice. They offer a smooth, streak-free finish without leaving stray bristles behind and can be washed and reused multiple times.
2. Shape
The shape of a brush affects how easily you can apply paint to different surfaces.
Flat brushes have a straight edge, ideal for covering large areas quickly.
Angled brushes feature a slanted tip, perfect for precision work near edges, trims, or corners.
Which should you choose?
It depends on the task. Use flat brushes for broad surfaces, and angled brushes for cutting in along ceilings, trims, or detailed spots.
3. Size
Brush size matters, especially when dealing with different areas of your wall.
2-2.5 inch brushes are ideal for corners and edges.
5-6 inch brushes help cover large surfaces faster.
Choose your sizes based on the area you’re painting and the level of detail you need.
4. Quality
It might be tempting to grab the cheapest brushes available, but investing in better brushes will pay off in the long run. High-quality brushes give smoother finishes, make your work easier, and can last for years with proper care. Ask any experienced painter — good tools make all the difference.
Our Top Brush Recommendations for Painting Walls
Now that you know how to pick a good wall painting brush, here are some of our favorite choices from Cohwa:
1. For Exterior Walls: Cohwa Chinex Angle Sash
The Cohwa Chinex Angle Sash brush has an angled edge, making it perfect for cutting into corners and painting around windows while still covering flat wall surfaces smoothly. Made from Dupont Chinex filaments, it mimics natural bristles but is easier to clean and resists damage from fast-drying outdoor paints.
2. For Decks and Siding: Deck Boss or 4-6 Inch Natural Bristle Flat Brush
When staining decks and siding, the Deck Boss by Cohwa is an excellent time-saver. Its large size and high-quality synthetic bristles work with all types of paints and stains — including water-based, oil-based, and sealers. Plus, it can be attached to an extension pole for added reach.
For rough wood surfaces like cedar, a 4-6 inch natural bristle flat brush is a great alternative, handling coarse textures better without quickly wearing out.
3. For Interior Walls: Cohwa Montauk
To achieve a smooth, flawless finish indoors, go for the Cohwa Montauk Paint Brush. Made with premium Dupont Tynex and Orel filaments, this brush holds more paint at the tip and leaves a consistent, professional-looking coat. Its angled tip makes it perfect for cutting in around edges and detailed spots while still covering broad surfaces efficiently.
