Paint Brush Guide: What Size Brush Should You Use for Cutting In, Trim & General Decorating?

Choosing a paint brush is partly about the paint and surface, but the width and shape of the area you are working on matter just as much. A narrow brush can give you more control around edges and detail, while a wider brush can cover broader areas more quickly.

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There is no single brush width that is automatically right for every decorator or every job. This guide explains how the sizes in our current range fit common decorating tasks.

Paint brush sizes: the quick guide

• 1 inch: useful for smaller detail, narrow trim and controlled edge work.
• 1.5 inch: a versatile intermediate size for trim, frames and general detail work.
• 2 inch: a practical all-round width for cutting in, doors, frames, skirting and general decorating.
• 2.5 to 3 inch: useful when you want more coverage on broader areas while still using a brush.
• Long-handled radiator brushes: designed for access behind radiators, around pipes and into awkward gaps.

What size brush is best for cutting in?

Cutting in usually requires a balance between control and paint capacity. A smaller brush can feel easier to place accurately, but a brush that is too narrow can make a long edge unnecessarily slow. Many decorators therefore choose a mid-size brush for general cutting in and move to a narrower width where the space becomes tighter.

Our Professional Quality Polyester Paint Brush is available in 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 inch sizes. The tipped and flagged polyester filaments are designed for controlled paint loading, smooth application and accurate cutting-in.

If you want several widths ready for different areas, the 5 Piece Professional Polyester Paint Brush Set covers the range from 1 to 3 inches.

Which brush size works well for doors, frames and skirting?

Doors, frames and skirting can include both narrow edges and broader faces, so one width may not be ideal for the whole job. A 1 or 1.5 inch brush can be useful for narrower details, while a 2 inch or larger brush gives more coverage on broader sections.

The important point is to choose a width that gives you control without forcing a large brush into a narrow area. For a mixed decorating job, having two or three sizes available is often more practical than trying to make one brush do everything.

Professional polyester or economy brush?

Kenrika currently stocks both professional polyester brushes and economy brushes. The choice depends on the job and the level of brush you want to use.

The professional range uses 100% solid round tapered polyester filaments that are tipped and flagged. It is intended for cutting in, trim and general interior or exterior decorating.

Our Economy Paint Brush range is a straightforward value option in 1, 1.5 and 2 inch sizes for general painting, touch-ups, primer and undercoat work, maintenance and smaller renovation jobs. A 3 Piece Economy Paint Brush Set gives you all three widths in one pack.

What should you use behind radiators and around pipes?

Brush width is only part of the problem when access is restricted. A normal short-handled brush can be difficult to position behind a radiator or around pipework even when the head is the right size.

The Roll Roy Radiator Paint Brush uses an extended wooden handle and is available in 1, 1.5 and 2 inch widths. It is designed for behind radiators, around pipework, narrow gaps and awkward corners.

If you regularly work in those areas, the 3 Piece Roll Roy Radiator Brush Set gives you all three widths.

Brush or mini roller?

A brush is useful where you need edge control, access into corners or accurate work around trim and fittings. A mini roller can be faster on small flat areas and may give a different finish depending on the sleeve and coating.

For doors, cupboards, smaller wall areas and awkward spaces, see our paint roller guide to compare mini rollers, long-reach frames and fine-finish sleeves.

Choosing a Hamilton brush set

The Hamilton Prestige 3-piece set includes one brush each in 1in, 1.5in and 2in widths. The Prestige 5-piece set includes one 1in brush and two each of the 1.5in and 2in widths. Both Prestige sets are listed for all paint types.

For thicker paints, compare the Hamilton Perfection 4-piece set, containing one 1in, one 1.5in and two 2in brushes. Choose by coating suitability as well as the number of brushes.

Build a practical decorating brush kit

For general decorating, a sensible brush kit usually means more than one width: a narrower brush for detail, a mid-size brush for general cutting in and trim, and a wider brush when you need more coverage. Add a long-handled radiator brush if awkward access is a regular part of the job.

Browse our full Painting & Decorating range. For surface preparation before painting, see Abrasives & Consumables and our paint scraper and surface-preparation guide.