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.
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, wood paint or fence paint for your garden? What sort of finish are you looking for?
The best paintbrushes for gloss at a glance:
• Best overall: Harris Ultimate Woodwork Gloss Paint Brush - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Editor's choice: Hamilton Prestige Synthetic Laying Off Brush - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best for wooden interior: Harris Essentials Woodwork Gloss Paint Brush 3 Pack - Buy now on Amazon UK
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.
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 paintbrush 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
Best overall
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 500 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 bannisters and windows.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Great quality
Cons
- Few users comment on some bristles coming off
Editor's choice
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.
Pros
- Made with rust-resistant stainless-steel ferrule
- Great quality for price
Cons
- Only for finishing, not for application
Best for wooden interior
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.
Pros
- Gives a smooth finish
- Good value
Cons
- Quality of synthetic bristles not as good compare to pure bristles
Best for precision edging
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.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Useful paint tin opener on end of handle
Cons
- The added length due to the can opener at the end of the handle could make it awkward in tight spaces
Best for a smooth finish
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.
Pros
- Sturdy wooden handles
- Soft bristles to promote smooth strokes
Cons
- Brushes are quite thin, so not suitable for large jobs
Best for quick spread
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.
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Brush set configuration could be improved
Best for control
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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, a one-inch brush, a 1.5-inch brush and a pair of two-inch brushes.
Pros
- Comfortable soft grip handle
- Brush head offers firm control and finish
Cons
- Some users report bristles coming off
Best for walls and ceilings
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 run under the tap to clean once painting is complete.
Pros
- Good quality value pack
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- The brushes require proper cleaning and drying to ensure longevity