Working as a Paint Department Manager, I felt it was important for me to be knowledgeable in regards to the paint brushes we carry and why one brand may be better than another.
If you’ve ever stood in front of the paint brush section trying to figure out which brush you need, it can be overwhelming. If you were a customer standing in my paint brush aisle, you would see two, 4 foot sections of name brand paint brushes. One section is Purdy and the other section is Wooster. Both companies manufacture high quality brushes, but there are differences between them. Lets start with Purdy…
Purdy Paint Brushes
One thing that’s very unique about Purdy Paint Brushes is that they’re all made by hand. In fact, each brush has a sticker with the name of the person that made it, which is something that no other company does. In addition, Purdy is a brand that both professionals and do-it-yourselfer’s like to use. Nonetheless, lets get into detail about their series of brushes.
XL
Purdy’s XL Series is designed to be used with all types of paint and stain, and for interior/exterior purposes. The bristles are made of Nylon/Polyester and the firmness is Medium/Stiff.
CLEARCUT
The Clearcut Series is designed to be used with latex and oil based paints, and for both interior and exterior purposes. It is a fantastic brush to use when ‘cutting in’. The bristles are made of Tynex Nylon and Orel Polyester and the firmness is Stiff.
PRO-EXTRA
The Pro-Extra Series is designed to be used with latex and oil based paints and is recommended for both interior and exterior purposes. This brush holds more paint than any other brush making it the ideal brush for abrasive surfaces and heavier bodied paints. The bristles are made of Tynex, Chinex and Orel filaments and the firmness is Stiff.
NYLOX
The Nylox Series is designed to be used with latex based paints and interior use only. The bristles are made of 100% Dyed Nylon and the firmness is Soft.
WHITE BRISTLE
The White Bristle series is designed to be used with oil based paints, stains and clear coats such as shellac, varnish, lacquer and polyurethane. It is recommended for both interior and exterior applications. The Bristles are made of 100% natural white bristle and the firmness is Soft.
BLACK BRISTLE
The Black Bristle series is designed to be used with oil based paints and stains and is recommended for both interior and exterior purposes. The bristles are made of 100% natural black bristle and the firmness is Medium Stiff.
SYNTOX
The Syntox series is designed to be used with all stains and clear coats that are either water based or oil based. It is recommended for interior purposes only. The bristles are made of Nylon/Chinex and the firmness is Extra Soft.
OX HAIR
The Ox Hair Series is designed to be used with oil based paints, stains and clear coats. It is recommended for interior purposes only. The bristles are made of White Bristle Ox Hair and the firmness is Extra Soft.
CHINEX
The Chinex Series is designed for heavy bodied and low VOC paints. It is recommended for both latex and oil based paints as well as interior and exterior use. The bristles are made of “solid, round, and tapered (SRT) Chinex filaments that are stronger than hog bristle” and the firmness is Extra Stiff.
Here’s a great chart that came directly from the Purdy website. This can be used a quick and handy reference guide.
Now that you’ve had a chance to learn about Purdy brushes, let’s move on to Wooster…
Wooster Paint Brushes
ALPHA
The Alpha Series is designed to hold more paint at the end of the brush. It evenly releases paint to the surface, creating less effort for the user. This brush is great to use for ‘cutting in’ and the brush is for use with both latex and oil based paints and it has a firm bristles.
CHINEX FTP
The Chinex FTP series is designed for cleanability and durability. The bristles are stiff with a fuller and softer tip for cleaner edges and increased paint release. This brush is very durable and is made for use with both latex and oil based paints.
ULTRA PRO
The Ultra/Pro series consists of 3 different types of firmness and each one has a different use.
- Ultra/Pro Soft: 100% Purple Nylon Bristles. Ideal for clear coats, stains, low viscosity and fast drying paints. It creates a smooth mirror like finish.
- Ultra/Pro Firm: Purple Nylon & Sable Polyester Blend. This is an all-purpose brush for use with medium wight coatings such as acrylics, latex and enamels. Recommended for both indoor and outdoor purposes.
- Ultra/Pro Extra Firm: Purple Nylon Plus & Purple and Black Nylon Blend. This brush is made for use with both latex and oil based paints as well as interior and exterior purposes. This brush carries more paint and is perfect for thick coatings like exterior paints or low VOCs.
SILVER TIP
The Silver Tip series is made with a soft blend of white and silver polyester that nearly eliminates brushmarks entirely. The bristles are thin, flexible and provide exceptional leveling and smoothing.
BLACK CHINA BRISTLE
WHITE CHINA BRISTLE
The White China Bristle Series is designed for use with all oil-based paints, stains, polyurethanes, enamels and varnishes.
YACHTSMAN
A Home Crafter 