Polyurethane finishes can look amazing. But using the wrong brush can ruin everything. I’ve been there, trust me. Bubbles, streaks, stray bristles… nobody wants that! So, I tested a bunch of brushes to find the best ones for a smooth, professional finish. Here are my top picks for applying polyurethane.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Wooster Brush 5221-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Brush: Best overall for small projects and detail work.
- Purdy XL Series Glide Brush: Great for larger surfaces and even application.
- Handy Pro Pail Paint Brush: Budget-friendly option, good for general use.
- minwax 42910000 High Density Foam Brush: Ideal for smooth, even coats with no brush strokes.
- Santiu 2 Inch Chip Brush: Best disposable option for quick jobs and cleaning.
Top 5 Best Brush For Polyurethane Reviews
1. Wooster Brush 5221-2 Shortcut Angle Sash Brush
The Wooster Shortcut is a fantastic little brush. It’s perfect for trim, corners, and other tight spots. The short handle gives you amazing control.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent control with the short handle
- ✅ Angled sash design reaches tight corners
- ✅ Durable construction for repeated use
Cons:
- ❌ Small size isn’t ideal for large surfaces
- ❌ Can be a bit pricey compared to others
- ❌ Requires careful cleaning to maintain shape
Verdict: Best for detail work and small projects where precision is key. Great for professionals and DIYers alike.
2. Purdy XL Series Glide Brush
Purdy brushes are known for their quality. The XL Glide lives up to the hype. It holds a good amount of polyurethane and applies it evenly.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent paint holding capacity
- ✅ Applies polyurethane smoothly and evenly
- ✅ Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than some other options
- ❌ Requires proper cleaning for longevity
- ❌ Can be a bit heavy for extended use
Verdict: A great all-around brush for medium to large projects. It’s a worthwhile investment if you do a lot of finishing.
3. Handy Pro Pail Paint Brush
Need a decent brush without breaking the bank? The Handy Pro Pail brush is a solid choice. It’s nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Good for general-purpose use
- ✅ Comfortable handle
Cons:
- ❌ Bristles may shed occasionally
- ❌ Doesn’t hold as much finish as premium brushes
- ❌ Not ideal for very fine finishes
Verdict: A good budget option for applying polyurethane to larger surfaces. Consider it for projects where perfection isn’t paramount.
4. minwax 42910000 High Density Foam Brush
Foam brushes are your friend if you hate brush strokes. This Minwax foam brush creates a super smooth finish. It is also great for beginners.
Pros:
- ✅ Eliminates brush strokes
- ✅ Applies a very thin, even coat
- ✅ Inexpensive and disposable
Cons:
- ❌ Can’t hold much polyurethane
- ❌ Not suitable for textured surfaces
- ❌ Can deteriorate with some finishes
Verdict: Best for achieving a glass-like finish on smooth surfaces. Ideal for smaller projects and applying thin coats.
5. Santiu 2 Inch Chip Brush
Sometimes you just need a cheap, disposable brush. These chip brushes are perfect for that. Use them for applying finish in hard-to-reach spots, or for cleaning.
Pros:
- ✅ Very inexpensive
- ✅ Disposable, so no need to clean
- ✅ Useful for applying finish in tight spots
Cons:
- ❌ Bristles are prone to shedding
- ❌ Doesn’t provide a very smooth finish
- ❌ Not suitable for high-quality finishes
Verdict: Best for quick jobs, applying finish in tight spots, or when you don’t want to clean a brush. Great for staining and applying sealers too.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right brush for polyurethane can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to consider:
- Bristle Type: Natural bristles are great for oil-based poly, while synthetic bristles work well with water-based poly.
- Brush Shape: Angled brushes are ideal for trim and corners. Flat brushes are better for large, flat surfaces.
- Brush Size: Choose a brush size appropriate for your project. Smaller brushes offer more control, while larger brushes cover more area quickly.
- Handle Comfort: A comfortable handle will make the job easier, especially for larger projects.
- Budget: You don’t always need the most expensive brush, but investing in a quality brush can make a big difference in the final result.
- Consider the Finish: For a super smooth, professional finish, a high-density foam brush is often the best choice.
- Cleaning: Factor in the ease of cleaning. Some brushes are easier to clean than others, which can extend their lifespan.
- Project Size: Smaller projects benefit from detail-oriented brushes. Larger projects need brushes that hold more product and cover more area.
I always recommend having a few different types of brushes on hand. This way, you’re prepared for any project that comes your way.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any brush for polyurethane?
Not really. The type of brush matters. Use the wrong one and you’ll end up with bubbles, streaks, or brush marks.
Q: How do I clean a polyurethane brush?
For oil-based poly, use mineral spirits. For water-based poly, soap and water usually work fine. Clean right away to prevent the finish from hardening.
Q: Are foam brushes good for polyurethane?
Yes! They are great for getting a smooth, even finish without brush strokes. But they don’t hold a lot of finish, so you’ll need to reload them often.
Q: How often should I replace my brush?
It depends on how often you use it and how well you clean it. A good quality brush, properly cared for, can last for years.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid brush marks?
Use a high-quality brush, apply thin coats, and avoid over-brushing. Lightly sand between coats for an ultra-smooth finish.
Conclusion
Finding the right brush makes all the difference when working with polyurethane. My top picks offer something for every project and budget. Whether you’re tackling a small craft or refinishing furniture, choose wisely. Your finish will thank you.
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