Axus Decor Silk Precision Cutter Paint Brush (mink series) - 2"/50mm - with Short Handle for Controlled Cutting In of Walls, Ceilings and Woodwork

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The bristles on the Ice Fusion brushes could be a tad longer for my liking. They’re excellent for covering large areas, but when it comes to painting small edges or skirting, they don’t hold as much paint as I would prefer. Despite this, they are superb for cutting intricate lines, thanks to their fine tips. Presuming you plan to use it again in the future, remove any residual paint and wash thoroughly with a thinner, such as white spirit for solvent-based paints, or water for water-based paints. The Axus Décor 1.5in Precision Angled Cutter Brush has been designed with this specific task in mind. Featuring a blend of synthetic filaments, tapered for releasing paint evenly onto the surface, the angled taper of the brush is what makes it ideal for finer detail, keeping the paint on the wall where it belongs and not making a mess of anything it shouldn’t. When it comes to durability, The Purdy XL Elite is top-notch. Unlike others I’ve used in the past (Hamilton Perfection, for instance), the Purdy XL Elite manages to hold its shape and integrity even after extensive use and washing. The bristles strike an ideal balance between soft and firm, contributing to a beautiful finish. The handle is comfortable, and designed for prolonged use without causing hand fatigue.

When it comes to cutting in above skirting boards, the Finultra is one of the best brushes for the job as it leaves such a neat finish. I’ve honestly been so impressed that I’m planning to get a few more. To sum up, the Purdy XL Elite is a superb cutting in brush, striking a perfect balance between price, performance, and durability. Once broken in, I genuinely believe there’s no better cutting in brush out there. It might have a few minor issues, but they’re far outweighed by its positives. 2. Prodec Ice Fusion Among the paintbrushes that have impressed me, the Prodec Ice Fusion certainly stands out. These brushes are a testament to quality and durability, and unlike others I’ve used, they don’t shed bristles, which is a significant plus.

The Wooster Gold Edge 2 has been a recent favourite of mine, especially when precision is needed. It’s a superb choice for cutting in ceilings and navigating around wallpaper where any mistake is difficult to rectify. The Shurglides come in a set of five, including a 1in, two 1.5in and two 2in brushes. Each brush has chunky, soft-grip handles that are comfortable to paint with for long periods and feel nicely balanced in the hand. Durability – Durability is, of course, an important consideration before buying a cutting-in brush. You’ll want something that keeps its shape after multiple washes and doesn’t lose bristles over time.

With that being said, it does have some downsides. For example, the Finultra can go a bit stiff after a while, even if you’re really careful with it. But for its price and how well it cuts in, it’s not the end of the world.After that, on subsequent outings, moisten the bristles with thinner, and remove any excess. This will prime the brush for the paint to come. Here’s the thing with the Axus Onyx though – I’ve found that they work a treat when they’re new, but after a few washes, they start losing a bit of their magic. That’s when I’d suggest switching them to use with stuff like Zinsser BIN instead of emulsion. One area where the Prodec Ice Fusion brushes excel is in cutting in bold colors. They are, by far, the best brushes I’ve used for this purpose. In terms of price, the Ice Fusion brushes are half the cost of some of their competitors, like Purdy, and they deliver just as superior a performance. They work well with all kinds of paint and are particularly effective in delivering smooth finishes with oils.

Cleaning the Prodec Ice Fusion brushes is a breeze, as they don’t tend to clog up. This is a considerable advantage for those who like to maintain their brushes for the long run.

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Be sure to wash right down to the base of the brush so you clear all the paint, then simply dry with a clean rag or towel and hang it up to dry. Any storage tips to keep my paint brushes in good condition?

The standout feature of this brush is its paint-holding capacity. It’s surprisingly high, allowing for fewer dips and longer strokes, saving you precious time on your painting projects. Key specs – Brush sizes: 1 x 1in, 2 x 1.5in, 2 x 2in; Bristle type: Synthetic; Handle material: Synthetic; Handle style: Beaver tail; Ferrule material: Metal I used to be all about Purdys, but Arroworthy’s are starting to become one of my new favourites, and I know a bunch of other decorators who feel the same. Having tried the Finultra over the past year or so I have to say, it’s top-notch. READ NEXT: Take a look at our favourite cordless drills What should I do with the brush after painting? Another reason I have a soft spot for the Wooster Gold Edge is its durability. I’ve found that these brushes are real workhorses that stand up to daily use throughout the year.Absolutely. As all manner of debris and dust could have built up between the bristles during transport or storage in a shop, you’re going to want to give it a good wash and comb first. For about three months, I used these brushes solely for emulsioning and found them to hold up beautifully. After this, I used them with gloss and eggshell finishes and was delighted to see that they delivered a perfect finish each time. I’ve used it a few times with emulsion and it’s done a sound job every time. It holds a good bit of paint, cuts in neat, and leaves no brush marks to complain about. The bristles have a nice stiffness to them, so if you don’t get along with cutting in brushes that are too soft, this one could be right up your street.