Best Paint Brush for Cutting In Ceilings: 10 High Quality Options

The key to achieving the perfect line between a wall and the ceiling? Finding the right paint brush.

Which begs the question: What’s the best paint brush for cutting in along the ceiling? Well, you’re in the right place, because that’s the topic of today’s post!

Trust me on this one – a good quality brush makes all the difference when it comes to a flawless finish! After working for a paint retailer and painting a few of my own walls (and ceilings!) I’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way.

So, first of all, I’m going to give you a list of the best paint brushes for edging. Then I’ll share a few of those afore-mentioned tips and tricks.

If you want to avoid getting paint on the ceilings or leaving brush marks on the walls, you’ll want to stick with me! Because, even with the perfect paint brush, you could run into these common pitfalls.

If you’re ready, then let’s jump right in!

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In case you’re curious (or short on time):

✅ Purdy Clearcut Glide Angular Trim Brush is my top pick, and it’s also one of Amazon’s top picks.

It’ll not only give you a smooth finish, but it’s the best paint brush for cutting in near the ceiling with precision. Plus, its polyester-blend filaments will last through multiple projects, unlike most cheap paintbrushes.

Best Paint Brush Brands

Purdy and Wooster are a couple of the most popular paint brush brands. They’re high quality brushes that will help you achieve a professional finish, whether you’re painting or simply cutting in.

Best Paint Brush for Cutting in Ceilings

And now for the complete list of the ten best paint brushes for cutting in by ceilings… 

On this list, you’ll find the brushes from the “Top 5” list above, along with five additional options. All ten brushes are excellent choices, depending on your specific needs! 

Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush

My favorite thing about this brush is the short handle, which allows for painting in tighter places. Unfortunately, it only comes in one size.

Size: 2 inch

Material: Nylon/Polyester

Pros:

• Short handle is comfortable and allows access to tight spaces.
• High quality bristles give a smooth finish.
• Angled sash allows painting with precision.
• The synthetic bristles are easy to clean.

Cons:

• Size options are limited.

Purdy Nylox Dale Angular Trim Brush

Size: various sizes

Material: 100% nylon filaments

Pros: 

• Versatile sizing options include 1”, 2”, 2.5”, and 3” sizes.
• Excels at providing a smooth finish.
• Angled sash allows for painting with precision.
• Bristles are made with nylon filaments, ensuring the brush maintains its shape and performance over time.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other quality brushes.

Wooster Ultra/Pro Extra-Firm Lindbeck Paintbrush

Overall, its quality and longevity make it a worthwhile investment.

Size: various sizes

Material: Nylon/Polyester

Pros:

• Stiff bristles provide outstanding control and allow for a more precise cut-in.
• Excels at working with thick paint.
• Maintains its shape over time.
• Comfortable handle design for a secure grip.
• Angled sash allows painting with precision.

Cons:

• The stiffness of the bristles may require more effort to spread paint.
• Higher price point compared to other quality brushes.

Purdy Clearcut Glide Angular Trim Brush

Size: various sizes

Material: polyester-blend filaments

Pros:

• Excellent at creating sharp lines and precise edges
• Bristles release paint evenly, resulting in a smooth finish.
• It lasts through multiple projects.
• Angled sash allows painting with precision.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other quality brushes.

Purdy Pro-Extra Glide

It’s certainly priced higher than some alternatives. However, its superior paint-holding capabilities and durability make it an investment worth considering.

Size: various sizes

Material: Nylon, Polyester, and Chinex-blended filaments

Pros:

• The bristles can carry a substantial amount of paint.
• The bristles release paint evenly, resulting in a smooth and consistent finish.
• It can withstand heavy use and maintain its shape.
• Angled sash allows painting with precision.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other quality brushes.
• Has a heavier feel when fully loaded.

Richard 80833 Goose Neck Angular Paint Brush With Flexible Soft Grip Handle

Keep in mind that you may need to reload more frequently due to its smaller paint capacity. However, the precision it provides could outweigh this minor inconvenience.

Size: 2.5 inch

Material: synthetic

Pros:

• Goose neck shape allows for precise cutting-in and painting in hard-to-reach areas.
• Comfortable and flexible handle provides a secure grip.
• Angled sash allows painting with precision.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other quality brushes.
• Size options are limited.
• Smaller paint capacity.

Proform P2.5AS Pro-Ergo

Size: 2.5 inches

Material: synthetic

Pros:

• Pro-Ergo handle is specially designed for comfort, reducing hand fatigue.
• Angular trim brush design excels at creating sharp lines and precise edges.
• Maintains its shape and performance through multiple projects.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other quality brushes.
• Size options are limited.

Zibra PB200LT Angle Sash Trim Paint Brush 

Size: various sizes

Material: synthetic

Pros:

• Angular shape and fine-tipped bristles make it excellent for precise cutting-in.
• Comfortable grip handle ensures a secure hold and reduces hand fatigue.
• Comes in multiple size options.

Cons:

• Bristles tend to come loose.

Bates Interior Trim Brush

Keep in mind that it’s a .75-inch brush, so it will require a bit more time and patience. For occasional painting tasks and those on a budget, this brush is a practical option.

Size: .75 inch

Material: synthetic filaments

Pros:

• Unique edge painting tool that makes painting along ceilings a breeze.
• Ergonomic handle is lightweight and easy to hold.
• Affordable for those on a budget.
• Easy to clean.

Cons:

• Smaller paint capacity.

Shur-Line Premium Paint Edger

Size: various sizes

Material: pad or rolling mechanism

Pros:

• Designed for edging and cutting in, making it incredibly effective at creating sharp lines along ceilings.
• Reduces the risk of paint spills or drips.
• Pads can be replaced and reused for multiple projects.

Cons:

• Comes with a bit of a learning curve, especially when it comes to loading the paint pad correctly. 

How to Paint a Wall Without Getting Paint on the Ceiling

Now that you have a good quality paint brush for cutting in… How exactly do you paint a wall without getting it on the ceiling?

I’m pretty sure this question has crossed the mind of every DIY painter. Well, I’m here to share some tried-and-true techniques with you! These tricks will give you a smooth finish while keeping your ceiling pristine.

Use Painter’s Tape (Strategically)

Painter’s tape can be your friend when it comes to achieving clean lines… BUT! Don’t get overly confident in its abilities to keep paint off your ceiling. 

You might want to use tape when:

• The ceiling is smooth
• Angles are straight
• You don’t have a steady hand

To be honest, I usually just paint freehand when I’m cutting in along the ceiling (using the following strategies). This is what most professional painters do, as well.

Don’t Overload Your Brush

Now, let’s put that paint brush to good use! Load it with paint, but don’t overload it. The goal is to have just enough paint on the bristles to cover the wall without excessive dripping. 

Use the Right Paint Brush

The paint brushes listed above are all great choices! An angled brush will help you maintain precision and control.

Also, keep in mind that a smaller brush is easier for smaller hands. It’ll keep your wrist from getting fatigued too quickly.

As someone with smaller hands, I like to use a 1.5” or 2” angled brush for cutting in along the ceiling.

Paint Below the Ceiling Line

Most people try to get their bristles right up to the ceiling line. Now, that might work out for you if you taped along the ceiling and if you’re super careful. But if you aim your brush strokes toward the tape, it might end up under the tape (and on your ceiling).

Paint bleed-through is all too common, even with a good quality tape.

Here’s what I do:

When I’m cutting in along the ceiling, I paint a line just VERY slightly underneath the ceiling line. (A steady hand and the right paint brush are incredibly helpful!)

It can help if you start a good half-inch or so away from the ceiling. Then, without reloading your paint brush, make a second pass. This will help to thin the paint and spread it a little closer to your ceiling line.

How to Cut in When Painting (Without Leaving Marks)

Worried that you’ll leave brush marks (or roller marks) on the wall when edging along the ceiling? Consider these tips to help achieve a smooth finish.

• Use a high quality paint brush for cutting in ceilings
• Cut in along the edges first, then use a roller second.
• Paint one wall at a time.
• Cut in and roll out on the same day.
• Pull the paint away from the ceiling.

Wondering what that last one means? Well, first you’re going to load up your brush and start cutting in along the ceiling. Without reloading your brush, use it to “pull” the paint down and away from the ceiling in short strokes. 

This helps to eliminate that thick, defined edge at the bottom of your brush line. It thins the paint, helping it to blend in with the rest of the wall when you roll it out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ceiling Edging

Do You Need an Angled Brush for Cutting In?

Yes, a good quality angled paint brush will help you achieve a clean line along your ceiling and millwork. While some professional painters might use a squared brush for edging, they have had a LOT of practice. 

How Do You Get a Perfect Line Between the Wall and Ceiling?

Frankly, when it comes to getting a clean line between the wall and ceiling, I’d skip the painter’s tape and paint freehand. Use a good quality, angled sash paint brush. Avoid overloading it and paint just slightly below the ceiling line to avoid getting it onto the ceiling.

Another option is to use an edging tool. This handy little gadget could help to give you a straight line without getting paint onto the ceiling.

What is the Easiest Way to Cut in When Painting?

You can either paint freehand using an angled sash brush OR you can use an edging tool. Now, I’m a freehand girl and I’ve never used the edging tool, so I cannot share an opinion on it either way. 

If you’re interested in it, check out the reviews and decide whether it’s worth a try or not!

Painting Supply Checklist

Do you have everything you need to get started painting? Glance over this painting supply checklist to see if there’s anything you’re missing.

• Primer
• Paint
• Paint can opener
• Screwdriver
• Stir stick (or paint mixer drill attachment)
• Spackling paste
• Caulk
• Sanding sponge
• Painter’s tape
• Paint tray
• Paint tray liner
• Paint pail
• Paint pail liner
• Roller frame
• Roller covers
• Extension pole
• Paintbrushes
• Edgers
• Paint sprayer
• Drop cloth
• Paint scraper
• Paper towel or rags
• Ladder
• Paint thinner
• Disposable gloves 
• Cleaning sponges 
• Trash bags 
• Bucket

Not sure whether you need something on this list or not? Head over to the full painting supply checklist where I explain everything on the list.

Before You Get Started….

Just a quick reminder to keep track of all your paint information (brand, color, etc.) for each room. Otherwise, you could run into trouble later!

I know, I know – you just want to get started painting. But your later self will thank you when it’s time to touch up a few spots on the wall!

You could:

• Write it down on the back of a switch cover in each room.
• Keep the paint cans and write the room name on each lid.
• Download my free printable paint tracker.

If you download my paint tracker, be sure to keep it somewhere you’ll know where to find it! You can print as many pages as you need, and keep them in a folder or even a three-ring binder. 

Best Paint Brush for Cutting in Ceilings

And there you have it! Ten fantastic edging paint brush options for cutting in near your ceiling and trim. You really can’t go wrong with any of these brushes, so select the one that appeals to you. 

Happy painting!

Read More:

10 Best Paint Brands for Gorgeous Interior Walls

What is the Difference Between Interior and Exterior Paint?

What is the Best Paint Sheen for Bathrooms?