Best Overall
Wooster Brush 5221 2½-In. Silver Tip Angle Sash Brush
Best Bang for the Buck
Pro Grade 5-Piece Flat and Angle Brush Set
Best Natural Bristle
Purdy 144296015 Ox-O-Angular Sash Paint Brush
We may bring in taxation from the product available on this page and enter in affiliate programs . find out More ›
The bestpolyurethaneprovides a durable , politic finish that come in several pattern , including vegetable oil - based , piddle - base , and piss - based and oil modified . It ’s typically used to seal off wood production , protecting them from wet , dirt , and damage . Like paint , polyurethane is applied to the fabric ’s savorless surface with a brush .
Thebest brushfor apply polyurethan differs look on the intend app program . Most smaller projects benefit from a narrow brushwood , while larger projects can be completed with a wider brushing .
We care theWooster Brush 5221 2½-In . Silver Tip Angle Sash Brushbecause of its angled synthetic and polyester brush fibers , ergonomic wood handle , stainless blade collet , and compatibility with water- and oil - based paints . However , all our chosen production are effectual and reliable .
Read on to learn about the factors to conceive as you shop , and then explore some of the top choice for the skilful brush for polyurethane software .
How We Chose the Best Brushes for Polyurethane
We researched the most sought - after brush for polyurethane in their respective categories and discovered that the good options are determined by their bristles , intent , width , compatibility with multiple paints and sealants , and other particular feature included by top brands .
While searching for the best paint brush for polyurethan applications , we discover that the most popular type of brushes among users were the synthetic , natural , and foam options for their versatility and relaxation of use while applying paint and water- and oil - based polyurethan . The brushes heel above vary from angle ( tapered ) to flat designs with 1- to 4 - inch width to take care of unlike program types and undertaking , whether applying slender coating or thick coverage .
As for lastingness , thesepainting toolsare made with unstained blade , brush - sword , Cu , and charge plate ferrules that hold in the bristles to prevent shedding . Wooden and charge plate handles make these plectron lightweight and manoeuvrable while in use . Plus , some of our top pick provide a smooth finish with paints and sealants like lacquer , varnish , and enamel .
Our Top Picks
Here ’s a look at some of the top product on the market so users can find the best way to apply polyurethan . This list include all three independent options — natural bristle , synthetic bristle , and foam — to help users find the best brush for polyurethan app .
This high - quality brush from Wooster is an excellent option for applying a placid finish of polyurethane to mediocre - size woodworking projection or furniture due to its angle 2.5 - inch breadth that ’s suited for both liberal and precision strokes . The angled bristle allow the substance abuser to direct the thicket steer into corners to guarantee that the intact surface is equally coat .
The brush feature a smooth wooden handle that fits comfortably in most ordinary user ’s hands , render balanced control over each apoplexy . Synthetic bristles made of polyester filament achieve a smooth , soft finishing with featherlight strokes making it an ideal brush for staining wood or applying polyurethan . The untainted sword ferrule is immune to rust and corrosion , facilitate to ensure that the bristles remain secure through multiple uses .
Get the Wooster 5221 brush for polyurethane atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Choose from among five different skirmish for polyurethane applications programme in these cheap brushes from Pro Grade . The inner circle let in a 1 - inch flavorless brush ideal for narrow-minded piece and small corners as well as a 1.5 - inch angled light touch suitable for crisp , clean corners and angle . pick out the 2 - inch angled copse , 2 - inch flat brush , or 2.5 - column inch angle brushing for all-encompassing stroke on received woodwork projects , like a stool or coffee mesa .
These synthetical - bristle skirmish also can be used as brushes for staining wood , if needed . They have a stainless steel collet that refuse rust and corroding while tightly holding the polyester filament bristles . Each brush also has a smooth and contoured woodwind instrument hold for a comfortable hairgrip .
Photo: depositphotos
What our tester tell : Glenda Taylor , a Bob Vila staff writer and mathematical product examiner , notes inThe Best Paint Brushes for Trimthat “ each Pro Grade cut back pigment brush do well in our tests . While their bristle bakshish are less refined than some of the other brushes we tested , they gave us excellent coating termination when used with gamey - quality , ego - smoothing rouge . We checked the finished trim card under strong light source when they dried and saw very few brushstrokes . We were impressed overall , particularly conceive the set ’s affordability . ”
Get the Pro Grade brush set for polyurethane atAmazon .
Best Natural-Bristle
The natural bristles on this brush from Purdy are made by blending ox hair with a blanched China bristle for bring resilience and a politic finish of oil - based polyurethane . A firm , durable stainless steel ferrule help to ensure the brush does n’t misplace any bristles while in usage . The angled bristles are 1.5 inches wide , allowing the drug user to provide a smooth last to corners and difficult angles without issue .
Use this light touch to apply a sort of oil - based coatings or sealants , including paint , enamel , varnish , polyurethan , and lacquer . It shoot a line a slim hardwood grip with a hanging hole for easy organization and warehousing that wo n’t damage the bristles . The brushing is also available with bland bristles and in 2 - column inch , 2.5 - inch , and 3 - inch widths .
Get the Purdy Ox - O - Angular brush for polyurethan atAmazon .
Photo: depositphotos.com Photo: depositphotos
Best Synthetic-Bristle
Purdy 144152320 XL Glide Angled Sash Paint Brush
The synthetical bristle on this brush from Purdy soakage up water - found polyurethane , supply a soft , even conclusion . The suave hardwood handle is easy to hold and control for accurate brushstrokes . The brush also features a brushed copper ferrule with superscript rusting and erosion resistance , helping to ensure that the bristle do n’t fall out after extended economic consumption .
Use this polyester and nylon skirmish for touch - ups on trimming or small- to medium - size woodworking labor , include windowpane shutters and door moulding . The 2 - column inch width is suitable for retentive , extensive shot , and the angled bristle reach narrow corner and tight angle , providing full coverage to the entire project .
What our examiner say : Glenda Taylor , a Bob Vila stave writer and product examiner , note inour tested guidethat “ the Purdy XL Glide ’s ultrafine bristle tips left our trim boards smooth and silklike . A tenuous contour in the grip made it easy to hold and control the brush , and the wood absorbs light wet to keep the handle from feel silklike should it get wet . We soak the brush in water for a few minute before rinse it out under a running faucet , and nearly all the residual paint came out . ”
Photo: amazon
Get the Purdy Glide light touch for polyurethane atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Best Foam Brush
Wooster 3103 1 1½-In. Foam King Paint Brush
Do n’t fight with tenuous bristle that can bend , break , or fall out when this Wooster froth pigment brush is a great alternative for applying polyurethan to small wood surfaces like a letter box or a bird feeder , or it can be an ideal brush for Natalie Wood blot on chair leg . This foam coppice for polyurethane soaks up water- and oil - based polyurethane and measures 1.5 inches in width for a legato , controlled program over a little surface . Its angled tip helps with reaching inside street corner and edges .
Like some foam brushes for polyurethane , this brush has a plastic handle that is a part of its hard plastic ferrule . It has a rigid core to keep the handle and ferrule stiff , while the foam flexes and crimp to achieve the good program results . The low price and temperate reusability of this brush make it an excellent option for the casual DIYer .
Get the Wooster 3103 brush for polyurethan atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon
Best High-Coverage
Wooster Q3108 Softip 4-In. Paint Brush
brush smaller than 4 in wide are capital for small to average - size woodworking task , but they lack the ability of more reportage per stroke . The girth of this 4 - in brush from Wooster Brush can quickly apply a coating of polyurethan to a board , a door , or even a characteristic wall . The coppice boast synthetic bristles made of nylon and polyester for a fine finish with both oil- and latex paint - ground polyurethane .
The prostrate bristle glide polyurethan in broad strokes over the material , fix it easier to hold the polyurethane in even layers . This produces a soft finish with a balanced color palette instead of splotchy , spotty coats . A solid plastic handgrip and a brass - plate steel ferrule aid secure the bristle and wield the high durability of the brushwood .
Get the Wooster Softip brush for polyurethan atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Brush for Polyurethane
When selecting a brush to apply the polyurethane , believe the size , physical body , and design , including the character of bristles , the handle , and the ferrule . Do n’t forget to factor in in the type of polyurethan and its intended usage to reach the skilful coverage and finish . Here areseveral contingent to keep in mindwhen choosing the best brush for polyurethan app .
Bristles
Brushes can be made with innate or man-made bristle . Some antecede the bristle entirely , prefer for an angled froth cloth to circulate the polyurethan . The best selection for the project look on the polyurethane base , the size of it of the project , and the configuration of the material .
Width
The brush sizing you choose should be based on the size of the project or the intended purpose of the copse . Common light touch breadth are 1 inch , 1.5 inches , 2 inches , 2.5 inches , 3 inches , 3.5 in , and 4 inches . Brushes that are 2 inches or humble in width are ideal for applying polyurethane in smashed corners or at awkward angles with controlled precision .
Choose a 2- to 3 - inch brush formost woodworking undertaking . These brush widths provide good reportage but can still reach out into some smaller place . with child projects , like finishing a table or layer frame , can do good from a 4 - inch brush that quickly covers a band of surface area .
Ferrule
The collet of a brush is the alloy part that connects the bristles to the handle . The metal needs to be strong and static ; otherwise , the bristle can bend , fail , and detach from the clash . They can become stuck in the can of polyurethane or on the project , leaving an impression in the applied polyurethan that users then need to touch up .
The collet is typically made of aluminum or brand intended to support the bristles and keep them together . The high durability and corroding resistance of both metals assist check that the brushing and bristles last for more than one use before needing to be replaced .
Handle Design
To maneuver , angle , and mastermind the brush , you take to grip the handle securely . It ’s not impossible to apply polyurethane without a stout handle , but it also is n’t easy . For these grounds , do n’t ignore handle blueprint when choosing the best brush for polyurethan .
Bristle brushes usually have suave , flat wooden handles that are easy to grip to lodge both full stroke and small , precise stroke . Foam brushing may have a narrow woodwind , plastic , or metallic element handle stretch from the ferrule like a cylindrical rod or amaze . This small diameter is more suited for accurate brushstrokes than across-the-board practical program .
Polyurethane Base
polyurethan - based sealants and finish are available in either crude - base or water - base option , depending on the desired appearing .
Intended Application
Before adjudicate on the good encounter for polyurethane app , weigh how and where you ’ll expend it . Bristle brushes with lower width and froth copse are idealistic for small projects , while bombastic skirmish are better for unruffled , large-minded stroke . If applying polyurethane to a high - dealings object , like a dresser or a W.C. door , it ’s important to use at least four coats of water - based polyurethane or at least three coats of oil - based polyurethane .
Decorative object strictly for display that often posture for week or month without being touched only need two to three coats of water - found polyurethan or one to two coat of oil - based polyurethan . no matter of the stuff , await 2 to 3 hours between applying additional coat .
FAQs
Achieve a smooth , clean finish on your next woodworking undertaking by choosing the most appropriate brush for applyingpolyurethane . If you still are n’t sealed about which bristles are best accommodate for polyurethan or if a foam copse is a secure idea , keep show for answers to these and several more often ask head about the best skirmish for polyurethane covering .
Nylon and polyester are ordinarily used to make synthetic bristle . While these material are n’t suitable for rock oil - based polyurethane , they are a good option for lend oneself water supply - based polyurethane .
Yes , it is okay to use a foam encounter to hold polyurethane . However , it is n’t the best pick for larger projection because the froth does n’t spread the polyurethane as well as a synthetical or born brush . habituate a foam coppice to utilise polyurethan to smaller undertaking , like finish a birdhouse .
Photo: amazon
For the effective results , opt a lifelike - bristle brush with a perdurable ferrule and tightly packed bristle to utilise crude oil - base polyurethane .
Before using any polyurethane , sand down the material with 220 - grit emery paper to reach the smoothest possible surface . Then , pass over down the material , removing all rubble molecule with a clean material . Spread the polyurethane , allowing each coat to dryfor between 2 and 4 hour before applying the next coat . Use sandpaper again to mildly remove brushing marks from the textile ’s aerofoil , and consider put on a wood polish for a near - flawless appearance .
This Is the twelvemonth for a Kitchen Renovation
Photo: amazon
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to detain on budget .
Photo: amazon