Buying Guide: Choose the Right Paint Brush Set
By Designer Home Interiors - Designer Paint & Wallpaper | Lick | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick the best paint brush set for your walls, with clear decision rules for beginners and pros. Compare angle sash vs flat brushes for a flawless finish.
Quick answer
For most wall painting projects, a 3-piece bamboo brush set gives you the versatility you need: an angled sash brush for cutting in, a 2-inch flat brush for trim, and a 3-inch flat brush for larger surfaces.
Why brush size and shape matter
The shape of the brush determines how it handles paint and where it works best. Angle sash brushes (also called cutting-in brushes) have bristles cut at a slant, which gives you better control when painting along edges, corners, and trim. Flat brushes, on the other hand, have straight bristles and are ideal for covering flat, open areas like walls and ceilings.
Brush size is measured by the width of the bristles. A 1.5-inch brush is great for small details and tight spots, a 2-inch brush is a versatile all-rounder for trim and narrow surfaces, and a 3-inch brush covers larger areas faster. Choosing the wrong size can mean more work (too small) or messy edges (too large).
Eco-friendly materials: bamboo and natural bristles
Many modern brush sets use bamboo handles and recycled metal ferrules, which are lighter and more sustainable than traditional plastic or hardwood handles. Natural bristles (often from hog or ox hair) hold paint well and release it smoothly, but they can be more expensive. Synthetic bristles are better for water-based paints like latex, but natural bristles work fine with oil-based paints.
The Lick brush sets use bamboo and natural bristles, making them a solid eco-conscious choice. They are also designed for durability, so they can be cleaned and reused for multiple projects.
Trade-offs: brush set vs individual brushes
Buying a brush set saves money compared to buying each brush separately, and it ensures you have the right sizes for a typical wall painting job. However, a set might include a size you rarely use, or you might prefer a specific shape that isn't in the set. For example, if you only paint trim and never large walls, a set with a 3-inch brush might be wasteful.
Individual brushes let you customize your kit, but they cost more per brush and you may need to buy multiple to get the same range. For most DIYers, a 3-piece set is the sweet spot between cost and coverage.
How to choose your brush set
- Start with the project: If you are painting a whole room (walls + trim), a 3-piece set with 1.5", 2", and 3" brushes covers all needs. For small touch-ups, a single 2" flat brush or 1.5" angle sash brush may be enough. Match the set to the surface area you need to cover.
- Prioritize the angled brush: For cutting in along ceilings, corners, and window frames, an angle sash brush (like the 1.5" Lick brush) gives you better control and cleaner lines than a flat brush of the same size. If you buy only one brush, make it an angled sash brush.
- Consider your paint type: Natural bristles work well with oil-based paints but can get sticky with water-based latex. If you use latex, look for synthetic bristles or a brush labeled for both. The Lick brushes use natural bristles, so they are best for oil-based paints or if you clean them promptly after latex use. Check bristle material against your paint type to avoid poor performance.
- Check the handle and ferrule: A comfortable handle reduces fatigue during long painting sessions. Bamboo handles are lightweight and eco-friendly. A rust-resistant metal ferrule (the band that holds the bristles) is important for longevity. Avoid brushes with cheap plastic ferrules that may loosen over time.
Product facts
- Brush set (3 pieces): This 3-piece bamboo paint brush set includes a 1.5" angled cutting-in brush, a 2" all-rounder brush, and a 3" flat brush for larger surfaces. You get three essential sizes in one purchase, making it easy to handle cutting in, trim, and wall coverage without buying separate brushes.
Brush set (3 pieces) - 1.5" Angle Sash Brush: The 1.5" Angle Sash Brush is made of bamboo, recycled metal, and natural bristles, designed for durability and precise painting. Its angled shape gives you control for clean lines along ceilings and corners, which is the most important skill for a professional-looking paint job.
1.5" Angle Sash Brush
Which brush set is right for you?
Best for
- Beginners who want an affordable, all-in-one kit for painting a room
- DIYers who value eco-friendly materials (bamboo, recycled metal, natural bristles)
- Projects that involve both cutting in and painting large flat surfaces
Not ideal for
- Professional painters who need very specific brush widths or shapes not included in a set
- Projects using only water-based latex paint (natural bristles may not perform as well as synthetic)
