Brush talk is an everyday aspect of this job, but with all the new gear coming on the market, I was wondering - How much would you pay for 1 brush?

There are Proforms on e-bay just now at £18 a go.
3" Purdy Pip Elite at nearly £28 on Trade 1st (they're nice)
A whole slew of Purdys around £20 and Woosters about the same.

So given that we all want to make the best possible job, do we take the upper money limit for this away, or play it with a 'sensible approach' and buy middle of the road?

personally always the best i can afford if its a good brush that leaves a brilliant finish or brilliant to work with and how long it lasts think how many jobs you do x£ with these brushes probably £100's if not £1000's 15-20 quid a brush dont seem too bad.

When you consider how much decent gear can speed up a job (with better finish) its got to be top of the range. About £20 for a brush/roller head that will pay for itself in saved time probably in the first day has got to be a good buy.

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There are no problems - only solutions

The start up costs for a decorator are low compared to most other trades (plasterering being an exception) it's the reason I think most chancers drift towards decorating because for less than £100 you can have a semi-pro setup of rollers and brushes and away you go. A decent brush costing £20 is not expensive IMO I'd pay £100 for a brush if it was worth it but on the same hand I wouldn't pay £2 if it wasn't. I'm not so sure it's about the price of the brush more finding a brush that suits you regardless of its cost. Be it £4 or £40

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Professional Kitchen & Bathroom Fitters | Master Painters and Decorators | Brighton & Hove

I agree. A "professional" decorator that I know uses a Renault Clio van without any roof bars. He doesn't even have a decent stepladder. He uses one of those 13-in-1 ladders but it doesn't even reach gutter height and I have seen him using a 4" roller to cut in the top of an exterior wall because he couldn't get up there with a brush. His (ex) customer has since complained about him to me saying he is really annoyed about all the white marks on his nice black guttering.

I would say you buy the best you can afford (i.e. not crying over it if you don't like it that much). Where would you use a 3" oval brush (purdy pip elite). I think oval would be good for oil stuff, and at 3" large surfaces. R U sure you need one or you just "want" one?

Probably the latter.

Been my downfall for a long time if I'm being honest. I tend to 'collect' brushes and always want to try something new (in case I'm missing out I suppose ) For the most part I go between Purdy and Wooster, but I often think that there are certain paint/brush combinations that are just worth experimenting with to discover.



Everyone will have one, but so often I find myself lifting the rat-tail 2" Purdy Glide, and 1.5" Dale without even realising it. Just something about how they 'feel'.

It is like I would like a Hamilton perfection at 2.5" for oil for doors. A 2" is too small and a 3" is too large (not that I have a 3" to try). Oh yes, I only want to pay £10 ... tight or what?

I am always in the market for a bargain brush that works.
I have some Purdeys and a couple of Woosters.
I have also tried ProDec x5,x7 and x9's. The 5's were okay, the 7's better (I haven't had filament issues either) but the 9's I couldn't get on with.
Having brought these Proform Picassos for literally a pittance, I am well impressed.
I would like to try the Coronas if TDS start to stock them.

I'm with CR. If you find a brush that you like and gives a good finish, regardless of price then you are doing well. There can be a little snootiness when you discuss using brushes under £10, but one of my favourites is a 4 inch Westminster from toolstation that cost about £5. Lovely for cutting in ceilings and I'm not too bothered about leaving it for days on end in a plastic bag.

Toolstation have some good sash brushes at the moment

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Paintin ... 997/p99214

good quality IMHO

pack of hamilton perfections (when use to use oil based - trade 1st).
cheaper choice harris.
blue purdys 1,2,3 inch (waterbased).
hate hamiltons waterbased brushes.
acorn Fitchs are decent quality and only £2 for 3 brushes.

I shudder to think how much I've spent on brushes and rollers. Upwards of £300 I should think.

Nowhere near as much as I've spent on power tools though, I've got a bloody stack of them sat on the shelves in the corner. And none of them ever get used since I shut down.
Saying that I've got a bit of mahogany in the post ready to be made into a guitar very soon.