The Best Brushes for Polyurethane Applications of 2024
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Brushes for Polyurethane Applications of 2024 and hope the blog can help you.
Don’t choose just any paint brush for applying polyurethane. Achieve a smooth finish on your next woodworking project with the best brush for polyurethane.
The best polyurethane provides a durable, smooth finish that comes in several formulas, including oil-based, water-based, and water-based and oil modified. It’s typically used to seal wood products, protecting them from moisture, dirt, and damage. Like paint, polyurethane is applied to the material’s flat surface with a brush.
The best brush for applying polyurethane differs depending on the intended application. Most smaller projects benefit from a narrow brush, while larger projects can be completed with a wider brush.
We like the Wooster Brush 5221 2½-In. Silver Tip Angle Sash Brush because of its angled synthetic and polyester brush fibers, ergonomic wood handle, stainless steel ferrule, and compatibility with water- and oil-based paints. However, all our chosen products are effective and reliable.
Read on to learn about the factors to consider as you shop, and then explore some of the top choices for the best brush for polyurethane application.
- BEST OVERALL: Wooster Brush 5221 2½-In. Silver Tip Angle Sash Brush
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pro Grade 5-Piece Flat and Angle Brush Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST NATURAL-BRISTLE: Purdy 144296015 Ox-O-Angular Sash Paint Brush
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SYNTHETIC-BRISTLE: Purdy 144152320 XL Glide Angled Sash Paint Brush
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOAM BRUSH: Wooster 3103 1 1½-In. Foam King Paint Brush
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HIGH-COVERAGE: Wooster Q3108 Softip 4-In. Paint Brush
↓ Jump to Review
Photo: depositphotos
How We Chose the Best Brushes for Polyurethane
We researched the most sought-after brushes for polyurethane in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their bristles, design, width, compatibility with multiple paints and sealants, and other special features included by top brands.
While searching for the best paint brushes for polyurethane applications, we found that the most popular types of brushes among users were the synthetic, natural, and foam options for their versatility and ease of use while applying paint and water- and oil-based polyurethane. The brushes listed above vary from angled (tapered) to flat designs with 1- to 4-inch widths to take care of different application types and projects, whether applying thin coats or thick coverage.
As for durability, these painting tools are made with stainless steel, brushed-steel, copper, and plastic ferrules that hold in the bristles to prevent shedding. Wooden and plastic handles make these picks lightweight and maneuverable while in use. Plus, some of our top picks 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 products on the market so users can find the best way to apply polyurethane. This list includes all three main options—natural bristle, synthetic bristle, and foam—to help users find the best brush for polyurethane application.
Best Overall
Wooster Brush 5221 2½-In. Silver Tip Angle Sash Brush
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Bristle type: Synthetic/polyester
- Width: 2.5 inches
- Compatible polyurethane: Water- and oil-based
What We Like
- Angled bristles allow for clean, streak-free, and easy application
- Smooth wooden handle is comfortable to hold and doesn’t easily cause fatigue
- Stainless steel ferrule; rust- and corrosion-resistant for long-term use
- Affordable compared to similar options available; comes with many convenient features for half the price
What We Don’t Like
- May not be the best choice for large projects; suitable for small to medium-size projects
This high-quality brush from Wooster is an excellent option for applying a smooth finish of polyurethane to average-size woodworking projects or furniture due to its angled 2.5-inch width that’s suitable for both broad and precision strokes. The angled bristles allow the user to direct the brush tip into corners to ensure that the entire surface is evenly coated.
The brush features a smooth wooden handle that fits comfortably in most average user’s hands, providing balanced control over each stroke. Synthetic bristles made of polyester filaments achieve a smooth, soft finish with featherlight strokes making it an ideal brush for staining wood or applying polyurethane. The stainless steel ferrule is resistant to rust and corrosion, helping to ensure that the bristles remain secure through multiple uses.
Get the Wooster 5221 brush for polyurethane at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Pro Grade 5-Piece Flat and Angle Brush Set
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Bristle type: Synthetic/polyester
- Width: 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, and 2.5 inches
- Compatible polyurethane: Water- and oil-based
What We Like
- 5 brushes included with purchase; each brush is a different size
- Suitable brushes for wood stain and polyurethane for both large and small projects
- Stainless steel ferrule; rust- and corrosion-resistant for long-term use
- Hardwood handles are comfortable to hold and won’t cause fatigue
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report issues with precision application; may require extra care while using
Choose from among five different brushes for polyurethane application in these cheap brushes from Pro Grade. The pack includes a 1-inch flat brush ideal for narrow pieces and small corners as well as a 1.5-inch angled brush suitable for crisp, clean corners and angles. Choose the 2-inch angled brush, 2-inch flat brush, or 2.5-inch angled brush for broad strokes on standard woodworking projects, like a stool or coffee table.
These synthetic-bristle brushes also can be used as brushes for staining wood, if needed. They feature a stainless steel ferrule that resists rust and corrosion while tightly holding the polyester filament bristles. Each brush also has a smooth and contoured wood handle for a comfortable grip.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, a Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in The Best Paint Brushes for Trim that “each Pro Grade trim paint brush performed well in our tests. While their bristle tips are less refined than some of the other brushes we tested, they gave us excellent finish results when used with high-quality, self-smoothing paint. We checked the finished trim boards under strong light when they dried and saw very few brushstrokes. We were impressed overall, especially considering the set’s affordability.”
Get the Pro Grade brush set for polyurethane at Amazon.
Best Natural-Bristle
Purdy 144296015 Ox-O-Angular Sash Paint Brush
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Bristle type: Natural/ox hair and China bristle
- Width: 1.5 inches
- Compatible polyurethane: Oil-based
What We Like
- Stainless steel ferrule helps prevent bristles from falling out or causing streaks
- Angled, natural bristles provide even application for a streak-free finish
- Versatile construction; suitable and durable enough for painting as well as staining and sealing
- Hardwood handle with hanging hole provides comfortable use and easy storage
- Comes in multiple sizes for different application needs
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report shedding bristles; may lose some bristles over time
The natural bristles on this brush from Purdy are made by blending ox hair with a white China bristle for added resilience and a smoother finish of oil-based polyurethane. A strong, durable stainless steel ferrule helps to ensure the brush doesn’t lose any bristles while in use. The angled bristles are 1.5 inches wide, allowing the user to provide a smooth finish to corners and difficult angles without issue.
Use this brush to apply a variety of oil-based coatings or sealants, including paint, enamel, varnish, polyurethane, and lacquer. It boasts a slim hardwood handle with a hanging hole for easy organization and storage that won’t damage the bristles. The brush is also available with flat bristles and in 2-inch, 2.5-inch, and 3-inch widths.
Get the Purdy Ox-O-Angular brush for polyurethane at Amazon.
Best Synthetic-Bristle
Purdy 144152320 XL Glide Angled Sash Paint Brush
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Bristle type: Synthetic/nylon and polyester
- Width: 2 inches
- Compatible polyurethane: Water-based
What We Like
- Versatile construction; suitable for small to medium-size projects and painting
- Brushed copper ferrule prevents bristles from falling out due to wear and tear
- The hardwood handle is comfortable to hold and won’t cause fatigue
- Angled bristles provide even application and get into hard-to-reach places
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for use with epoxy; should only be used with polyurethane
The synthetic bristles on this brush from Purdy soak up water-based polyurethane, providing a soft, even finish. The smooth hardwood handle is easy to hold and control for precise brushstrokes. The brush also features a brushed copper ferrule with superior rust and corrosion resistance, helping to ensure that the bristles don’t fall out after extended use.
Use this polyester and nylon brush for touch-ups on trim or small- to average-size woodworking projects, including window shutters and door molding. The 2-inch width is suitable for long, broad strokes, and the angled bristles reach narrow corners and tight angles, providing full coverage to the entire project.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, a Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide that “the Purdy XL Glide’s ultrafine bristle tips left our trim boards smooth and sleek. A slight contour in the handle made it easy to hold and control the brush, and the wood absorbs light moisture to keep the handle from feeling slick should it get wet. We soaked the brush in water for a few hours before washing it out under a running faucet, and nearly all the residual paint came out.”
Get the Purdy Glide brush for polyurethane at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Best Foam Brush
Wooster 3103 1 1½-In. Foam King Paint Brush
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Bristle type: Foam
- Width: 1.5 inches
- Compatible polyurethane: Water- and oil-based
What We Like
- Rigid core holds its shape and prevents bristles from falling out; provides crisp lines where needed
- Affordable compared to similar brushes; comes with many features for a fraction of the price
- Reusable design and foam construction allows brush to hold up to long-term use
- Comes in multiple sizes for different project types and sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic handle and ferrule may provide limited durability compared to similar options
- May not tackle corners or edges well; may require a different brush for edge work
Don’t fight with fragile bristles that can bend, break, or fall out when this Wooster foam paint brush is a great alternative for applying polyurethane to smaller wood surfaces like a mailbox or a bird feeder, or it can be an ideal brush for wood stain on chair legs. This foam brush for polyurethane soaks up water- and oil-based polyurethane and measures 1.5 inches in width for a smooth, controlled application over a small surface. Its angled tip helps with reaching inside corners 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 bends to achieve the best application results. The low price and moderate reusability of this brush make it an excellent option for the casual DIYer.
Get the Wooster 3103 brush for polyurethane at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best High-Coverage
Wooster Q3108 Softip 4-In. Paint Brush
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Bristle type: Synthetic/nylon and polyester
- Width: 4 inches
- Compatible polyurethane: Latex- and oil-based
What We Like
- Flat bristles provide even and streak-free application every time
- Solid plastic handle is comfortable to hold and durable enough for long-term use
- Brass-plated steel ferrule prevents bristles from falling out due to wear and tear
- Comes in multiple sizes for different project types and sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy construction; may weigh too much for extended use by some users
Brushes smaller than 4 inches wide are great for small to average-size woodworking projects, but they lack the ability of more coverage per stroke. The girth of this 4-inch brush from Wooster Brush can quickly apply a coat of polyurethane to a table, a door, or even a feature wall. The brush features synthetic bristles made of nylon and polyester for a fine finish with both oil- and latex-based polyurethane.
The flat bristles glide polyurethane in broad strokes over the material, making it easier to apply the polyurethane in even layers. This produces a soft finish with a balanced color palette instead of splotchy, uneven coats. A solid plastic handle and a brass-plated steel ferrule help secure the bristles and maintain the high durability of the brush.
Get the Wooster Softip brush for polyurethane at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Brush for Polyurethane
When selecting a brush to apply the polyurethane, consider the size, shape, and design, including the type of bristles, the handle, and the ferrule. Don’t forget to factor in the type of polyurethane and its intended use to achieve the best coverage and finish. Here are several details to keep in mind when choosing the best brush for polyurethane application.