
2- Cost:Ī bristle brush tends to be considerably more expensive compared to the foam brush. On most surfaces, you will see the brush strokes which may be a desired effect.īut if you want a smoother appearance, then a foam brush is preferred. The most obvious difference is that a bristle brush will show bristle marks when painting over smooth surfaces, especially when using latex paint over drywall. The most common differences include the following… 1- Brush Strokes: The differences are rather profound, between foam and bristle brushes, despite their similar size and use. Bristle: The DifferenceĪlthough I keep both (foam as well as bristle brushes) in my painting tools bag, a bristle brush with soft hairs is what I use most.įoam brushes I only use when I have a small staining project on hand that requires less time to complete without much finishing. Durable, can last for long and complete various projects if cleaned wellįoam Paint Brush Vs.Much better when working at tight areas and edges.Plus, they typically come with wooden handles, although plastic handles are quite common as well. The synthetic fibers are mostly polyester or nylon which provides an even application of the paint being used. Today, they are mostly made from synthetic fibers, although natural fibers are still used. Originally, they used the hair of animals, mostly hogs, to provide the bristles. Not a good choice for thick paints and finishes, especially for larger projectsīristle brushes have been around for many centuries.Less effective and difficult when applying paint on tight corners.Foam can break or shred even after small use.Great for testing sample paints and primers before your paint job.Can work fast without leaving brush strokes.These types of foam made brushes can be extremely easy to use, even for a beginner.Īnd the good thing is you can use them for applying nearly all types of paints, stains, and varnishes on furniture, cabinetry, and trim. The handles of a foam brush are mostly made of wood, although you can find plastic handles as well. The soft porous foam can absorb the paint much like a sponge pad and can apply it across a surface (no matter how small or large it is). These can be categorized as the traditional bristle brush and other which is a more recent foam brush.Ĭhoosing the right one for the job means understanding what each brush is, their differences, and which one is better overall…Īs the name implies, the foam brush is made from a foam-like sponge material that is solid. In general, there are two popular types of brushes. With the market loaded with tons of options, I understand it’s pretty hard to choose the one that suits all your purposes. One secret to getting the right paint job is using the best brush for the work.
