Joanna Gaines Recommends 5 Essential Paintbrushes For Easy Painting

Aug 18, 2023

Have you ever started a painting project only to stop and wonder, "Gosh, there's got to be a faster way to do this!" If you have, chances are that you were using the wrong brush. Having the right paintbrushes in your arsenal can make or break your project — and save you a lot of time and frustration. But what are the most essential paintbrushes, and what purpose does each one serve? Joanna Gaines is never lacking on stellar home improvement advice, and in a recent YouTube video, she describes her most frequently-used brushes. The five brush types that Gaines recommends include a 3-inch wide flat edge brush, a 2½-inch flat brush, a 2½-inch angled brush, a 1½-inch angled brush, and a small artist's paintbrush.

With these five brushes alone, you can accomplish a multitude of home improvement projects, especially if you invest in high-quality brushes and do your best to take care of them. Learn about each of the five must-have sizes and more painting tools that Gaines recommends for a flawless, professional finish.

Starting with the largest brush that Joanna Gaines recommends, a 3-inch flat edge brush is perfect for covering large areas on walls. The 2½-inch flat edge brush can also be used for open spaces and provides better control in smaller areas and on furniture. The sash brush, or 2½-inch angled brush, has a tapered edge that makes it great for cutting-in a wall and painting around corners, window trim, and crown molding. Next, a 1½-inch angled brush is ideal to have on hand for deep details and tight angles. Finally, Gaines rounds out her collection with an artist's brush, best for working on tiny details and touching up small patches.

In addition to purchasing the right brush sizes, Gaines also says to choose quality tools that will hold up for more than one use. Not only do these higher-end brushes reduce unnecessary waste, but they also give your paint project a more professional and even finish. Gaines suggests purchasing paintbrushes from her own brand, Magnolia Home, which are made with a nylon-polyester filament that makes them durable, smooth, and easy to clean.

When it comes to painting an entire wall, brushes aren't your only option — nor are they the best option. In addition to paintbrushes, Joanna Gaines also offers some advice on purchasing the right paint rollers. You'll most likely need a 3-inch roller for smaller areas, a 6-inch roller for medium-sized areas, and a 9-inch roller for large areas. But not all rollers are exactly alike. You'll also need to think about the thickness of the roller "fur," known as the nap. "Shorter naps give smoother finishes," Gaines says in her YouTube video. "I find that a standard ⅜-inch nap is good for most normal interior surfaces." Just like with paintbrushes, Gaines recommends investing in high-quality rollers that are shed-resistant, durable, and reusable.

Of course, sometimes the idea of reusing a paintbrush or a roller is easier said than done. Before starting a paint project, Gaines says to use a lint brush to remove fuzz from your paint roller. When it comes to brushes, "Once paint gets underneath [the metal ferrule], this is when the bristles actually fall out," says Gaines. "It also makes cleanup a lot harder." Because of this, Gaines suggests purchasing a brush comb from your local hardware store. After soaking your dirty brushes in hot vinegar for about 30 minutes, use the comb to brush out old paint, then soak them in soapy water and rinse.