When it comes to painting the interior or exterior of a home, cutting in is an essential skill for achieving clean, professional results. Cutting in refers to carefully painting trim, edges, and other detailed areas with a brush before rolling larger flat areas like walls and ceilings. Having the right cutting in tool can make all the difference in getting those sharp, perfect lines. So what is the best tool for cutting in when painting? There are a few good options to consider.
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Types of Cutting In Tools
The most common cutting in tools are:
- Angled paint brushes – These have angled bristles to fit into corners and cut straight edges.
- Mini rollers – Small foam or microfiber rollers can be used for smoother cutting in on flatter trim.
- Paint pads – felt, microfiber, or sponge applicators that act like a paintbrush.
- Paint pens – Fine tip markers filled with paint for extra fine details.
Each has their own pros and cons for cutting in. Here is a more in-depth look at how they compare:
Angled Brushes
Angled or angled-sash paint brushes are a classic cutting in tool. The angled brushed tips allow for precise paint application around edges and into corners. Bristle types range from synthetic nylon to natural hog bristle or a blend.
Pros:
- The angled shape provides excellent control.
- Natural bristles offer smooth paint application.
- Stiff synthetic bristles can hold more paint.
- Various sizes available from 1-3 inches.
Cons:
- Can leave brush strokes in the paint.
- Not as effective for long, straight edges.
- Natural bristles are prone to shedding.
- Can be tricky for a beginning painter to control.
Mini Rollers
Mini foam and microfiber paint rollers have become popular cutting in tools. Their smooth, compact rolling heads allow for quick coverage along trim and edges. Mini rollers come in widths ranging from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.
Pros:
- Creates an ultra smooth finish without brush strokes.
- Quickly cuts in longer straight edges.
- Foam and microfiber absorb less paint than a brush.
- Disposable foam sleeves eliminate cleanup.
Cons:
- Not as precise as a brush for corners and details.
- Still requires brush touch ups in tight areas.
- Small roller heads need frequent reloading.
- Microfiber can leave lint in paint film.
Paint Pads
Paint pads have a flat applicator surface made of microfiber, felt, or sponge attached to a handle. They provide smooth paint transfer along trim lines.
Pros:
- Pad shape allows for close cutting in to edges.
- Does not leave visible brush strokes.
- Easy to maneuver into corners.
- Reusable with proper cleaning.
Cons:
- Prone to dripping since pads hold less paint.
- Sponge pads require frequent rinsing to stay moist.
- Does not work as well painting vertical areas.
- Can absorb paint unevenly.
Paint Pens
For ultra-fine details, paint pens feature precision nibs much like a marker. Useful for touch ups after cutting in larger areas.
Pros:
- Tight point control for corners, edges, and freehand.
- Variety of tip sizes and shapes.
- Quick detail work.
- Reusable when cleaned properly.
Cons:
- Not practical for covering large areas.
- Prone to clogging and blobbing.
- Limited paint capacity.
- Opaque paint can require multiple coats.
Factors in Choosing a Cutting in Tool
With the variety of cutting in tool options, how do you choose what’s right for your painting project? Here are the most important factors to consider:
Paint Type
The cutting in tool surface needs to work with the specific paint being applied. For example:
- Latex paint sticks well to synthetic nylon or polyester brushes.
- Oil-based paints work better with natural bristle brushes.
- Gloss and enamel paints do well with foam mini rollers.
- Heavy bodied paints require pads that don’t absorb too much.
Be sure to use the applicator suited for your paint.
Surface Material
Cutting in tools also need to go on smoothly over the surface material without causing damage.
- Soft bristle brushes work well on delicate surfaces like woodwork and lattice.
- Microfiber mini rollers can apply paint nicely over wallpaper or tile.
- Foam rollers avoid scuffing and scraping on textured surfaces.
Choose a tool that will adhere paint without harming the material underneath.
Cutter’s Skill Level
An inexperienced painter often does better using a brush rather than a roller for cutting in since brushes offer more control. Extra angled brushes can be kept on hand for touch ups.
On the other hand, an avid DIYer or professional may prefer using mini rollers for their speed on long expanses of trim. Painter’s pads are middle ground options combining control and quick coverage.
Comfort and familiarity with the cutting tool leads to the best results.
Project Scope
The scale of the paint job can dictate what cutting in tools are most practical. For example:
- Detail brushes work for small jobs like furniture, crafts, accent walls.
- Angled brushes paired with mini rollers are efficient for rooms.
- Larger multi-room projects may need multiple pad applicators for quickest coverage.
Bigger painting projects need tools that can cover more ground efficiently.
Quality of Finish
The quality of the cut in finish also depends on tool selection. For the cleanest looking trim:
- Foam mini rollers provide the smoothest finish.
- Felt pads prevent drips and blotching with careful use.
- Thinner tipped paint pens offer detailed perfection.
So when a refined finish is a must, opt for these options.
Cleanup Convenience
To make cleanup easier, disposable applicators are ideal cutting in tools.
- Foam mini rollers are the ultimate in convenience since sleeves peel off.
- Angled polyester or nylon brushes clean up well with water.
- Microfiber pads rinse out faster than thicker brush bristles.
- Consider cleanup when choosing between brush vs roller vs pad.
Disposable cutting in tools can save substantial time on cleanup.
Recommendation for the Best Cutting in Tool
Based on performance, versatility, and value, here is my recommendation for the best cutting in tool:
The Wooster 2.5 inch Shortcut Angle Sash Paint Brush is an ideal choice for most cutting in paint applications.
Why it’s recommended:
- Angled tip precision for edging, corners, and details.
- Stiff polyester/nylon blend for smooth painting.
- Wooster quality with a molded comfort grip.
- Shorter bristle length compared to standard angled brushes.
- Affordable price for a brush that will last.
This Wooster angle brush combines excellent paint control, comfortable handling, and value. Great for DIYers or professionals doing a lot of cutting in.
While mini rollers and pads have their advantages, the angled brush is still the most versatile cutting in tool. This Wooster model strikes the right balance of quality, comfort, and performance.
Tips for Proper Cutting in Technique
While having the right tool helps, proper brush control is also key to achieving clean cut in lines. Here are some tips:
- Keep brush moving to prevent drips and uneven paint build up.
- Brush away from edges at a 45 degree angle just barely touching the surface.
- Use your arm versus wrist to make smoother, consistent strokes.
- Maintain a wet edge where cut in area and wall meet to blend nicely.
- Apply paint top to bottom on vertical edges for best adhesion.
- Use painter’s tape for extra sharp lines along ceilings, baseboards, and corners.
- Cut in edges before rolling for best results.
Proper brush handling takes practice but makes a dramatic difference. Combine these techniques with the right cutting in tool for professional quality paint jobs.
Conclusion
Cutting in is a key skill that makes or breaks the look of any paint job. Having the optimal tool for the task can streamline the work and create sharper edges. Angled sash paint brushes offer beginners and experts alike excellent control and versatility. For ultra smooth results, mini rollers quickly cover trim and edges but require added brush touch ups. Paint pads and specialty paint pens also have usefulness for particular applications. Consider the paint, surfaces, painter skill level, and project scope when choosing cutting in tools. Use proper brush control techniques for the cleanest finished results. With the right preparation and cutting in tool like the Wooster angled sash brush, you can achieve professional quality paint lines.