Best Paint Brush for Kitchen Cabinets – Our Top 5 Picks

Ирина Колб
Sep 19
4 min read

Repainting kitchen cabinets is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to transform your kitchen — and honestly, few DIY projects are as satisfying as watching those tired old doors turn crisp and fresh again. But to get that smooth, factory-like finish, you need the right tool. Choosing the best paint brush for kitchen cabinets can mean the difference between a flawless makeover and one that looks rushed.

Hand holding a wide flat paint brush dipped in yellow paint with paint swatches nearby — illustration for best paint brush for kitchen cabinets guide.

After testing dozens of brushes on real cabinet projects (yes, we got our hands covered in paint so you don’t have to!), we picked five that stood out. Each of these brushes has a “sweet spot” — whether it’s cutting in along cabinet frames or covering wide doors without leaving streaks.

Purdy Clearcut Glide angled sash brush with pink handle — recommended as the best paint brush for kitchen cabinet edges and trim work.

1. Purdy Clearcut Glide (Angled Sash Brush) — $14–18

If you’ve ever taped off a dozen cabinet frames only to peel up the tape and still find messy edges — this brush is for you.

Why it’s great: Angled bristles make edge work a breeze, giving you sharp, painter’s-tape-level lines. It’s firm enough for control but not so stiff that it drags the paint.

Best for: Cutting in around cabinet frames and detailed profiles where precision counts.

Avoid for: Large flat cabinet sides — switch to a flat brush for a more even finish.

Wooster Silver Tip angled brush with light wooden handle — ideal for smooth, streak-free finish on kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

2. Wooster Silver Tip Angle Brush — $10–14

This is the brush you grab when you want that “sprayed-on” look — no visible strokes, just a buttery-smooth surface.

Why it’s great: Soft bristles glide across the surface, laying down paint like a dream. Perfect for those final coats that everyone will see.

Best for: Finishing coats on cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

Avoid for: Very thick or oil-based paints — the soft bristles can feel too floppy for heavier products.

Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Brush with short flexible blue handle — perfect for painting inside kitchen cabinet boxes, corners, and tight spaces.

3. Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Brush — $6–9

If you’ve ever tried to paint inside a cabinet box with a long-handled brush, you know how awkward it feels. This little guy solves that problem.

Why it’s great: The short, flexible handle fits in your hand like it was made for you and lets you work in tight spots without smacking the brush into the cabinet walls.

Best for: Inside cabinet boxes, corners, and quick touch-ups.

Avoid for: Full-size cabinet doors — the short handle can make big jobs slower.

Zibra Square Brush with light wooden handle — designed for painting narrow cabinet frames, drawer edges, and window grids with smooth, even coverage.

4. Zibra Square Brush — $12–15

Narrow cabinet stiles and rails can be the hardest to paint without leaving ridges — this brush was practically made for that job.

Why it’s great: Its square shape matches the width of most narrow surfaces, like cabinet frames, giving you perfect coverage in one pass. Packed bristles hold plenty of paint, meaning fewer dips and a smoother, more consistent finish.

Best for: Cabinet frames, narrow drawer edges, window grids, and other slim surfaces where precision matters.

Avoid for: Large flat panels — you’ll be faster with a flat or angled sash brush, or even a small roller.

Purdy XL Sprig flat paint brush with natural wooden handle — ideal for priming kitchen cabinet panels, base coats, and large flat surfaces.

5. Purdy XL Sprig Flat Brush — $15–20

Think of this as your workhorse brush — the one you’ll use for priming and base coats, and keep coming back to project after project.

Why it’s great: It’s durable, holds a generous amount of paint, and works with every type of paint we’ve thrown at it.

Best for: Priming cabinet panels, applying base coats, and covering large flat surfaces.

Avoid for: Precision work on edges — pair it with an angled sash brush for frames.

Quick Comparison Table: Best Paint Brush for Kitchen Cabinets

Task / Surface	Best Brush	Why It’s Best
Cutting in cabinet frames	Purdy Clearcut Glide	Angled tip, crisp lines
Smooth finishing coats	Wooster Silver Tip	Soft bristles, spray-like finish
Tight cabinet spaces	Wooster Shortcut	Flexible handle, easy control
Wide cabinet doors	Zibra Grip-n-Glide	Holds more paint, quick coverage
Priming / base coats	Purdy XL Sprig	Works with all paints, cleans easily

Pro Tips for Cabinet Painting Success

Prep like a pro: Degrease, sand, and prime your cabinets — don’t skip this step, it’s the secret to a long-lasting finish.
Go light: Two or three thin coats will always beat one heavy coat (less dripping, faster drying).
Keep a wet edge: Overlap strokes slightly so you don’t end up with lap marks.
Care for your brushes: Rinse them right after use and comb out the bristles — a good brush can last through several kitchen makeovers.

Why Choosing the Best Paint Brush for Kitchen Cabinets Matters

Painting your kitchen cabinets isn’t just about color — it’s about the finish. The right brush saves you hours of sanding between coats and gives you that smooth, professional look you were going for. Choosing the best paint brush for kitchen cabinets means fewer headaches, better results, and a kitchen you’ll actually want to show off.

Need Help with Kitchen Cabinet Painting?

Feeling overwhelmed or just short on time? Our Tools and Hands team specializes in cabinet painting across Chicago and the northern suburbs. We do the prep, the priming, and the painting — so you can simply enjoy your refreshed kitchen.

Contact us today for a free estimate and let us turn your cabinets into the star of your kitchen.