Best Foam Art Paintbrushes in 2022

Last update: December 3, 2022

Are foam brushes reusable?

Foam brushes can be reused, but they will eventually lose their shape and become less effective at applying paint evenly. To extend the life of a foam brush, clean it thoroughly after each use and store it in a cool, dry place.

Are foam paint rollers any good?

Foam paint rollers are a great option for painting projects. They are easy to use and provide a smooth, even finish. Foam rollers are also less likely to leave behind streaks or brush marks.

Can I clean a foam brush with mineral spirits?

You can clean a foam brush with mineral spirits, but it's not the best idea. Foam brushes are made of polyurethane, which is a type of plastic. Mineral spirits will dissolve the polyurethane, making the brush fall apart.

Can you apply Poly with a foam brush?

Yes, you can apply poly with a foam brush, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, foam brushes tend to leave brush strokes, so it's best to use them with a light touch. Second, because foam brushes are so absorbent, they can suck up a lot of the polyurethane, so you may need to apply more coats than you would with a regular brush.


Wooster Brush 3103-2 Foam King Paintbrush, 2-Inch Review:


Okay, I get that purchasing a single foam brush when you can purchase a package of 20 foam brushes at that enormous superstore a few blocks away is absurd. Believe me. This is a totally distinct creature.It seems like I paint every day. My upholstery business steadily expanded from occasionally painting the feet of chairs to painting as much furniture as I upholster. In addition to all of that, my house, which was built in the 1950s but hasn't been modified since the 1980s save for a few minor adjustments to the decor here and there in a few rooms, is a never-ending project. I paint a lot!I utilize glues, polyurethane, polyacrylic, paste wax, liquid wax, creme wax, oil-based enamels, chalk style paints (both commercially available and homemade of various formulas), chalk board paint, and just about anything else you can think of to apply with a brush.According to what I was doing, I applied paint using almost every common tool. This is the most adaptable, practical, economical tool I've come across, and it yields reliable, slick, lovely results. I got 10 of these about a month ago and have been putting them through some rigorous testing.It distinguishes itself from the inexpensive, disposable foam brushes primarily by design and components. The foam's cells are uniform in size and shape and significantly smaller. They leave a smooth layer of paint behind instead of the uneven "brush marks" and even scratches that the inexpensive brushes' inconsistent, hard, crunchy cells leave behind since they are considerably softer. I've included a close-up photo of this 2 inch brush next to a less expensive 2 inch brush so you can compare them.The endurance of the brush and the quality of the work it performs have both greatly improved with just one straightforward design change from the cheapies. Although it may appear insignificant, the tiny piece of plastic that provides the foam form and connects it to the handle makes a significant difference. The Wooster brush's component is longer and more flexible. The brush can bend gently while applying pressure and spreading a smooth, even coat of paint thanks to the enhanced flexibility. The cheap foam brushes bend sharply and apply greater pressure to your workpiece where the stiff piece of plastic was pushing back as opposed to the sections of the stroke made by the unsupported foam when they have the stiff piece of plastic in the middle.Whenever I use a cheap foam brush, I always notice that the foam at the end of the plastic handle is beginning to break and crack. The foam usually merely bends over the plastic because it doesn't bend as much (I wish I knew what to call that plastic thing). With heavier paints, such as chalky paints, the plastic immediately begins to work its way through the foam. Rarely did I finish one coat of paint on a set of four dining chairs without having to obtain a new brush.Even if the inexpensive brushes were capable of completing a project, I wouldn't even think about washing and reusing them. They are incapable of withstanding the degree of manipulation required to effectively remove the old paint. Even if I tried to keep them moist between layers by wrapping them in plastic that had been loaded with paint, some of the paint would still manage to dry and develop into hard little paint balls that would tear the earlier coats.One of these had only a slight amount of dryness at the corners after I had forgotten about it for around five days while it was wrapped in plastic. It didn't exhibit any harm and rinsed out with just a little extra scrubbing between my fingers in the dry places. I have used these too many times to count after washing them. In less than a minute, the water runs pure because of how quickly the old paint is released. In the beginning, I make an effort to keep the used brushes divided into darks and lights in case there was a speck of leftover color in the foam. However, while they all appear and function like new, it was really difficult to keep up with what used to be on them unless I got paint on the handle and didn't wash it off. Even on one, I applied oil-based polyurethane, washed it with mineral spirits, and carried on. The foam and glue that maintain the foam on the stick can't possibly withstand that repeatedly, yet so far it's worked!Only because I accidentally left a dirty one in a nearly empty, open paint can on a shelf, forgot about it for a few weeks, and didn't feel like cleaning it, am I still using nine of the original ten?It's nothing like the foam brushes we're used to, yet in the ways that matter to me the most, it outperforms other paint applicators. It applies even coats without brushstrokes, the fuzzy texture of a fuzzy roller, the tiny slap dots of a foam roller, the thick lines from the edges of foam pads, or the brushstrokes of a foam roller.Even though I wholeheartedly suggest this brush for any application on a smooth surface, I wouldn't use it for every painting project if you want a smooth appearance over one with very evident brushstrokes. It's not intended to take the place of every tool you might use to paint, including peacock feathers, old t-shirts, shopping bags, and brushes. If you're painting a room, the pointed tip works great for corners and on moldings, but avoid using it to paint the entire house. Use the fluffy roller and the short-handled angle sash brush for rough surfaces and for detail work like free-hand cutting in at the top of walls and ceilings. However, this brush makes painting flat surfaces so simple and enjoyable that before finishing the walls, you'll be hunting for doors and cabinets to paint.



Wooster Brush 3103-3 Wooster 3913 Chiseled, Deluxe Quality Factory Sale Assortment, 3-Brush, Polyester Trim, Black/Gold, 3-Inch Review:


To test the quality, I bought foam brushes from three different brands (Wooster Foam King on left, US Art Supply in the middle, and KingArt on the right). These brushes were sturdy while using latex paint and had a very even foam cut edge. These brushes outperform KingArt and US Art Supply brushes (those foam parts that get lost while using latex paint) (has less-dense foam



Artlicious - Foam Paint Brush Value Pack (One Inch - 25 Pack) Review:


These sponge brushes are generally of decent quality, and I've ordered and used them frequently. However, when I try to use them with enamel paint, the brush's spongy component begins to disintegrate, and I end up with tiny sponge pieces in the paint. It's unfortunate that I can't use these with enamel paint, which I use on all the vases, coasters, etc. that I make and sell. This may not be the fault of the brush itself because the same thing could happen to any brand of sponge brush because it also happened with some brushes I bought at Walmart that were a different brand. However, I haven't had any problems when using them with acrylic paint or Mod Podge. They are perfect with those.



Vanitek 10 Piece Flat Flexible Poly Foam Bevel-Tipped Brush Set with Wooden Handles - Ideal for Applying Paint, Oil-Based Paints, Stain, Varnish, Enamel, Latex Paint, Smooth Surfaces, Arts & Crafts Review:


The goods was of good quality and the variety of sizes was great. The entire bag was used for my staining project. They didn't leave bubbles or streaks from my gel stain, however by the end they were coming off the sticks and they lasted a long time before failing. In contrast to the department store ones I purchased, these are affordable and worthwhile.



Loew-Cornell 841 20-Piece Foam Brush Set, 1-Pack, Black Review:


These are significantly less expensive than buying them individually or even in the three-packs that big box stores occasionally sell. The best and most affordable options can be obtained at Michaels or other craft stores if you only need one or two. These offer the best value for the money that I could find online. I've tried some others, like Woodstock, and they were awful. After using them for about a minute, ALL of the handles broke off.The quality of the Loew Cornell brushes is much higher. They shed less foam and the handles stay on better, in particular. Not that I haven't had challenges, mind you. Typically, a number of the handles on each package are coming off. I'm not sure if this is a result of the handles' holes being too large or if glue was not used where it should have been.However, despite having a success percentage of only 17 out of 20, I still thought they were of higher quality than comparable items from Home Depot, Lowes, or the Woodstock products available on Amazon.



Artlicious - 1 inch Foam Paint Brush Value Pack of 50 Review:


These brushes are excellent. They are of higher quality than those from Home Depot or OceanState Job Lot. These brushes, in my opinion, are the ideal stiffness for combining polycrylic and polyurethane. They are also used by me to apply wood glue. Although they are easily washable, who cares if you were to throw one away? Take a look at how many you receive for this cost!



Pro Grade - Foam Brushes - 1 Inch 48 Piece Foam Brush Set Review:


Depending on how you use it or what you're using it for, these are ideal for what I do and last as long, if not longer, as any other foam brush I've tried. I use them to base coat signs on smooth wood, and I can paint 15-20 signs with just one, in a day, with no problems, 2-3 coats. Then I discard. I wash them out and reuse them numerous times on slower days. Reviews claiming that they "shed" or that the handle easily breaks, etc. Yes, perhaps one of these problems affects one out of every 20 packs. When it appears that the handle might come off, I may occasionally need to hold slightly beneath it. It still accomplishes the job, so no big issue. After the paint has dried, the tiny particles can be cleaned off if they "shed." These have been reordered numerous times.


Can you cut in with a foam brush?

You can cut in with a foam brush, but it's not ideal. The bristles are too soft and absorbent, so they don't create a crisp line. They also tend to leave streaks. If you're going to use a foam brush, use a light touch and be prepared to go over the area again with a regular brush to even things out.

Can you use a foam brush for enamel paint?

A foam brush can work for enamel paint, but it may not give you the best results. The paint can end up looking streaky or uneven. It is best to use a regular paint brush for enamel paint.

Can you use foam brushes with acrylic paint?

Yes, foam brushes can be used with acrylic paint. They can be used to apply paint to a variety of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and metal. Foam brushes are often used by artists to create textured effects or to apply paint in a controlled manner.

Do foam brushes leave streaks?

Foam brushes are often used for painting because they are inexpensive and easy to find. However, some people find that foam brushes leave streaks behind. This could be due to the type of paint you are using, the brush itself, or how you are using the brush. If you are having trouble with streaks, try using a different brush or painting technique.

Do foam paint brushes work well?

Do you wet a foam paint brush?

Foam paint brushes are designed to be used without water, so there is no need to wet them before use.