5 Best Brush For Shellac (the Woodworker’s Paintbrush)

By / February 22, 2022

Oh darn, the layer of shellac on your favorite furniture came out uneven. Sounds like a familiar scenario? Well, we certainly hope not because we understand how infuriating that can be.

So, to make sure that you never face such scenarios in your life we have come with the best brush for shellac the market has to offer.

Now, we know that you might be thinking of just getting a regular brush that works on generic items. Don’t!

The brushes are not designed for shellacs. And you might end up with awkward strokes that will simply make your furniture look hideous. Instead, have a look at our top 5 picks.

We promise you they all have interesting features that you should look out for. So, join us as we go over these amazing brushes one by one-

1. Purdy 140853100 XL Brush

Purdy 140853100 XL Brush

  • Material: Synthetic Fiber
  • Size: 1 , 1-1/2 & 2 inches
  • Handle Type: Beavertail Handle
  • Number of Pieces: 3
  • Coating Types: Latex and Oil-Based Paints, Primers, and Stains
  • Surface Types: Walls, Ceilings, and Trim
  • Filament Materials: Tynex Nylon/Orel Polyester Blend

Behold our winner: Purdy 140853100 XL Brush. Now, the champion does deserve its glory, right? But what makes it the best out of all the brushes in the market. Well, for that you have to read ahead.

The unique thing about this product is its package deal. You see, this brush comes in a pack of 3. Now, so does another one on our list. But the 3 of the brushes offer different sizes and angles. This makes it easy to get paint on every corner.

Moreover, this brush is made of nylon and polyester. That ensures the brush lasts for a long time. And in fact, this brush surely does last longer than most of the brushes out there.

As for why it is a good match for shellac is because its bristles are made out of synthetic fibers. Hence, the bristles will not shed rapidly and will not deteriorate as much as the natural bristles do.

Plus, you get even strokes of shellac. In fact, they apply the shellac pretty smoothly. Moreover, you can even wash them easily. In fact, you can even use water. They will not absorb the water particles thus they won’t damage the brush.

As for the number of brushes, it comes in a pack of 3. And each of them has different bristle sizes. So, you can actually use them for different purposes. For instance, the bigger ones can cover a large surface.

Thus, they can be used on tables or large furniture. However, the smaller brushes are more angular. This makes them easy to reach the sneaky corners that are usually left untouched.

Furthermore, you get to use them for various purposes. They are not only limited to shellac. Since this brush supports latex and oil-based paints, primers, and stains they can be used for all sorts of work.

In fact, you can use this brush for both interior and exterior uses. They won’t have a problem.

In short, this one is a premium quality brush that will serve you for a long time. Hence, we recommend professionals to go for brushes like this.

Since they will be working a lot with them and need astonishing outcomes this will be the perfect item.

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2. Plaid 50557E Taklon Flat Brush

Plaid 50557E Taklon Flat Brush

  • Color: Gold Taklon
  • Number of Pieces: 2
  • Bristle Type: Synthetic Fiber
  • Brush Size: 1 ½ inch
  • Item Weight: 1.6 Ounces

The runner-up for our little list is the Plaid 50557E Taklon Flat Brush. Now, this brush didn’t necessarily become the winner but it did give a hefty competition. And we must say, the competition was fierce.

However, the runner-up has a few tricks up its sleeve-

For instance, this is the most lightweight brush that you will find on our list. It is only 1.6 ounces. Because of this lightweight, you can brush all day and your hands will not get tired that easily.

Another reason is that this brush has Taklon bristles. These are not made of natural hair. That gives them an edge since they are much easier to clean and are more hygienic in nature.

Other than that, the bristle is synthetic in nature. So, you can easily wash it with some soap and water. After that, you can also reshape the brush using your finger. 

This helps to dry up the brush a bit faster. On top of that, you can also keep it in storage for a long period of time.

Moreover, this brush comes in a set of two. However, we didn’t like the fact that both of them have the same bristle sizes. You see, both their brushes are 1 ½ inches in length.

But you can cover much of the space using these brushes. The length is quite average and it will give you a much more efficient outcome.

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3. Royal Brush Golden Taklon Brush

Royal Brush Golden Taklon Brush

  • Number of pieces: 3
  • Bristle material: Camel’s hair
  • Bristle sizes: 1 inch, 2 inches, and 3 inch
  • Handle: Hardwood

Moving on to the third product on our list we have the Royal Brush Golden Taklon Brush. This one is quite royal in nature if you ask us. But what does it offer on the table? Let’s find out-

Firstly, this is the most budget-friendly product on our list. And not only that you get 3 brushes at a very reasonable price. However, it does not compromise its quality. In fact, it is made of Taklon and camel hair.

Yes, you guessed it, this one is a natural bristle brush. But it also has Taklon in it that gives a great combo to the bristles. So, you get an even and smooth finish when you apply the shellac.

And even the handle is quite sturdy. You see, it is made out of hardwood. So, the brush won’t bend very easily and can retain quite a bit of pressure. Well, brushes don’t need to handle pressure but it is still great to have that.

But our favorite part is that you get 3 brushes in one set. And they are all varying lengths. As for their bristle’s length, they are between 1 inch, 2 inches, and 3 inches.

Now, compared to the first product you do get a lot of variation in size-wise. However, they are not angular like the first product. They are all straight. Thus, it will be hard to get the crooked corners.

But due to the variation of size, you can get into smaller places a bit easier. We mean, you do have the option. On the other hand, if you need to cover a large area this one has you covered as well.

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4. Fineably Chalk Paint Wax Brush Set

Fineably Chalk Paint Wax Brush Set

  • Bristle sizes: 1.97 and 1.38 inches
  • Number of brushes: 2
  • Bristle material: Natural
  • Handle: Wood
  • Total brush size: 8.66” and 6.1”

Another product that we have for you today is the Fineably Chalk Paint Wax Brush Set. This product is quite “fine”. But how did it earn a place on our list? Well, there are a couple of reasons for that.

Like this one is a premium quality round brush. You see, all the brushes that we have seen so far were flat brushes. With the help of this roundness, you can apply fine coats of shellac and focus on the details.

Plus, the shape makes this brush quite ergonomic. You can swiftly color the whole place without putting in a lot of effort. In fact, after long hours of applying shellac, you won’t be quite tired.

Moreover, this brush has metal ferrules. They secure the bristle in their place. And because of this, the bristles don’t come out as often.

Hence your shellac-covered furniture will not turn into a disaster because of loose pieces of bristles. In fact, it will be quite smooth and even.

As for the bristles they are 100% natural. This lets the shellac sit on the surfaces with ease. Hence, your coats will turn out to be quite smooth. Plus, the natural bristles are quite soft and easy to clean after usage.

Furthermore, this brush also has holes at the end of the handle. So, you can attach a string and put them on a wall. They are quite aesthetic in respect to looks. So, they will look great on your walls.

Plus, the handle is made out of good-quality wood. So, you see, it will last a long time.

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5. Wooster F5119-4 Polyester Stain Brush

Wooster F5119-4 Polyester Stain Brush

  • Color: White
  • Handle Material: Wood, and Hardwood 
  • Ferrule: Steel
  • Size: 4 Inch
  • Number Of Pieces: 1
  • Can be used on: Water-based and Oil-based

Last but not least we have the Wooster F5119-4 Polyester Stain Brush. We know this product is at the end of the barrel but wait. Give it a chance. You never know. This just might be the one for you.

What’s special about this then?

Well, if you have seen the comparison table then you know that this one has the highest bristle size. It is 4 inches. Thus you can cover a huge area with this brush. That means it won’t take a long time for you to finish your work.

As for the bristle it is made of synthetic fiber. To be exact it is made of polyester. This material makes the brush stay straight and rigid. Hence, you can apply even coatings of shellac and they will turn out to be smooth.

Moreover, the wooden handle makes the brush a top-quality one. Thus it will last you a long time. And that makes it worth your money.

Furthermore, this brush works on both water-based and oil-based paints. So, other than shellac you can use it for other applications as well. But do clean it before you do this.

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What Type of Brush for Shellac Should You Go for?

best brush for shellac

When people talk about the different types of brush they mainly focus on the shape. That’s where the main difference lies.

Now, if you scan the market you will come across different types of brushes. Meaning their shapes will be different. This is because they are specially made for different purposes.

For instance, flat brushes are made for fat and even surfaces. So, they mainly suit places like a wall, door, tabless, etc. Moreover, these types of brushes cover a lot of space so when you paint something using this brush they spread easily.

And for the sneaky corners, you should go for mop brushes. They can reach the mop-shaped brush and reach the hard corners and get shellac on them. So you see, it all depends on the purpose of your purchase.

In our opinion, it is better to use brushes that come in a set of 3. They typically have different shaped brushes for different purposes. So, no matter what you want it for you will have access to the brush. Plus, it saves cost to buy in pairs.

Which Bristles Are the Best for Shellac?

Now, time for the main part of the brush. You will be working with the bristles mainly so it is better to pay heed to them when you work with shellac. Typically there are two types of bristles in the market.

One is man-made bristles and the other one is natural bristles. The man-made ones are made for water-based products. And the natural bristles are mainly used for oil-based products.

However, natural bristles cannot work with water-based products. That is because it cannot soak up the water particles.

But what is work with shellac?

Well, natural bristles are a great pair for shellacs. They let the shellac sit on the surfaces with ease and let you coat the surfaces smoothly.

And it is made of animal hair so they are quite soft and you can even clean it easily afterward. It is actually not a hassle. But for more info on cleaning the brushes do read ahead.

The other type that works well is the one made of synthetic fibers. You see, the presence of synthetic fiber shows that your brush is of the top graded quality. While you are at it make sure to get a brush with thick and straight bristles.

Not having enough bristles means that you won’t get enough coatings in one go. Instead, you will have to go for several layers. Other than that, if the bristles are not straight the layer can be uneven which looks horrific.

Are Taklon Brushes Good for Shellac?

Another type of brush present in the market is called the Taklon brush. These brushes are considered to be one of the best types of brushes for shellac. They are in fact more hygienic than natural hair which is made of animals’ real hair.

Natural bristles tend to have uneven surfaces. This makes them trap powders, dead skin cells, bacteria, and chemicals. And the worst part is that you cannot even clean these particles.

Even if you thoroughly clean them they will still linger. Thus with natural brushes, you have to regularly disinfect them. This is not the case for Taklon brushes.

Is It Hard to Clean Brushes after Applying Shellac?

Well, we have already spoiled the surprise but just to make it clear you can easily clean the brush after applying shellac. In fact, you don’t even have to do much.

After applying the protective layer on your desired surface you can store the brush away for quite a while. But when you have to re-use the brush you simply have to dip it in denatured alcohol.

After that, you have to reshape the bristles, and lastly leave it in a cool place to dry it. But we suggest you get to this right away.

Don’t leave the brush in its condition because it might harden a lot and you will have more difficulty in cleaning the brush. Hence, it is better to get the job done right after you are finished with your work.

Can I Use The Brush That I Use for Wall to Paint Shellac?

Good news guys, you can use the brushes that you use on your walls for shellac. But you have to ensure that they have natural bristles. You see, the man-made bristles absorb water-based latex and it makes the brushes limp.

Another thing to note is that the whole thing depends on your work. But professionals who need to work on shellac on a regular basis then do not buy generic brushes.

You need to go for specialized brushes. However, if you have a one-time job and your wall brushes aren’t completely worn out then you can paint using them. But do a practice run to ensure that everything is alright?

What Material Should Shellac Brush be Made Of?

As for the quality of the brush, you can determine it by 3 things. And these are the handle, the ferrule, and the bristles. Now, you know what type of bristles to get and as long as you ensure that they are of fine quality you should be okay.

But what about the handles?

Well, if you plan on using shellac then go for the brushes that have strong yet comfortable handles. The solid handles ensure that the brush is highly functional. And comfort is for your ease of usage.

On the other hand, pay heed to the ferrule as well. They are in charge of preventing the brush from splitting or wearing. So, make sure they are made of top-quality stainless steel.

The presence of stainless steel ensures that the brush is of good quality. And that in return means that your brush will serve you a long time. Isn’t that what everyone wants?

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I reuse brushes made of synthetic fibers?

Answer: Yes, brushes made of synthetic fibers can be reused. All you have to do is clean it using water. As the material cannot absorb water they don’t become damaged with repeated washes. Hence it’s reusable.

Question: How do I store brushes after use?

Answer: Once you are done applying the shellac you can store away the brush like you normally do. Simply wash the brush and then give it plenty of time to dry. Once they are fully dried you can place them in a clean space for storage.

Question: How do I find out which brush can do smooth paint?

Answer: The first step towards getting smooth paint is to buy a premium brush. Then make sure that the brush has even bristles. If they are uneven they will create an awkward piece of art.

Question: Are soft brushes good for applying shellac?

Answer: Yes, soft brushes work well when you are applying shellac. In fact, we recommend it since you can apply a smooth brush. This type of brush increases the accuracy of your entire work.

Question: Can I prevent bristles from opening from the base during use?

Answer: Sadly there is no way of preventing bristles from coming off the brushes during use. But if you buy the brushes with ferrules made of stainless steel they will last a bit longer.

To Wrap Up

Woah! That was one heck of a journey. Well, we have to say we pretty much covered a lot of ground on the best brush for shellac. So, we’ll like to call it a day today.

But we sure hope you find the right brush for you. Remember the quality of the bristles is the main deal. Anyway, best of luck and have fun painting. Toodles!

Kevin Smith
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