8 Best Foam Brushes for Painting Walls + Tips for Using Them

Last updated: December 11, 2020


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If your walls are in need of some minor touch-ups, you’ll want the process to be as easy as possible. What you might not realize is that the process can be efficient with the right tools. Foam paintbrushes have become popular options for quickly painting small spots on walls and having the results look great.

While the concept seems easy enough, it can be hard to pick out the right brush and figure out how to actually use it. This article will help you make sense of using a foam brush on your walls by discussing the following:

Before we get into using a foam brush for painting walls, let’s dive into the best foam paintbrushes currently available. If you’re looking to do additional touch-ups, check out our guide on the best paintbrushes for trim.

8 best foam brushes for painting walls

There are many different foam brushes available, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed by your options. To get you started, here are our recommendations for the top foam paintbrushes for walls.

1. Wooster Foam King Paintbrush

Wooster Foam King Paintbrush

Image Credit: Amazon.ca

Quantity: 1

Size: 2-inch

Material: Polyurethane foam

Best Feature: Quality

If you're looking for a foam brush you can trust, you should check out the Wooster Foam King Paintbrush. The brush is made of high-quality foam, helping you to smoothly apply paint with no marks. Its handle is also made with a stiffener blade, helping you paint with consistency.

2. FoamPRO Foam Brush & 4 Refills

FoamPRO Foam Brush

Image Credit: Amazon.ca

Quantity: 1

Size: 2-inch

Material: Foam

Best Feature: Refillable

For a foam brush that will give you quality and is easy to replace, you need the FoamPRO Foam Brush set. This brush is made with quality foam and a trusty handle to help you achieve a smooth finish. It also comes with four refills so you can keep painting for longer.

3. Royal Brush Foam Brush 4-Pack

Royal Brush Foam Brush 4-Pack

Image Credit: Amazon.ca

Quantity: 4

Size: 1-inch

Material: Foam

Best Feature: Popular choice

The Royal Brush Foam Brush pack is one of the top recommended packs. It comes with four foam brushes to help you touch-up your walls quickly and efficiently. The brushes also work well with many paints, stains, and varnishes.

4. Jen Manufacturing Poly Foam Brush

Jen Manufacturing Poly Foam Brush

Image Credit: Amazon.ca

Quantity: 1

Size: 1-inch

Material: Polyurethane foam

Best Feature: Versatility

The Jen Manufacturing Poly Foam Brush is great for any areas of your wall that need a touch-up. The quality foam helps to smooth paint in small areas for a beautiful finish. It also works great with all paints and is available in other sizes.

5. Pro Grade Foam Brush Set

Pro Grade Foam Brush Set

Image Credit: Amazon.ca

Quantity: 48

Size: 1-inch

Material: Polyurethane foam

Best Feature: Affordable

If you know you'll go through lots of brushes and are looking for value, the Pro Grade Foam Brush Set is a great option. All 48 brushes are made of poly foam and have a wooden handle, allowing for easy use and good quality painting. This set will also be very kind to your wallet.

6. Vanitek Poly Foam Brush Set

Vanitek Poly Foam Brush Set

Image Credit: Amazon.ca

Quantity: 10

Size: 1-inch to 4-inch

Material: Polyurethane foam

Best Feature: Variety

For those searching for multiple foam brushes but are looking for more variety, the Vanitek Poly Foam Brush Set is for you. This set includes multiple sizes to help you with all types of work on your walls. The foam also absorbs the paint well, helping you to avoid messes.

7. Bates Foam Brushes

Bates Foam Brushes

Image Credit: Amazon.ca

Quantity: 26

Size: 1-inch

Material: Foam

Best Feature: Quality

The Bates Foam Brushes set is another great option for those looking to purchase foam brushes for their walls in bulk. The foam used is very absorbent, helping you give your walls a smooth finish. It's also securely attached to the wooden handle, allowing you to maintain control.

8. Plaid Foam Brushes

Plaid Foam Brushes

Image Credit: Amazon.ca

Quantity: 3

Size: 2-inch to 3-inch

Material: Foam

Best Feature: Reusable

If you'd like to get a couple uses out of your foam brushes before tossing them, you might want to consider the Plaid Foam Brushes. These brushes help you achieve great coverage on your walls. They also work on almost all surfaces and can be washed with soap and water.

What’s the best type of foam brush for walls?

When it comes to shopping for foam brushes, you’ll want to make sure that you examine your options carefully. There are many options available, some with a higher quality make than others. These are the characteristics you should look for:

  • Intended for interior painting - If you find brushes that are advertised purely for arts and crafts, they likely won’t last as long when attempting to paint your walls.
  • Angled foam - Foam brushes with an angled tip will help you maintain control and apply paint smoothly.
  • Made of quality materials - Look specifically for brushes that advertise the quality of their foam and handles. You want the brush to last for the duration of the project and be comfortable to hold.

You might also be tempted to opt for a bristle paintbrush instead of a foam paintbrush. Here are the reasons why you should choose a foam brush instead:

  • Smooth finish - Foam brushes are great at helping you smoothly apply paint and blending it in with the rest of your wall, making it a great option for small touch-ups.
  • Disposable and inexpensive - The majority of foam brushes are very affordable and can be tossed after use, which is great if you’re doing a quick, one-time project on your walls.
  • Absorbent of all paint types - Foam brushes have proven to hold on to paint and apply it to surfaces very well, and they’re versatile in the sense that they’re able to do this despite what type of paint you choose to use.

Best way to paint your walls with a foam brush

Once you’re ready to start painting your walls, you’ll want to be sure they end up looking their best. These are tips to help you when using a foam brush to paint your walls.

  • Use only one side of the brush - While using foam brushes, many are tempted to try painting with the second side immediately after applying paint with the first. This will potentially result in smudging of your paint, so it’s best to stick to the same side.
  • Only dip the angled tip into the paint - Foam brushes are really absorbent, only applying what you need will ensure you’re not left with any blotches or messes on your walls.
  • Hold the brush at a higher angle - This will help you control the tip of the brush and smoothly apply your paint.
  • Try feathering or blotting your paint - Trying one of these techniques will help you apply only what you need and prevent any harsh brush marks or lines from being left behind.

Now that you know all about using a foam brush for painting walls, it’s time to get started. If you’re feeling that you might rather take the professional route, the City Painters is here to help. Contact us here or give us a call to get a quote for your project!