Hamilton For The Trade Paintbrush review

Updated Jun 5, 2026 | Posted Sep 9, 2022 | Tools | 1 comment

Disclosure: Some links on this site are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Hamilton has been around for years! In fact, every single old-school decorator I know has used, or still uses, Hamilton pure-bristle brushes for oil-based paint.

It is bread and butter for the industry. But Hamilton is not just an old-school brand. They have never stopped developing and evolving their tools.

As a professional decorator and seasoned blogger for the Decorators Forum UK, I was intrigued by the news of their Contractor Range. This range of tools was developed to be a slightly cheaper option while still maintaining trade quality.

I think Hamilton primarily envisioned these tools being used by builders, labourers, and handymen, but professional decorators like me have absolutely lapped them up.

Hamilton For The Trade Paintbrush review

 

Right, I’m here to review the “For The Trade” paintbrush. You can pick them up online by clicking here, or from places like Tool Station, in various sizes. To say they are cheap would be an understatement; even the 3-inch version costs less than a fiver.

They consist of a robust wooden handle that is comfortable to hold, medium-length synthetic bristles, and a secure ferrule. The bristles are soft, but because they are not too long, the paint does not drag while you are using the brush.

Advertisement

You do experience a little bristle loss, but nothing major. They do not last particularly long either, so you may only get a few uses out of them. These paintbrushes are comfortable, hold plenty of paint, cut a sharp line, and wash out easily. Everything you could want from a paintbrush that costs less than a fiver!

I have only used Hamilton For The Trade paintbrushes with water-based paints so far, including emulsion and WRX satinwood, but I would highly recommend them. I genuinely do not know how Hamilton is producing brushes like this at the price they are, but fair play to them.

 Click here to buy from Amazon.

 

Review Summary

Hamilton For The Trade Paintbrush review - Decorator's forum UK

Paintbrushes designed predominantly for the Contractor Market. This means they are better quality than DIY brushes, but not as good as the high-end brushes that Decorators use.

Product Brand: Hamilton Decorating Tools

Editor's Rating:
3.8

Pros

  • Comfortable.
  • Holds plenty of paint.
  • Will cut a sharp line.
  • Wash out easily.
  • Cheap.
  • Readily available.

Cons

  • Some bristle loss.
  • There are a lot of better paintbrushes on the market, but these offer quality for their price bracket.

Updated Jun 5, 2026 | Posted Sep 9, 2022 | 1 comment

About the Author

About the Author

Mike Gregory is a Professional Painter and Decorator who works in the Northwest of England. He mainly sub-contracts for large decorating firms and works on a wide variety of projects.

Related articles

Axus Décor Flex E Scuttle Liner Review

Axus Décor Flex E Scuttle Liner Review

The Axus Décor Flex E Scuttle Liner is a silicone insert that fits inside a paint scuttle. The material itself is a coated silicone, which means paint won’t stick to it. The idea is that you can use the scuttle liner when painting, remove as much paint as you can at...

Corona Paint Brush Review

Corona Paint Brush Review

Professional Decorator Robin Gofton writes an honest Corona paint brush review – A brand manufactured in the USA.

1 Comment

  1. Richard Mcdougall

    For the money these are fantastic brushes an absolute dream to cut in with nice short and easy controlled.
    Very underated.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *