Staalmeester are a Dutch paintbrush company who manufacture some very strange looking brushes. They’ve been available in the UK for a few years now and a lot of decorators hold them in high regard.
As a decorator myself, I’ve been using them for a while. They may even be my favourite brand for applying water-based trim paints.
I thought I’d take the time to sit down and write a Staalmeester paintbrush review. I’ll focus on my two favourite Staalmeester brushes as these are the ones I think are worth talking about. I buy mine from Crown Decorating Centres, however there are plenty of other stockists available.
Staalmeester Pro-Hybrid Sash Brush Review
This could quite possibly be one of the best sash brushes on the planet. I use them whenever I’m painting windows or cutting in around interior trim work. They consist of a long wooden handle, steel ferrule and purple synthetic bristles, which are lashed together with green string!! I know it sounds alien, but it looks sexy!!
The best thing about this brush is the amount of control you have when using it. I love using this paintbrush when I’m applying water-based satinwood or gloss. This type of product can be very loose and difficult to control. Using the Staalmeester sash makes everything a lot easier. That’s not to say it isn’t equally as good in oil, because it is!!
Paint deposit is another big plus point. The Staalmeester sash holds a good amount of paint and deposits it evenly all the way to its tip. I think that’s down to the shape and quality of the bristles.
Last, but not least, the longevity. Sash brushes normally fall to bits after a few uses, but the build-quality of the Staalmeester sash means it holds together and lasts for ages. This is ideal for me, because as a decorator I go through a lot of brushes.
Staalmeester Pro-Hybrid Flat Brush
This is another strange brush. The flat paintbrush is, as the name suggests, a thin, flat brush. Although it’s thin, it has short bristles, meaning you can still control it easily. There’s only really one use for this brush to my mind and that is water-based trim paints.
It isn’t what I’d call a cutter, although you can easily push paint into tight corners. You can lay paint off with ease too!! You’ll get an awesome finish every time!! This brush comes into its own on large flat surfaces such as doors and windowsills. Even laying off skirting boards and things like that.
The only downside of this brush is the longevity. The bristles seem to wear down rather quickly, so don’t expect it to last forever.
Review Summary
Staalmeester Paintbrush Review - Decorator's forum UK
A range of Dutch brushes designed specifically for use with water-based paints. Staalmeester has been in the UK for a few years now, and has proved popular with Professional Decorators.
Product Brand: Staalmeester
4.2
Pros
- All the brushes are very well made.
- The sash brush is phenomenal.
- They’re all great with loose material.
- Lays paint off so you can avoid brush marks.
- They look pretty.
Cons
- Other than the sash brush, you don’t get much control when cutting in.
- They’re very niche paintbrushes; you would ONLY use them to apply water-based trim paint.
Final Thoughts
Staalmeester paintbrushes are very strange looking, but they do their job well, and there are no other brushes like them on the UK market. As mentioned in the above review, they work best in modern water-based products.
I love these brushes. There is a good reason more and more decorators are turning to them. I wonder how long it’ll be before another manufacturer brings out a similar range to compete.
I’ve had these for a couple of years. I was given a box and also bought some when they were on offer.
The 2 inch has got to be the softest bristled brush I own (and I own a lot, being a brush fetishist) 😳
The key to a good wb finish is piling it on and letting it self level – these are ideal for the job.
The string is a “bridle” and an old way of allowing the brush to stay stiff for painting, when the bristles wore down the bridle was released to give it anew lease of life.