Paint Brushes

Purdy

Purdy Paint Brushes set features five professional-grade brushes in various sizes and styles for precise application. Crafted with SRT filament blend that holds more paint for efficient coverage and reduced streaking. The thoughtfully designed handles and bristles deliver crisp lines and professional results on everything from detailed trim work to larger surface areas. With proper cleaning and care, these brushes offer exceptional durability for multiple projects over many years.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:8 x 10 x 0.55 inches
Lifespan:15+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:USA
Manufacturing:Handmade in Portland, Oregon since 1925 with each brush bearing the maker's name.

Research Summary

Purdy brushes occupy a contested BIFL space: DIYers get 15-20 years from an $8 brush with proper care, while pros claim quality declined post-Sherwin-Williams acquisition. Their BIFL status hinges entirely on your cleaning discipline—neglect will kill them quickly. For weekend warriors who meticulously clean after each use, they're an exceptional value. Professionals might find the inconsistent quality frustrating, with many migrating to Corona. The brushes haven't changed, but your expectations should: these are conditional BIFL tools requiring religious maintenance.

  • Exceptional longevity potential (15-20 years) but only with immediate, thorough cleaning after each use
  • No repair needed when properly maintained; original cardboard sleeve critical for preserving brush shape
  • Manufacturing defects warranty with no time limit, but proper care is your real insurance policy
  • At $8, these deliver professional results for a modest investment—if you're committed to proper maintenance
  • DIYers consistently praise performance while professionals increasingly report bristle loss and inconsistent quality

Repairability Notes

8.5

Purdy brushes demonstrate excellent repairability when maintained properly, with multiple users reporting 15-20 years of continuous use.

  • Cleaning Requirements: Users report brushes can last decades when cleaned thoroughly after use. Many repurchase only because they failed to clean properly, not from wear.
  • Parts & Maintenance: The original cardboard sleeve is identified as a critical maintenance component for preserving brush shape. Users recommend brush combs for removing stubborn paint.
  • Manufacturer Support: Purdy provides a warranty against manufacturing defects, though it doesn't cover normal wear or improper care.

Bottom line: These brushes are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Multiple evidence of 15-20 year lifespan with consistent performance, but their longevity is entirely dependent on proper cleaning and storage discipline.

Durability Notes

6.5

Here's the deal: Purdy brushes spark a civil war between DIYers who swear by their 20-year-old brushes and pros who say quality tanked after Sherwin-Williams bought them. At $8, these specific brushes punch way above their weight class, but they're not the heirloom-grade Purdys of old.

  • DIY Win: Users report brushes lasting 15-20 years with proper care - one painted three apartments over 15 years, another cut clean lines after 20 years of use
  • Pro Exodus: Experienced painters are jumping ship to Corona, citing bristle loss and inconsistent quality - hundreds of brushes over 15 years showed Purdy tends to have more brushes that lost bristles
  • Care or Die: Fourth time buying these brushes not because they wore out but because I didn't clean them properly - longevity is 100% dependent on immediate, thorough cleaning

Bottom line: Could've been great, but modern Purdys are coasting on legacy reputation. For DIYers who baby their tools, they'll last years. For pros or lazy cleaners, look elsewhere.

Warranty Notes

7.0

Purdy offers a manufacturing defects warranty with no stated time limit, and real-world evidence shows they maintain a strong reputation for long-term durability when brushes are properly maintained.

  • Coverage: Manufacturing and material defects covered, but routine wear, misuse, and improper care excluded.
  • User Experience: BIFL community reports show brushes lasting 15-20 years with proper maintenance.
  • Claims Process: While specific claim details aren't prominently published, Purdy offers multiple contact channels for support.

Bottom line: Purdy maintains their brushes' reputation as lasting tools that, with proper care, can provide decades of service, and they appear to stand behind their products consistently.

Social Analysis

9.0

Purdy paint brushes have a strong reputation in the BIFL community, particularly among DIYers and homeowners who value long-term quality.

  • Longevity: Multiple users report brushes lasting 15-20+ years with proper care, making them true BIFL items despite being consumables
  • Maintenance: Proper cleaning is essential - many users admit repurchasing not because brushes wore out but because they didn't clean them properly
  • Professional vs DIY: Some professional painters suggest quality has declined since Sherwin-Williams acquisition, with Corona now preferred, but DIY users remain overwhelmingly satisfied

Bottom line: Consistently praised for exceptional durability when maintained correctly, with homeowners reporting decades of reliable performance for a modest investment.

BIFL Total Score:
8.0Excellent
Paint Brushes
Crowd Favorite
Repair Friendly
Amazon
$7.99

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
8.0
Durability Score
6.5
Repairability Score
8.5
Social Score
9.0
Warranty Score
7.0

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

Can last 15-20 years with proper care

Excellent cut-in ability and clean lines

Cardboard sleeve preserves brush shape

Great value for DIY homeowners

Areas for Improvement

Quality declined after Sherwin-Williams acquisition

Professionals increasingly prefer Corona brand

Requires immediate, thorough cleaning after use

More bristle loss than earlier models

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

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Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: After each useClean and maintain Purdy paint brushes immediately after each use to ensure long-lasting performance.

Step 1

Clean

Rinse synthetic brushes with warm water and mild soap right after use, working the soap through the bristles. Avoid soaking the brush base or ferrule. For dried paint, use hot soapy water quickly to soften, then rinse thoroughly. For stubborn dried paint, repeat cleaning or use mineral spirits as needed following manufacturer guidelines. Never clean brushes directly in the sink.

Recommended Products

  • Purdy Brush and Roller Cleaner$10-15
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

After cleaning and drying, comb out bristles with a Purdy Brush Comb to straighten and restore shape. For natural bristle brushes used with water-based paint, condition with a small amount of linseed oil worked into dry bristles to maintain softness.

Recommended Products

  • Linseed Oil$5-10
Step 3

Protect / Store

Store brushes hung by the handle or laid flat on their side; never store standing on the bristles. Use the Purdy Keeper to protect brush shape and bristles until next use. Keep brushes in a dry place to prevent damage.

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