Fox paint brushes
Fox paint brushes are a distinctive range of brushes on the market that are definitely making a few waves with both pros and DIY enthusiasts alike. Paint brushes are certainly an area of the DIY and home improvement market place that seems to continue growing, and keeping up with developments can be a time consuming occupation. Therefore when the nice people at Fox brushes asked me to take a little look at their range – how could I refuse! And my guide below should help you make up your mind on any potential purchase.
Fox paint brush range
There’s plenty of variety in the Fox range – they even do mini rollers.
The Fox range is indeed extensive, and growing, and as you can see from the amount of brushes in the box I was sent, there is indeed a brush for pretty much every imaginable occasion.
All brushes have synthetic bristles, making them ideal for use with water-based paints, but as is the way with most modern synthetic bristled brushes, they are also designed for use with oil-based paints.
Personally, my main point of focus with a paint brush range is always aimed at how the standard, straight-cut brushes perform. Yes, it’s nice to have sash brushes, laying-off brushes, all different sizes etc. etc. but you really don’t ‘need’ them. I write more about this point in my ‘Buying paint brushes’ guide – 95% of the time, you only ‘need’ three brush type/sizes for DIY, so with this point in mind, this guide is mainly concerned with how the standard Fox straight-cut paint brush performs.
Using the brush
On initial inspection, the straight-cut brushes are of a very traditional design, with a nice wooden handle, steel ferrule, and the distinctive orange bristles are shaped beautifully – so A1 for appearance.
The Fox was great for cutting-in a precise, straight line, as required with features such as picture rails.
My first run-out with Fox paint brushes was to use a 2 inch (50 mm) brush for applying emulsion, and I would say that it passed the test with flying colours. In other words, you could hold plenty of paint with each brush load, you could cut-in an accurate straight line, and you could achieve a good flat finish with no brush marks.
I also opted for trying the 1.5 inch (38 mm) brush with water-based gloss and I was able to achieve very crisp, sharp lines, when cutting-in, but what was most impressive was the beautiful flat finish I managed on doors and window sills.
What about oil-based paint? Well, I ran a completely unscientific test on a panel door, by painting adjacent panels, one with the Fox, one with the DIY favourite – a Harris, and one with a Hamilton. I’d like to report some sort of huge difference, but I couldn’t really single out any brush for providing the best finish – honestly, all were good.
So what can I/we conclude?……I’m a brilliant painter with any brush!……mmm maybe not…….All brushes are the same!……errrr definitely not (note I didn’t use any real ‘cheapos’ in the test!)……..Or maybe it’s simply the case that the Fox fits well into the range of comparative brush designs on the market.
The Foxy conclusion
The Fox is a good ‘solid’ brush, and a great go-to brush for your brush box. It feels good in the hand, it provides a good finish, it cleans out well, it doesn’t shed bristles all over the place, and after a month or so of testing, it hasn’t fallen to pieces.
My favourite sizes – 2 inch, 1 inch and a fitch. Why these sizes – check out my ‘Buying paint brushes’ guide.
I think it compares well in performance with most other good quality synthetic bristled brushes. It could even be argued that the finish it provides is as good as that produced by a Purdy, a Rembrandt or other top of the range options – some may argue differently on this point, but what can’t be argued with is the value for money provided by Fox paint brushes.
I know there are always fluctuations in prices, but you’ll generally find that whether you buy a little set, or single brushes, Foxes are cheaper than Harris or Hamilton brushes, and definitely cheaper than Purdy.
As mentioned earlier, I’m not one for having every size of brush – as pictured above, there are three sizes that I go for with paint brushes and those would be the Foxes I would recommend.
It’s also worth mentioning that Fox paint brushes are British made, so it’s nice to support something from ‘home’ for a change.
Whether you’re a pro or DIYer, buying some Foxes for your brush box is definitely a worthwhile investment – to check out the deals available, go to Mypaintbrush to view the whole range! Also, do pay a visit to my friends at Traditional Painter for a few more views on the Fox.
