I had no idea that I would spend so much of my time as a new homeowner painting. I paint ALL. THE. FREAKING. TIME. Whether its changing wall colors, touching up baseboards, or even painting things that don’t really need to be painted – furniture? back steps? PAINT ALL THE THINGS!!!! – I have finally gotten to the point where I am starting to seriously question the tools I use to go all Picasso on my humble abode.

I have skimped on brushes for literally every project I have tackled so far, and I always regret it when I have stray brush bristles stuck to my walls from dollar store or Lowes discount bin brushes, and my garage is full to the brim with misshapen brushes falling apart from regular use and minor wear and tear.

While bemoaning my ill fate of crappy brushes, Purdy brushes were recommended to me from a friend who has done a lot of construction work over the years. Didn’t I know that brushes aren’t supposed to suck all the joy from my DIY home projects?! (Well… no, actually I didn’t. haha.)

I did a little Google research on the company to see what the big deal was, and I found myself increasingly lusting over these sexy brushes. (That came out.. awkward.) Handcrafted, made in the USA, these brushes aren’t just tools, they are a kind of art. I was smitten with the concept of having long term use brushes that are a labor of handcrafting skill and art.

So I decided to reach out to the good folks at Purdy, and they were kind enough to provide me with some sample brushes, and a roller and roller frame!

About Purdy and Their Handcrafted Brushes

From the Purdy website (click here to visit!):

Purdy had its beginning in a converted 2 car garage in Portland, Oregon with 5 employees in 1925. Founder, S. Desmond Purdy believed that handcrafting the finest painting tools may take a little longer but was the only way to “build in” superior coverage and performance. It is this commitment to quality that is the foundation on which professionals rely on and is the driving force behind each Purdy brush, roller, and tool that has our name on it.

We have built an extensive product line of tools by carefully listening to the needs of professional painters. Through time there have been changes in coatings, changes in how the job is done, and the day to day needs of the pro. But, the one thing that has not, is our commitment to give you the best tools for the job, and we will continue today in the same tradition Mr. Purdy started over 85 years ago.

Since Purdy’s beginnings in a small garage in Portland, Oregon in 1925, the art of brushmaking has always been at the very heart of the Purdy success story. Purdy brushes are hand-made without compromise, in much the same way they were over 85 years ago. The same principles and dedication to quality has laid the foundation on which other categories have been developed through time. This is because Pro’s demand quality, durability and performance and Purdy delivers each and every time.

Brushmaking is serious business to Purdy that is why these tools are still made by hand to this day. Many of Purdy’s brushmakershave two to three decades of service – some even over 30 years. But, before someone is trusted to craft brushes on their own, they go through extensive training for two full years by their peers. Purdy has a strict code of standards that have been handed down from one generation to the next since 1925. Professional painters have come to rely on this standard to make their living and we do not take this for granted.

Purdy brushmakers must also adopt the Purdy business ethic that all quality expectations must be met in every brush. If there is anything at all wrong, no matter how small, the brush never reaches the marketplace.

Each Purdy brush is “signed” bythe person who made it. This is done by a personalized sticker with the brush-maker’s name/ signature. This is a mark of pride in a job well done. Purdy wants professional painters to know the tool in their hand was made to the highest level of quality by someone who cares as much as they do when it comes to putting their reputation on the line.

How many other companies stand behind every brush they make, in such a personal way?

Not many, in fact, there’s just one.

My Thoughts on the Purdy Brushes

When I explained that my upcoming home improvement projects range from painting an accent wall, my bathroom, my laundry room, my hallway, an outdoor shed and other endless touch up jobs, the good folks at Purdy send me their 2 ½ Inch XL Elite-Sprig Brush, 2 Inch XL Glide Brush and 1 ½ Inch XL Clear-Cut Dale Brush, along with a roller and roller frame.

Purdy’s XL Series is the most versatile brush series, designed for use with all paints and stains. The XL series has a distinctive copper ferrule with the right blend of DuPont ® solid, round and tapered Tynex ® and Orel ® filaments for brushes that perform no matter what the job. Not only are the XL brushes ideal for interior and exterior projects with all types of paints, they also work great in all types of environments.

My brushes were handcrafted by K.P, Ana and Pany, and I must say, seeing the signatures on these handcrafted beauties was pretty neat. It really drives home the handcrafted element to these sturdy, attractive brushes.

So now that I have tried these brushes (more on that in a future post, where I review some Dutch Boy paints!) I must say that Purdy lives up to their reputation! The bristles on these brushes don’t fall off, and the roller didn’t shed fuzz or fibers.

I had heard so much positive things about the brand, and was honestly a little fearful the brand was being talked up and I was doomed to disappointment. I am a novice when it comes to painting projects, but of all the brushes I have tried (everything from the dollar store, and half of the offerings at Lowes and Home Depot), I can say that nothing works like a Purdy brush!

The brushes and roller grip the paint so well, making the paint go on super smooth. The finish leaves no unsightly brush streaks or patchy smudges and smears. My painting time while working on my kitchen and hallway was cut down significantly when I wasn’t having to stop and fix shoddy brushwork every few minuts. I was able to just paint to my hearts content, rock out to Harry Connick Jr. Christmas Mix on Spotify, and just ENJOY the fun of beautifying my home.

After painting, you can easily wash and store the brushes and roller until the next job. I have already reused the brushes and roller twice, and each time after a thorough washing, they were good as new. Purdy brushes are high quality and will last a very long time if you take care of them.

Truly, I will only use these brushes going forward. Purdy does a great job making a quality product that makes painting fun and easier!

[Disclaimer: There are no affiliate links in this review. I am an independent product reviewer. I only review products I am truly interested in. I don’t accept payment for reviews. The products I take the time to jabber on about are either items I have personally purchased, or the product has been provided for review after me initiating contact and incessantly nagging for a sample. All of my reviews are unbiased regardless of how the item was obtained.]