The 5 Best Foam Brushes For water based polyurethane (2023 reviews)

It is important to have the well suited foam brush for water based polyurethane. In the following post, we will help you to select the best foam brush for water based polyurethanes.

Our review process: Show/Hide

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Wooster Foam Brush For water based polyurethane READ REVIEW

Best For price: Buy: Bates choice Foam Brush For water based polyurethane READ REVIEW

Best For One time Use: Buy: Artlicious Foam Brush For water based polyurethane READ REVIEW

Best For Mod Podge: Buy: ROYAL Brush Foam Brush For water based polyurethane READ REVIEW

Best For applying varnish: Buy: JEN Mfg., Inc. Foam Brush For water based polyurethane READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Wooster Foam Brush For water based polyurethane

Buy on Amazon

This brush lays oil base poly on like a dream. Like most foam brushes, the Wooster's foam is internally supported with a thin plastic wedge to give the brush some stiffness. The paint goes on smooth and they don't break up, no little bits of sponge left behind. It is perfect for smooth surfaces.

This brush is substantially better quality and holds up well over multiple uses as long as properly cleaned between uses. They don't fall apart and leave bits of sponge in your paint. This is very easy to use, no brushmarks, no pieces of foam on the wall, and it's easy to clean.

• Excellent brush for painting with milk paint
• Beautiful smooth finish with no stray bristles or lint
• Very smooth, highly recommend, holds up to washings
• Nice thick layers without streaking or uneven

Best For price: Bates choice Foam Brush For water based polyurethane

Buy on Amazon

The bates choice foam brush for water based polyurethane is capable of outshining several other brush featured in this list in overall features for the price point. They don’t shed pieces of foam into your paint or poly. They work well with smooth surfaces, and start to tear and rip with rough surfaces just like all other foam brushes. The plastic stiffener in the middle does not wear through the foam quickly, as can happen with low-quality brushes. It is designed to cover the surface evenly with fewer strokes.

These are nice wooden handles and they last. They hold varnish well and apply it smoothly. It comes with painting, no brush marks and can save for recoat if placed in the refrigerator.

• Easier to make straighten line and smooth finish, no brush strokes
• Sturdy on the inside, and perfect for spreading epoxy and painting on stains/finishes
• Great value and good to have for touch ups and crafting

Best For One time Use: Artlicious Foam Brush For water based polyurethane

Buy on Amazon

The artlicious foam brush for water based polyurethane is the best reliable brush on the market today. Because it is a disposable foam brush, there really can't be a huge variety of quality. With foam brushes absorbing some stain liquid like a sponge, you can easily vary your pressure applying the brush to the surface to control how much stain you're using and ensure an even coat. They fit perfectly in the small half-pint, 8oz containers of paint or stain. They also hold up a little longer.

These work great for easy crafting and can be used with all kinds of things, from paint to glue etc. They're not meant to last forever and are much more convenient than trying to clean oil paint off a bristle brush. The wood handles are better than the plastic type.

• Perfect for the small tedious work
• Good for light touch up painting
• Great quality and the perfect size for applying polyurethane

Best For Mod Podge: ROYAL Brush Foam Brush For water based polyurethane

Buy on Amazon

Painting with a small sponge brush is so easy and fun for a toddler. These brushes are just wonderfully while painting popcyle sticks. They clean up nicely using just water to remove the Mod Podge and they are ready for the next project. The sponge tip should hold liquids just as any other sponge/paint brush does though.

These are definitely the smaller size of these brushes. They are foam brushes and do the job. They're disposable but can do the front and back of 1000 piece puzzle with no problem. It is great for mod podge, though only great for one time use.

• Really good product for working with paint and modge podge
• Work really well and really easy to clean
• Great for applying modge podge to puzzles

Best For applying varnish: JEN Mfg., Inc. Foam Brush For water based polyurethane

Buy on Amazon

We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate brush. The jen mfg., inc. foam brush for water based polyurethane is exactly that - it's a simple brush that hits all the right notes. These are perfect for quick projects, staining furniture, and decoupage. They work equally well with solvent-based material and water-based. They hold together well even after hours of use soaked in stain, mashed and rubbed against hundreds of doors and cabinet frames. The angled head of the 2” brush makes it easy to use in small areas. They are firm and sturdy and great for lettering or when you need precise lines.

The foam is very dense and holds lots of product. It is great with any clear wood finish. They are perfect for quick projects, staining furniture, and decoupage.

• Great brushes, and stiff enough to brush thick paints
• Perfect for using oil based primer,just throw away the brush
• Recommended for crafters & artists who want a more sturdy brush