There is no single price for a paint brush in Kenya. The price depends on the size, the quality of the bristles, how many you buy and how they are delivered. If you buy for a hardware shop, a contractor or a paint distributor, this guide explains what changes the price, so you can ask for a quote that gets a straight answer and compare two quotes fairly.
The short answer
Search for paint brush prices in Kenya and most results are single brushes at shop prices. A hardware shop, contractor or distributor buys by the carton and wants a quote for the whole order.
Thika Wax Works supplies Wilkinson paint brushes with synthetic bristles and an ergonomic grip, in sizes from 1 to 6 inches, packed 12 brushes to a carton. The price depends on the seven things below.
Price factors
Why one paint brush costs more than another
Two brushes can look the same on the shelf and behave very differently on a wall. These are the things that change the price, and what to tell your supplier about each.
| What changes the price | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Size | Wider brushes use more bristle, so a 6 inch brush costs more than a 1 inch brush. Our sizes run 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inches. |
| Bristle quality (the scope of the job) | Firmly set, non-shedding bristles hold more paint and leave fewer streaks. Better bristles cost more to make, and they last longer. |
| Handle and grip | An ergonomic grip reduces hand fatigue on long jobs. A simpler handle costs less. |
| Mix of sizes | A carton holds 12 brushes of one size. A mixed order of several sizes is planned and priced differently from a single-size order. |
| Volume and how often you order | A one-off carton costs more per brush than a standing monthly order. Say how many cartons you expect to sell or use each month. |
| How long you will buy for | A trial order and a six-month or twelve-month supply are quoted differently. A longer commitment usually gives you a steadier price. |
| Delivery | Thika, Nairobi, upcountry and export orders have different delivery costs. Always compare prices with delivery included. |
Cost per job
Price per brush is not what you actually pay
The cost that matters is the cost of the brush on each paint job. A brush that sheds bristles, holds little paint or wears out quickly costs you more in the end than one with a higher price tag.
Use this simple sum:
Cost per paint job = price of the brush ÷ number of jobs it lasts
Here is an example with round numbers, to show the arithmetic. These are not our prices. Brush A costs 50 and lasts 4 jobs, so it costs 12.5 a job. Brush B costs 80 and lasts 10 jobs, so it costs 8 a job. Brush B is the cheaper brush to use, even though it costs more on the shelf.
A poor brush also costs you in other ways. Bristles in the finish mean touch-ups, and streaks mean a second coat. A brush with firmly set bristles that gives a smooth finish saves paint and labour.
Comparing quotes
How to compare two quotes fairly
- Ask for the price per brush and per carton, and check the carton holds the same number of brushes.
- Check that delivery is included in both quotes.
- Ask what the bristles are made of and whether they are set firmly. A cheaper quote may be for a brush that sheds.
- Ask for a few sample brushes you can test on a real job before you commit to a bulk order.
- Ask how long the price holds and what the payment terms are.
Get a quote
What to tell us to get a fast, accurate quote
You do not need to know the specification. Send us these details and we will recommend a mix:
- Who you are buying for, for example a hardware shop, a contractor or a distributor.
- Which sizes you need, from 1 to 6 inches, and roughly how many of each.
- How many cartons of 12 you expect to need each month.
- What the brushes will be used for, for example walls, trim, furniture or fences.
- Where we should deliver, and when you want to start.
- How long you plan to buy for: a trial, six months or a year.
See our paint brushes range for what we supply, or ask for a quote.
Applications
Where our paint brushes are used
Our brushes suit interior walls and ceilings, furniture refinishing, trim and moulding, fences and exterior walls, and touch-ups. The synthetic bristles work with latex, oil-based, acrylic and specialty coatings, and the brushes are made for both professionals and DIY painters.
To go deeper, read our guides on choosing a paint brush, quality paint brushes, paint brushes for contractors and brushes for waterproofing membranes.
FAQ
Your questions answered
How much does a paint brush cost in Kenya?
It depends on the size, the bristle quality and how many you buy. Brushes are priced per piece or per carton of 12, so the best way to get a real figure is to send us the sizes and quantities you need.
What sizes of paint brush do you supply?
Our Wilkinson brushes come in 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inches.
How many brushes are in a carton?
A carton holds 12 brushes.
What are the bristles made of?
Our Wilkinson brushes use high-quality synthetic bristles, which give a smooth, streak-free finish.
Which paints can I use these brushes with?
They are suitable for latex, oil-based, acrylic and specialty coatings, and can be used with primers, base coats and topcoats.
Which brush size should I use for walls and for trim?
Wide brushes of 4 to 6 inches suit large flat areas such as walls and fences. Narrow brushes of 1 to 2 inches suit trim, door frames and detail work.
How do I stop a brush shedding bristles?
Buy a brush with firmly set bristles, and clean it well after each job. Shedding is usually a sign of poor quality or a brush that has dried out with paint in it.
Can I buy a mixed order of sizes?
Yes. Tell us the sizes and how many of each you need and we will quote for the whole order.
Get a price for your order
Send us the sizes, the number of cartons and your delivery address. We will quote for the whole order.
Akshay Chandaria is the Sales Director at Thika Wax Works Limited, a manufacturer of industrial waxes, hot melt and cold glue adhesives, floor polishes, cleaning products and construction chemicals for businesses across Kenya.
