Which brushes to buy is something I get asked about a lot in my classes! The tools you choose to paint with can greatly influence the final result of your artwork—and make the process of creating it more (or less) enjoyable. With many shapes, sizes, and materials available, finding the right paintbrush can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to simplify that process, helping you select brushes to enhance your painting experience.
I have linked to examples of brushes available to buy online—not necessarily the exact ones I use (some of my brushes are from educational/trade suppliers) but they help illustrate what the sort of brushes I'm suggesting look like and provide examples of brands and price ranges. (If you do decide to buy online through the links, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Where possible I have linked to products from UK-based small businesses.)
For someone looking for a starter watercolour kit, I would suggest investing in just two or three key brushes: a synthetic flat/bright brush 0.5in to 1inch wide, a size 10 or 12 synthetic round brush with a pointed tip, and perhaps an additional slightly smaller pointed brush for details. You can source these separately or as a set of 3.
For anyone working in acrylic you could use the same, or invest in a similar springier set. You will likely need some additional larger flat brushes for priming surfaces and blocking in larger areas, as well as a set of palette knives to use instead of brushes for mixing colours—this reduces the quantity of paint wasted when cleaning thick acrylic paint from brushes, and minimises the wear-and-tear on the brushes themselves.
If working with a tight budget, opt for a small number of white-bristled, multi-purpose brushes which can be used for watercolours or acrylics. Avoid unbranded cheap sets as these often shed their bristles easily.
For mixing paint onto, a white plate works well or you can invest in a white ceramic palette with slanted reservoirs similar to the one I use, or a budget-friendly plastic version. As an alternative when working with oil or acrylic paint, disposable tear-off palettes are also available.
Choosing the Right Brush Materials
Synthetic Bristles
Synthetic brushes, often made from nylon or polyester, are durable and versatile. They tend to be more affordable and work well with ink, watercolour and acrylic. Synthetic brushes are easier to clean, which can save time and money—if cleaned and stored carefully, they hold their shape well and can be used time and time again. Beginners working with watercolour may find it helpful to choose synthetic brushes with white bristles, so you can more easily see how much pigment you are loading into the brush (this can help overcome the issue of unintentionally pale, washed-out colours). When working with heavier acrylic paint, it's best to choose synthetic brushes with sturdy, springy bristles as these don't clog so easily and can withstand more robust cleaning.
Natural or Blended Bristles
Natural hair brushes, made from the fur of animals such as squirrel, sable, or mongoose, are traditionally used for their softness and flexibility. They are also a conventional choice for oil painting as don't deteriorate in turpentine or white spirit. Blended bristle brushes combine natural and synthetic bristles to offer a balance between paint-holding ability and durability. I choose to avoid the use of animal hair brushes for ethical reasons, so the suggestions you will find in this blog post are for synthetic brushes.
Understanding Paintbrush Shapes
Paintbrushes come in many shapes and sizes, each crafted for specific techniques and effects. Here’s a closer look at the most common types:
Round Brushes
Round brushes have the bristles held within a circular arrangment by a cylindrical metal ferrule. My preference is for round brushes that have a pointed tip, with bristles that taper to a fine point. They are incredibly flexible, perfect for intricate details as well as broader strokes. A round brush with a point, in a size 10 or 12, or a width slightly smaller than your little finger, can serve as a great all-rounder, as you can use the tip to create fine lines and tiny marks, then apply a little more pressure to use the the full width for filling in larger areas. If you are not confident using the brush in different ways, have shaky hands or aren't confident in your ability to control the pressure, or if you are working at a range of different scales, you may prefer to invest in a set of round brushes in a variety of widths. For instance, a size 2 round brush can create fine lines and details, while a size 10 can create bolder strokes and fill in larger areas effectively.
Flat Brushes
Flat brushes have a flattened ferrule, so the bristles are arranged in a line rather than a round bunch. The shape lends itself well to painting square or rectangular marks and means that different widths can be achieved depending on whether you use the broader or narrower side of the brush. Artists often choose flat brushes for thicker types of paint, like oils and acrylics (or emulsion paint when decorating a wall!) as you can control how much paint is loaded onto the brush and wipe any excess lumps of paint from the edges of the bristles, to achieve clean lines and a consistent, even coverage. When working with ink or watercolour, wide flat brushes are often used for wetting the paper. A synthetic flat brush in a 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch width (or a width similar to or slightly smaller than your thumb) is a great all-rounder suitable for any water-based painting media. Larger flat brushes can quickly cover substantial spaces on a large canvas and if you're looking to spend a bit more then most medium sized sets or large sets will contain these options.
Other Brush Shapes
Filbert (or cat's tongue) brushes combine features of both round and flat brushes. They have a rounded profile that is excellent for softer strokes and blending but with the bristles held within a flattened ferrule, which makes the brush less likely to clog when using thicker acrylic paint.
Angular brushes, or slanted brushes, have a flat but diagonal profile, angled to a point.
Fan brushes are shaped like a fan and are designed for creating textures like grass, fur, or foliage. They can also be used to blend colors.
Rigger brushes have very long bristles making them great for fine line work.
Paddle brushes are larger flat brushes with a short, stubby handle that you hold in your palm, great for broad, sweeping strokes.
Waterbrushes have a reservoir to fill up with water—if you like to paint on location or en plain air, these can be a really useful addition to your portable watercolour kit.
Size Matters
Size is a crucial factor when choosing a paintbrush. The sizes are usually assigned using numerical values—lower numbers indicate smaller brushes and higher numbers indicate larger ones. The numbers normally correspond to the sizes of bristles or width of brush but these measurements are not standardised, so a size 10 in one sort of brush will be totally different from a size 10 in another, even if from the same manufacturer! When buying online, look for images showing the brush to scale, or references to brush widths in the detailed specifications.
Understanding the Handle
The handle of a paintbrush can impact your painting experience significantly. Handles vary in length and shape, influencing grip and control.
Long Handles
Long-handled brushes are beneficial for painting from a distance, providing a more extensive range of movement. They are ideal for larger works or murals, allowing for expressive brushwork. These tools can promote a more dynamic style, which can be particularly useful in abstract art.
Short Handles
Short-handled brushes offer better control and precision, making them excellent for smaller canvases and detailed work. They are often preferred for studio work or intricate designs. For example, a short-handled round brush can make creating fine details easier and more efficient.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential for ensuring your paintbrushes last. Follow these tips to keep them in great shape:
Cleaning: Clean brushes right after use to avoid paint hardening in the bristles. Warm water and mild soap (or washing up liquid) do an excellent job for synthetic brushes. For natural hair brushes, use a gentle cleanser to maintain bristle health.
Storage: Store brushes upright with bristles facing up. Avoid horizontal storage, which can lead to damaged bristles over time.
Reshaping: After cleaning, gently reshape the bristles with your fingers while they are still damp. This keeps the brush’s original shape and ensures optimal performance in future use.
When to Invest in Quality
While cheap brushes are available, they sometimes shed their bristles easily. Investing in a small number of high-quality paintbrushes can help to improve your painting results. Quality brushes tend to:
Hold paint more effectively, allowing for smoother application.
Offer greater control for better precision while painting.
Last significantly longer, saving you money in the long run if cared for properly.
For artists serious about enhancing their craft, quality brushes are a worthy investment. If you have a small number of brushes that work well and will last ages, you can spend time learning how to use them in different ways.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the various types, materials, and sizes of paintbrushes can help simplify your selection process. Whether you are just starting or have years of experience, taking the time to choose the right paintbrush can greatly enhance your artwork and creative experience. Explore different brushes, and you can find the perfect tools to express your artistic vision.
Do you have any other questions about brushes? Please leave a comment below if so!
What's your favourite type of brush and why—what do you most enjoy using it to paint?
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