They say paintbrushes are meant to be an extension of one’s arm. What better way to make use of this than to select the one you’re most comfortable with? Another season of quarantine means more time to explore new hobbies, from cooking and baking to painting. And what's an artist without their paintbrush?
Paintbrushes are the instruments used to transfer the paint onto your canvas or paper. You will find that there are plenty of them to choose from. In this article, we will help you brush up on your knowledge of paintbrushes by guiding you through the different styles and materials. After that, we will also provide our list of the 10 best paintbrushes to help you get a head start!
Quick List - Top Paintbrushes
Winsor and Newton Foundation
Best Starter Set for Painting Beginners
Hokka
A Vast Selection of Brushes With a Zipper Case
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Table of Contents
The head consists of the tip and belly, which is where the bristles are located. The handle is the body you hold onto- this can either be made of wood or acrylic. Longer handles are useful when you want to see the whole picture at once, while shorter handles are great for close-up work.
It is recommended that you designate a paintbrush for the type of paint you use, such as watercolor, oil, and acrylic. This is to ensure the brush stays in good condition and to avoid shortening its lifespan and affecting its performance.
Paintbrushes come in a number of sizes and shapes. The bristle material also plays an important role, especially when it comes to the type of paint it is compatible with. Allow us to guide you pick the right paintbrush for you!
When buying your paintbrush, take some time to decide on the material of the bristles or the hair. After all, this is what you are going to be using the most. You have the option to use natural or synthetic fibers for this.
It is great for oil-based paint and gives the artist precise control. This is because oil paints require more technique and skill, as it is difficult to remove or redo.
However, the downside is, natural brushes are known to be rather expensive, and there is also the ethical issue about how the hair was obtained from the animal.
Synthetic brushes use nylon or polyester materials, and they mimic the feel of natural hairs. It is much sturdier than natural hair as it is less likely to break down.
This type of brush is more likely to hold its shape, as it does not absorb as much water. This makes it great for watercolors, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your work by accidentally dropping droplets of water or messing any shading you had previously done.
It also works well for acrylics, as it won’t be as susceptible to damage as natural bristles, and it won’t get brittle as easily. It is also more affordable and durable; therefore, it is a great choice for those who are looking to get into paintbrushes.
In case you are undecided about what to get, you could opt for a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. This enables you to achieve the function of natural bristles without the extra cost to your wallet.
The brush style is how the bristles are shaped. Each style has a particular function depending on whether you are going to use it for fine detailing or wide strokes, so this is also something to pay attention to.
Round brushes are probably what you would picture a typical paintbrush to be. It is characterized by a round tip that tapers to a point. It is great for making bold strokes – thick or thin. It is rather versatile as it can be used from filling in small areas, shading, and outlining to taking care of finer details.
A flat brush can be recognized by its square-shaped top. It is great if you want to quickly spread paint over large areas or fill in wide spaces- think of painting a background color over an entire canvas. If you use a smaller brush, it will take you ages. Generally, it is great for creating bold and sweeping strokes. It is also used for creating fine and straight lines.
A bright brush is flat but has a shorter length with the edges curled inward. It is mostly used for short, controlled strokes. It is used in close range to your canvas rather than from a distance. It is ideal for working with thick and heavy colors because of its wide bristles.
For those who are new to paintbrushes, a filbert resembles a makeup foundation brush in the sense that it is a flat brush with rounded edges, which makes it good for blending.
It is described to be in between a round brush and a flat brush. This makes it versatile as it can cover larger areas like a flat brush. But you can still create details like you would with a round brush. This makes it a must-have tool, especially if you are not sure what to get yet.
Fan brushes have bristles spread out in the form of exactly that, a fan. It is mainly used for dabbing and stippling versus dragging the paintbrush. By doing this, you are able to achieve certain textures and effects such as leaves on trees, branches, and other fine details such as hair.
This is also great for smoothing, blending, and feathering colors. It is also handy when you want to make a series of marks in one stroke.
This looks like a very slim round brush, almost like a lipstick brush. It is great if you want to add fine details to your artwork- from outlining to the more delicate brushwork. This also makes it rather pigmented, as the color is quite concentrated in a small patch, so be mindful before having a go at it!
Small brushes are handy for doing fine, detailed work. Mediums are versatile as you can paint large areas and still be able to do detailing. Large brushes easily cover big areas and are great for washes, which is the term used to denote semi-transparent color- think background colors.
If you are unsure what to get or your budget only allows you to purchase one, then we recommend going for a medium size. This is versatile enough to take you through multiple techniques.
Now that you know what to look for in paintbrushes, think about whether you are purchasing a solo piece or a full set. If you already have a collection and only need a replacement, then you might benefit from purchasing just what you need.
If you’re a newbie to painting, then we also recommend sticking to one or two first before blowing serious cash on a full set, especially if you aren’t going to utilize them.
On the other hand, if you are looking to replace old brushes, then it would be better to go for a full set. This helps you to save money instead of purchasing one or two separately.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Winsor and Newton Foundation Watercolor Brush Pack With Short Handle|Set of 6 | ![]() | Best Starter Set for Painting Beginners | |
2 | Tokyo Finds Professional Zen Brush Set|Set of 5 | ![]() | Brush Set That Also Doubles as a Calligraphy Tool | |
3 | Sakura Brush Set|Set of 3 | ![]() | Premium Quality Paintbrush for Less | |
4 | Hokka Premium Acrylic/Oil/Watercolor Brush Set|Set of 10 | ![]() | A Vast Selection of Brushes With a Zipper Case | |
5 | Winsor and Newton Foundation Acrylic Brush Pack 08 With Long Handle|Set of 6 | ![]() | Artist-Grade Brushes for Every Gripping Style | |
6 | Escoda Versatil Synthetic Kolinsky Bright Brush | ![]() | Sturdy Brush With the Softness of Natural Bristles | |
7 | Mont Marte Gallery Series Oil Brush Set|Set of 6 | ![]() | Combination of Round and Flat Tips for Variety | |
8 | Miya Himi Paint Brush Gift Set|Set of 5 | ![]() | Surprise Your Art Buff Friends With This Cute Set | |
9 | Kulay Art Materials Nylon Pointed Round 4 Brush|377 | ![]() | Takes You From Fine Detailing to Small Landscapes | |
10 | Weber Permalba White Bristle Fan Brush | ![]() | Achieve Realistic Details in Your Paintings |
Winsor and Newton are known for their quality paintbrushes, and this one is no exception. This set comes with mixed head sizes and can be used with watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and even oil! This brush pack consists of 6 pieces- composed of round, filbert, and flat brushes.
This provides an excellent introductory selection of good-quality brushes as it offers a great range of styles and sizes for both beginners and hobbyists alike! Although it can be used for several types of paint, it is recommended for watercolor, which matches well with its synthetic fibers.
That being said, it is also less likely to be damaged-making it a good starter brush set or a reliable piece to have in your collection!
This brush from Tokyo Finds is great for those small details that can be added to your artwork. This set consists of 5 brushes with a round synthetic nylon tip. These are suitable for all types of paint and will not shed hair all over your canvas. The brushes have long handles that can give you more control over your work, especially for those that require thin strokes.
Not only is this set for painting, but it can be used for calligraphy as well due to the brushes' thin and soft bristles. This makes it a versatile piece to have, given that it has other uses. Due to their smooth quality, these brushes are also a great alternative to brushes made from natural fibers!
This brush set is made from premium synthetic material, which gives it a good color carrying capacity and shape retention. It is made from nylon fibers that makes it sturdier compared to brushes made from natural hair. Sakura also notes that this brush is sable-like, making it a quality brush for less!
It comes with a single flat brush and two round brushes, so you'll enjoy a great starter pack to easily begin a new hobby. Good brushes do not have to mean expensive- and this brush set is proof that you can get painting tools at an affordable price without sacrificing the quality!
Hokka's brush set is ideal for those who are looking for a sizeable brush collection. It consists of 10 brushes, plus a zipper case - giving you quite an extensive selection of brushes at your disposal! It is perfect for those who are already adept at painting, yet it is also approachable for those who want to try their hand at the craft!
Aside from the usual brush sizes, it also contains large ones for painting washes of color, such as creating a backdrop for your artwork. It is made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, which makes it a solid steal as you can get the best of both worlds at a fraction of the price!
Winsor and Newton are the pioneers of affordable artist-grade art materials. Therefore, it is a no-brainer that their products are of the best quality. Their Foundation Brush set provides you the basic art brushes you need for fine painting - be it delicate lines or big washes of color.
The handle is made out of wood and is long enough to be held from the tip to the middle so that every gripping style is accommodated. This style also allows you to view your artwork from a distance, so you are able to get a better perspective. This set is perfect for those who are particular about having paling lines!
Artists know that Kolinsky Sable brushes are some of the best among paintbrushes given their excellent quality. However, they can get rather pricey. If you’re seeking to try out sable brushes but are still uncertain of investing, then you should give Escoda’s Synthetic Kolinsky brushes a try.
This brush holds true to their natural counterparts, but they also possess their synthetic cousins’ traits. It is a great investment to both newbies and artists alike as its price point surely delivers on its quality. It is delicate and soft like natural brushes while possessing the sturdiness and flexibility of synthetic ones, giving you the best of both worlds!
If you’re new to oil painting or just looking for an alternative brush set, Mont Marte has just the thing for you. Their Gallery Series consists of six pieces of brushes, both with rounded and flat tips, so you won’t have to worry about buying a lot. This set is perfect for those who want a variety of materials to work with without being excessive.
The brushes are comprised of a combination of natural and synthetic fibers that will give you the best of both worlds. So if you ever wondered what the brushes will feel like, now's your chance to test them out yourself! Tidying them is also a breeze as the brushes can easily be cleaned with turpentine.
Miya Himi is known for their gouache paints, but did you know that they also have paintbrushes, too? Their set comes with 5 pieces of paintbrushes, with colors corresponding to their type, which could either be flat or round. Their brushes are made of high-quality nylon.
This means you don't have to worry about wearing them out easily. They are also versatile as they are compatible not only with gouache paints but also watercolor, acrylic, oil, poster, and more! Its eye-catching design makes them the perfect gift for your artsy friends or for splurging on yourself!
A trusty, fine-rounded brush is essential for every artist, given its ability to create different techniques. It’s a good thing that Kulay Art Materials curated this Rounded Nylon Brush. The brush is manufactured by painters and artists, too- so they definitely know what they're doing!
The number 4 brush works well with fine point details, small landscape paintings, and even small to medium-sized calligraphies. The synthetic material even gives beginners the touch and feel of natural bristles that can’t be beaten. It's a good option if you are looking for your first paintbrush!
Weber offers brushes with the best interlocked white bristles that give the user control, consistency, and a long brush lifespan. This fan brush is made from premium white hog fibers that have a springy bristle. This makes it great for creating textures in your work and for blending and feathering colors.
Fan brushes are perfect for painting trees, grasses, and hair in detail with a single stroke; this will help give precise control over your work. This brush is a little on the expensive side but it will surely be worth the cost - as the natural fibers make it pliable and give each stroke a unique character.
Whether you regularly paint or are looking to try out a new hobby to keep yourself occupied with this quarantine, we have something for you. Check out the following articles for some must-try activities or paint supplies!
No. 1: Winsor and Newton Foundation|Watercolor Brush Pack With Short Handle|Set of 6
No. 2: Tokyo Finds|Professional Zen Brush Set|Set of 5
No. 3: Sakura|Brush Set|Set of 3
No. 4: Hokka|Premium Acrylic/Oil/Watercolor Brush Set|Set of 10
No. 5: Winsor and Newton Foundation |Acrylic Brush Pack 08 With Long Handle|Set of 6
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