How to Choose Painting Brushes — A Complete Guide
A brush is an extension of your hand. The right brush makes painting easier, more enjoyable, and more beautiful. But with so many types, sizes, and materials out there — how do you know what to choose?
Types of Brushes
Round Brush
The most common type. Versatile — great for both fine lines and filling in areas. Sizes 4–8 are excellent for general use, while sizes 0–2 are ideal for detail work.
Flat Brush
Creates broad strokes and even coverage. Perfect for filling large areas and painting sky and ground textures. The edge can also be used to pull fine lines.
Filbert (Oval/Flat Hybrid)
A combination of round and flat. Particularly well suited for painting flowers, leaves, and soft forms. Versatile and popular among painters.
Fan Brush
Used for blending colours smoothly, adding light textures, and painting foliage, trees, and grass.
Mop Brush
Large and soft. Ideal for wetting areas with water, evening out washes, and creating soft, diffused backgrounds in watercolour painting.
Rigger / Liner Brush
Thin and long. Perfect for drawing fine lines, branches, grass, and signatures on a painting.
Materials — Synthetic or Natural?
| Material | Advantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kolinsky Sable | The finest natural brush — superb point and water retention | Watercolour, aquarelle |
| Squirrel Hair | Soft, holds a lot of water, more affordable | Watercolour, washes |
| Hog Bristle | Strong, textured, durable | Oil paint, acrylic |
| Synthetic | More affordable, cruelty-free, easy to clean | Acrylic, all-purpose |
💡 Tip: Beginners can get excellent results with synthetic brushes. As you progress, consider investing in natural hair brushes that suit your particular technique.
Which Brushes Should I Choose for My Medium?
Watercolour
- Round kolinsky sable or squirrel hair brush (sizes 6–10)
- Mop brush for wetting and laying washes
- Rigger for fine line work
Acrylic
- Synthetic flat brushes (sizes 4–12)
- Filbert for soft, rounded forms
- Fan brush for texture effects
Oil Paint
- Hog bristle brushes — strong and long-lasting
- Flat brush for broad strokes
- Synthetic brushes for blending
Brush Care — How to Make Your Brushes Last
- Clean immediately — never let paint dry on your brushes
- Watercolour: rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Acrylic: wash out straight away with water — don't let it dry in the bristles
- Oil paint: use solvent or a solvent-free brush cleaner (e.g. Gamblin Gamsol)
- Dry properly: reshape the bristles and dry flat or with the tip pointing upward
Where Can I Buy Brushes?
Föndurlist stocks a wide range of painting brushes — both natural and synthetic. Browse our product range or check out the watercolour handbook for personalised brush recommendations.