A paintbrush is more than just a tool—it's a gateway to creativity! From the delicate strokes of a round brush to the broad sweeps of a flat brush, these tools allow you to explore a myriad of techniques, styles and mediums.
However, with the vast selection of brushes at DeSerres, finding the right one can be overwhelming. That's why we've created a simple guide that includes general information on paintbrush use, such as handle lengths and available sizes, maintenance and cleaning tips, and all the features of brushes for acrylic, watercolour and oil painting. You'll also learn the difference between synthetic and natural fibres for each type of paint.
With all this useful information, you'll be equipped to make more informed decisions for your next creative project!
General information
What handle length should you choose?
Paintbrush handles come in two lengths: long and short. Long handles are great for working on an easel, as they allow you to maintain some distance from the canvas. Short handles provide better control for detailed work and are often preferred for painting up close.What size brush should you use?
Paintbrushes come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from small (perfect for intricate details) to large (ideal for washes and broad strokes). For beginners, medium-sized brushes (sizes 6 and 8) are highly recommended for their versatility, making them a great choice for a variety of painting techniques.Brush care
Caring for paintbrushes is essential to keeping them in good working condition, and to prolonging their life span. Never let paintbrushes dry before cleaning.Acrylic: Clean in soapy water and rinse in warm water.
Watercolour: Dip the paintbrush in water and rinse with warm water.
Oil: Dip the paintbrush in a solvent (e.g. Taltine). Clean in soapy water and rinse in warm water.
Acrylic paintbrushes
Acrylic brushes come in a variety of shapes, each designed for specific effects and techniques.
Different types
- Round: fine, rounded tip Perfect for details, washes, and creating fine or thick lines, depending on the pressure applied.
- Flat: square tip Great for bold strokes and covering large areas.
- Filbert: oval shape with rounded tip Great for creating soft, rounded edges and covering large areas.
- Bright: similar to a flat brush, but with shorter bristles Great for applying thick paint.
- Fan: fan-shaped tip Perfect for creating texture or blending. • Detail: small, round tip Ideal for fine lines and intricate details.
Synthetic vs. natural fibres for acrylic painting
Synthetic bristles are ideal for acrylic painting due to their durability and ability to withstand the sometimes harsh chemicals found in acrylics. On the other hand, natural bristles can be used to create distinctive textures and effects, but require more attention and maintenance
Watercolour brushes
Watercolour brushes are specially crafted to handle the fluid and delicate nature of watercolour paints.
Different types
- Round: fine, rounded tip. Excellent water retention; ideal for details, washes and fine lines.
- Flat: straight edge. Allow for even colour application; ideal for broad washes and flat areas of colour.
- Fan: fan-shaped tip. Perfect for creating light textures or foliage effects.
- Wash: wide, flat tip. Designed to apply large amounts of water and paint; ideal for backgrounds and large washes.
- Detail: ultra-fine tip. Perfect for precision work and intricate details.
Synthetic vs. natural fibres for watercolour painting
When it comes to watercolour painting, natural bristles like sable or squirrel are often preferred for their exceptional ability to hold water and release paint smoothly. However, synthetic fibres are a more affordable option, providing durability and efficiency, especially for techniques like washes
Oil paintbrushes
Oil paintbrushes are crafted to handle the thick, heavy texture of oil paints, and they come in various shapes to suit different techniques.
Different types
- Round: fine, rounded tip Perfect for detail and fine lines.
- Flat: straight edge Ideal for applying thick coats of paint, flat areas of colour and sharp edges.
- Fan: fan-shaped tip Great for creating subtle textures, soft transitions and smoothing edges.
- Angled: slanted tip Offer great versatility; perfect for angles, curves and fine detail.
- Filbert: oval shape with rounded tip Combines the advantages of flat and round brushes; ideal for soft edges and blending.
- Mop: large, rounded and fluffy tip Excellent for blending colours and creating smooth transitions.
Synthetic vs. natural fibres for oil painting
Thanks to their stiffness and durability, natural hog bristles are perfect for the thick texture of oil paints. They're also great for preliminary work on canvas. For a smoother application, softer sable bristles are ideal. Synthetic fibres like Taklon offer an economical alternative, mimicking the qualities of natural bristles to create a variety of effects.
To conclude
Whether you're an experienced painter or a curious beginner, the right brush can become a beautiful extension of your hand, helping you bring all your artistic dreams to life. Beyond brushes, there are many other painting tools—like palette knives, spatulas, and sponges—that allow you to create a myriad of unique effects and textures. Now, it's your turn to explore the tools that will best transform your blank canvases into true works of art!