Raphaël watercolour brushes are built around one principle: the right bristle for the right result. Natural hair brushes offer superior water retention and a fine, responsive point: the standard choice for detail work, wet-on-wet painting and any technique where the brush needs to hold a large charge of pigment and release it with control. Squirrel hair mops and oval wash brushes are the go-to for large, fluid backgrounds and soft washes where coverage matters more than precision. Synthetic fibres now match natural hair closely enough for most watercolour work, offering a reliable and more accessible option across rounds, liners and flat formats. Curated essential sets and travel sets provide a practical starting point for painters who want a balanced selection without building a kit from scratch. Browse by bristle type: Kaërell, Kolinsky, Kazan Squirrel, Precision and Softaqua.