7 best watercolor brushes

Watercolor brushes are specialized paintbrushes designed for use with watercolor paints, a popular medium in the world of painting and art. These brushes are specifically crafted to work effectively with the unique characteristics of watercolors, allowing artists to create beautiful and expressive works of art. Here are some key points about watercolor brushes:

  1. Brush Shapes:

    • Watercolor brushes come in various shapes, each suited to different painting techniques and styles. Common shapes include:
      • Round: A versatile brush for both fine details and broad strokes.
      • Flat: Ideal for creating crisp lines and washes of color.
      • Filbert: Has a rounded, flat shape, making it suitable for blending and creating softer edges.
      • Fan: Used for creating texture, foliage, and special effects.
  2. Brush Sizes:

    • Watercolor brushes are available in a range of sizes, from very small (e.g., 00) to large (e.g., 16).
    • The choice of brush size depends on the artist's preferences and the scale of the artwork.
  3. Bristle Material:

    • Watercolor brushes are typically made from natural or synthetic bristles.
    • Natural bristles, often from sable, squirrel, or Kolinsky hairs, are known for their excellent water-holding capacity and fine point.
    • Synthetic bristles are more affordable and can be a cruelty-free alternative to natural hair brushes. They are also suitable for various painting techniques.
  4. Brush Handles:

    • Watercolor brush handles are usually long, providing artists with better control and precision.
    • Handles can be made from various materials, including wood, acrylic, or plastic.
  5. Water Retention:

    • One of the critical features of watercolor brushes is their ability to hold and release water effectively.
    • Brushes with good water retention allow artists to control the flow of paint and create smooth washes and gradients.
  6. Maintenance:

    • Proper care and cleaning of watercolor brushes are essential to maintain their shape and performance.
    • Brushes should be rinsed thoroughly after each use and cleaned with mild soap or brush cleaner.
  7. Specialty Brushes:

    • Some watercolor brushes are designed for specific tasks, such as liner brushes for fine lines, mop brushes for large washes, and dagger brushes for unique strokes.
  8. Quality and Price:

    • Watercolor brushes are available in a wide range of quality levels and prices.
    • High-quality brushes may be more expensive but can provide better performance and durability.
  9. Artist Preferences:

    • The choice of watercolor brush is often a matter of personal preference and the specific needs of the artwork.
    • Artists may experiment with various brush shapes, sizes, and materials to find the ones that suit their style and techniques best.

In summary, watercolor brushes are essential tools for artists working with watercolor paints.They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing artists to create a wide range of effects and styles in their watercolor artworks. Proper care and selection of the right brush for a particular task are crucial for achieving the desired results in watercolor painting.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best watercolor brushes on the market
  

Dynamic Distraction Watercolor Brushes for Painting - Round Water Color Paint Brush Set of 9 - Comfortable Handle Size - Professional Artist Quality - Perfect for Watercolor, Acrylic and Gouache

Dynamic Distraction

Based on 668 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Brush problems away with Dynamic Distraction! Click add to your cart and enter a clear mind space!

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT: Dynamic Distraction was created to help quiet your mind, provide solace to those who struggle, and fuel the passion that pushes you forward.

Why Dynamic Distraction?

  • Painting is a much needed therapy, we understand the struggle to feel at ease, we're here to help
  • Hairs hold paint and don't dry out, elevating the caliber of your artwork
  • Create beautiful pieces of art with a wide range of round brush sizes (#0, #2, #4, #6, #8, #10, #12,#14,#16)
  • Quick and easy cleaning with nylon bristles
  • Brushes last longer - dual crimped ferrules hold hairs securely
  • Works like sable with no animals harmed
  • Paint longer projects using light weight brushes that help prevent hand cramps
  • Important Instructions: Brushes are shipped with water soluble glue to protect tip of hairs. It is imperative that you remove the glue before the brush is used. First rinse out as much glue as possible. Then soak tip on angle using cool water. Gently brushing tip against the palm of your hand, this is sufficient enough to loosen glue. Lastly squeeze bristles into shape and let dry.

    Taking Care of The Brush: Never use hot water, it can expand the ferrule and loosen hairs. Squeeze hairs from the ferrule edge outwards with your fingers or with a cloth, this will help remove paint. Avoid pulling on hair. Shake off the water. Rinse and repeat until there is no trace of any color coming out. Shape brush head and let dry. Ensure it does not rest on its head. Some paint pigments will stain the hairs on the brush no matter how carefully you clean. This doesn't matter as the color is “fixed” into the hairs and wont come out when you use the brush.

    Add this paintbrush pack to your cart, finish your art and finally discover a peace of mind!

    • EXPERIENCE A CLEAR MIND SPACE – Let time melt away as you fall into a meditative state like never before. Brushes are easy to clean and ready to create your masterpiece
    • COMFORTABLE HANDLE LENGTH – Brush handles are designed to work with you, NOT against you. Handles that are too long can be awkward to paint with – worry no longer; handles are the perfect length designed for comfort
    • VINTAGE CANVAS CASE: No more cheap plastic zipper cases. Brushes dry naturally through the canvas and are secured with a long cotton cord. Keep brushes dust free and protect them from rolling off workspaces. Craft packaging protects during travel
    • EXTEND YOUR THERAPY: Use on large or mini canvas, Paint by Number Kits, body, skinny lettering, stencil, touch up's, outlines, miniatures, script, model pieces, frames, ceramics, enamel, hobby diy art projects, ink and silk painting, nails, rocks, gouache or face paint
    • EASY REPLACEMENT: Discover a profound love for this wood handle, silver ferrule artist paint brush kit. Relax and enjoy a peace of mind. Any problems at all message us, we'll send you a replacement immediately!

    User questions & answers

    Question: What are the handles made up of
    Answer: It means dip the brush in your cup of water holding it at an angle with the tip touching the bottom of the cup vs putting your brush in the water and pushing it against the bottom of the cup and splaying out the bristles.
    Question: where are these made
    Answer: The brushes are nylon.
    Question: What does "soak tip on angle" mean
    Answer: Michael's is cheaper on some items. I have found i need to shop items from Amazon as some are pricey for me.
    Question: what are the brushes made of
    Answer: I didn’t pay that much for shipping. I think it was free shipping for me. The quality isn’t top noche but I think they are pretty great for neon colors.

    FENORKEY Artist Watercolor Paint Brushes, Round Pointed Tip Paint Brushes Set, 12pcs Different Sizes Detail Paint Brush for Watercolor, Acrylics, Ink, Gouache, Oil, Tempera (Brown)

    FENORKEY

    Based on 254 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Artist Watercolor Brushes Set - Let your creativity flow freely:



    This watercolor brushes set is made of high-quality aluminum ferrules with the anti-shedding effect. The painted wooden handle is waterproof, non-fading and non-cracking, providing a comfortable gripping. There are 12 different sizes available, the compact sizes are perfect for detailing, miniature, models, figurines and linings while the large sizes are for washing, filling, thin to thick lines. These watercolor brushes suitable for kids, beginners and artists.



    Why You Choose Us:

    1. Anti-shedding: made of high-quality aluminum ferrules with the anti-shedding effect

    2. Waterproof wooden handle: the painted wooden handle is waterproof, non-fading and non-cracking

    3. High Flexible: made of Premium nylon hair, ductile and flexible

    4. High Absorption: soft nylon tip with strong absorption and superior paint holding capacity

    5. Wide Application: watercolor, acrylic, oil, gouache, tempera, body, nail, face can be used



    Specifications:

    Material: Premium Nylon Hair + Painted Birch Wood Handle

    Watercolor Brushes Length:

    #1: 18cm, #2: 18cm, #3: 19cm, #4: 19cm, #5: 19cm, #6: 19.5cm, #7: 20cm, #8: 20cm, #9: 21cm, #10: 21cm, #11: 22cm, #12: 22cm



    How to Maintain:

    1. Cleaning: Run them under warm water to wash out the paint and use your fingers to gently reshape brush hairs.

    2. Drying / Storage: Flatwise or head upward.



    Package Information:

    1 x 12PCS Round Pointed Tip Paint Brush Set in Different Sizes

    • 【Sturdy & Durable】Our watercolor brushes are made of high-quality aluminum ferrules with the anti-shedding process. The painted wooden handle is waterproof, non-fading and non-cracking, providing a comfortable gripping.
    • 【High Flexible】Brush tips are made of pure nylon hair which is soft, ductile and flexible. It is also very easy to clean, simply clean the detail paint brush with solvent or warm water.
    • 【High Absorption】High-quality brush head with strong absorption capacity and excellent paint retention, offering you a better and smooth painting experience.
    • 【Wide Application】This set of round paint brushes is available in 12 different sizes, especially suitable for kids, beginners and artists. Suitable for watercolor, acrylic, oil, gouache, tempera, body, nails, face painting.
    • 【Ergonomic Design】The short-handled ergonomic brushes are easy to hold for detailed work and outstanding results, to ensure a pleasant painting experience. If you have any questions, our friendly customer service team will help you, you can rest assured to buy, enjoy shopping surprise!

    User questions & answers

    Question: Are these brushes universal
    Answer: Yes, the handle is made of a light-weight polished wood.
    Question: Do these brushes come in a set
    Answer: They are synthetic hair.
    Question: Is the handle made of wood
    Answer: Hello there! The handles are made up of birch wood. It's known for being extremely durable and attractive. As you will see it is fine grained and has a pale color giving it an elegant look. Please reach out if you have any more questions :)
    Question: Does the brush have synthetic hair, or does it have animal hair
    Answer: They are made in China. Don't let that deter you as they are really good brushes that several of my fellow watercolorist use and like.

    Professional Artist Paint Brush Set of 12 - Painting Brushes Kit for Kids, Adults Fabulous for Canvas, Watercolor & Fabric - for Beginners and Professionals - Great for Water, Oil or Acrylic Painting

    Benicci

    Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
    • PAINT BRUSHES - ALL THE PAINT BRUSHES YOU NEED - Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this artist paint brush set will help you make gorgeous art! The many shapes and sizes give you plenty of options.
    • PAINT BRUSHES FOR ACRYLIC PAINTING - WORKS WITH VARIOUS MEDIUMS - Use our 12 piece paint set for watercolor, acrylic, and even oil painting. The bristles hold a good amount of paint, and the easy-grip handles give you fine control.
    • PAINT BRUSH SET - SOFT YET DURABLE BRISTLES - Our painting set holds up well regardless of what you're painting on. Use these watercolor brushes on fabric, canvas, wood, or board--no staining or shedding.
    • WATERCOLOR BRUSH SET - BEST GIFT FOR CREATIVES - Put a smile on a friend or family member's face! This oil paint and acrylic brush set is the perfect choice for creatives, whether they're kids or an adult.
    • WORRY FREE SHOPPING - Each acrylic paint set is covered by a Money Back Guarantee. If this acrylic, watercolor, and oil paint set doesn't meet your expectations, contact us for a hassle-free refund.

    User questions & answers

    Question: What sizes are the 12 brushes
    Answer: Nylon
    Question: What size are the round brushes
    Answer: I have some brushes that are very expensive and have painted for many years. These brushes are very very inexpensive and I used them with both acrylic and watercolor paint with success. They are not too stiff and for inexpensive brushes also did not lose bristles which is amazing to me. They are well worth the money.
    Question: What is the material of the brush bristles
    Answer: Yes, they are very suitable for watercolor, acrylic, oil, gouache, tempera, body, nails, face painting.
    Question: I’ve heard that brushes that claim to be for different kinds of paint is bad for watercolor paint? Is that true
    Answer: You get 12 brushes in the set.

    UPINS 12 Piece Water Color Brush Pen Set, Watercolor Paint Pens for Painting Markers

    UPINS

    Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
    • Value Pack : A set of 12 pieces brushes,6 flat brush, 6 sharp brush, 3 sizes (small, medium, large) suitable for kids, students, amateur and artists.
    • Easy to Use and Control : Watercolor Brush Pens simply unscrew the watercolor pens' barrel to add water or ink. Simply to squeeze the barrel to easily control the ink or water flow. (Note: Please make the water less than 2/3 of the pen's volume when filling water into the pen).
    • Premium Quality Nylon Brush: Quality nylon hair brush tips ensures that the watercolor brush pen stay intact and does not spray, spread, or smear while in use.
    • Multi-purpose Watercolor Brush : You can draw the finest line or color large lines, blend colors and create new shades.Great for solid colors or powdered pigment, use with watercolor crayons, water-soluble pencils, water-soluble pigments, inks.
    • Easy to Clean : Just clean it with water after used.

    User questions & answers

    Question: do you dip it in water color
    Answer: Not 100% sure if you can refill with polyurethane, as polyurethane may not flow through properly as water would.
    Question: Can i use acrylic paint
    Answer: Yes. They have caps. They are so much fun. You can do washes and fine detail work. They are good quality. Excellent value.
    Question: Would these work with polyurethane? Desperately seeking something refillable I can use for sealing project edges
    Answer: I would ask that question of Vallejo or Ohuhu. I personally have no knowledge of that paint product and it's properties.
    Question: Do these come with pen caps
    Answer: Each pen has a cap and the 6 pens come in a plastic sleeve. They're perfect for traveling.

    Product features

    How to use

    Watercolor Brush Pens simply unscrew the watercolor pens' barrel to add water or ink. Simply to squeeze the barrel to easily control the ink or water flow. (Note: Please make the water less than 2/3 of the pen's volume when filling water into the pen).

    Change your life

    No mess watercolor brush pen gives you peace of mind while painting. No more dealing with messy water bowls and spilled water!

    Watercolor Brush Set of 6 Assorted Brush Tips for Watercolor Painting

    Great for solid colors or powdered pigment, use with watercolor crayons, water-soluble pencils, water-soluble pigments, inks.

    These paint brushes offer long-wear and excellent color control with brush strokes. Filaments hold color and release smoothly and evenly.

    The finest nylon brush tip will give a sensitive response for delicate lines or pools of color, providing excellent resiliency after every stroke the brush returns.

    Easy to press push button to control the flow of water and allow better flow control.

    Watercolor Squirrel Hair Paint Brushes, Mop Round Fine Tip Detail Paintbrush Set for Art Painting, Gouache, Fine Detailing, Acrylic, Gouache, Oil (3 Brushes)

    DUGATO

    Based on 628 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    DUGATO Professional Watercolor Paint Brushes, Round Squirrel Hair Paint Brush Set



    DUGATO squirrel hair brush is hand made paint brush, using the finest squirrel hair to produce a brush that holds paint exceptionally well and comes to an excellent point. Squirrel hair is extremely soft and more delicate than other hairs. It’s holding capacity is unsurpassed, and the hair is so fine that a brushstroke will not leave voids or hair tracks.



    How to wash a new brush properly?

    Brand new brushes have their hair sized with a gum protected and shaped to a point. The sizing protects the brush hairs during shipping and on the shelf until you buy it. To properly break in a new brush you must dip it in your water container and swirl it around until the sizing softens up and washes away. After thoroughly rinsing, store it on flat until it is naturally dried.



    Warm Tip Don’t leave brushes soaking in your rinse water, because a lacquered wooden handle will be quickly ruined this way.



    PROFESSIONAL BRUSH SET - Hight Quality Mop Brush lets you stop worrying about paint brushes that rust, shed, and fall apart, so you can focus on your art instead. Durable easy-to-clean Squirrel hair makes cleanup a snap.



    ERGONOMIC - Generously sized and hand shaped, its unique point allows for full strokes across the paper, Artists need to use the best paint brushes to create wonderful artworks.



    PERFECT GIFT - Sizes #0, #2, #4 in an elegant black gift box, Brush length: 7.68 inch.Great gift for your kids, friends, beginners, artists or anyone who have fun in painting.



    What Are You Waiting For? Don’t Begin Your Next Artistic Project Without It! Click “Add To Cart” Now.



    Not suitable for children under 3 years. For use under adult supervision.

    • ❤ NATURAL SQUIRREL HAIR BRUSH SET: Squirrel hair is of the highest quality and holds a large volume of water which makes it excellent for mop and wash techniques, Excellent for watercolors, gouache, illustration, animation and rendering
    • ❤ PROFESSIONAL ROUND BRUSH SET: Sizes 0,2,4 in an elegant black gift box. High quality Mop Brush lets you stop worrying about paint brushes that rust, shed, and fall apart, so you can focus on your art instead. Durable easy-to-clean Squirrel hair make cleanup a snap.
    • ❤ METAL FERRULE: The ferrule of the brush receives four deep crimps. Deep crimping compresses the walls of the ferrule into the surface of the wooden handle, creating a mechanical lock that securely fastens the ferrule to the handle
    • ❤ PERFECT GIFT: These paint brushes are ideal for watercolor, Inks, dyes & gouache painting .The brush is packaged in an elegant black gift bod, which is convenient to store the brush and is a perfect gift for your kids, friends, or anyone who love painting.
    • ❤ LOVE IT OR YOUR MONEY BACK: It’s highly unlikely you won’t be 100% satisfied with our quality PaintBrushes. If you don’t absolutely love them, rest assured because we’re more than happy to either provide a no-questions-asked Refund or Replacement. Order yours today Risk Free!

    User questions & answers

    Question: do they kill squirrels JUST to make these brushes
    Answer: They are made in China and are not worth the money. They lost their shape after the first use and forever have hairs sticking out every which way. I take really, and I mean really, good care of my brushes. Most of the ones I have are over 12 years old and still in great condition, but no matter how I tried all my tricks of restoration, they’re still terrible. Hope that answers all the questions you might have.
    Question: Do they hold up well with oil
    Answer: I have been using them for last 2 months on regular basis. In fact these are my mostly used brushes due to their high quality and convenience in usage. During the first and second time I noticed one or two hair falling which I think common with all such brushes. Thereafter there was no shedding at all. Hope this answer will help you.
    Question: Where are these brushes made
    Answer: 1-10, fan and 1/2.
    Question: Do these shed
    Answer: Think they are 1-7

    Artist Watercolor Paint Brushes Set 13pcs - Round Pointed Tip Soft Anti-Shedding Nylon Hair Wood Long Handle - Detail Paint Brush for Watercolor, Acrylics, Ink, Gouache, Oil, Tempera, Paint by Numbers

    DUGATO

    Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    DUGATO Artist Round Pointed Tip Detail Paint Brushes Set 13pcs for Acrylic Watercolor Oil Painting



    What make Paint Brush Set the Best?

    ✒ Precision Points - Excellent Liquid Holding Capacity that results in an Easy, Consistent Smooth Flow of Paint.

    ✒ Anti-shedding - Brush with high quality aluminum crimped ferrules for Frustration Free Painting

    ✒ Nylon Hair - Springy, Good Color Retention and Easier to Clean

    ✒ Handmade, Long wooden handle, premium quality paint brushes.

    ✒ Ultra-Durable - Lasts Longer



    Painting Uses - Acrylic

    - Oil

    - Watercolor

    - Gouache



    BRUSH CARE TIPS:

    1.Clean your brushes immediately after using it, avoid scrubbing while cleaning.

    2.Between painting sessions, gently clean your brushes with brush cleaner or soapy water. Avoid scrubbing while cleaning.

    3.Never leave your brushes resting on their heads in water, solvent, or when drying.

    4.Store clean brushes vertically, head-side-up or horizontally.



    Package Including:

    1 * Set of 13 Different Size Round Pointed Tip Detail Paint Brushes for Oil Paint Acrylic Paint and more.



    What Are You Waiting For? Don’t Begin Your Next Artistic Project Without It! Click “Add To Cart” Now.

    • MEETS ALL PURPOSE PAINTING NEEDS: Set of 13 watercolor paint brushes in various sizes, including size #0, 2#, 4#, 6#, 8#, 10#, 12#, #14, #16 #18 #20 #22 #24. Different size paintbrushes can use different color to make your painting colorful and unique. You can mix various colors to draw whatever you want. Round are great for detail,wash,fills,and thin to thick lines.
    • ERGONOMIC HANDLES: Each carefully designed, with long solid wooden handle in special painting color, straight and persistent foaming, providing the perfect combination between balance and comfort, to deliver consistent paint strokes that every artist desires.
    • ANTI-SHEDDING SYNTHETIC NYLON, EASY CARE & RESHAPE: Nylon hair brushes are secured with high quality aluminum crimped ferrules. Durable brushes won’t loosen or fall apart - built to last. Simply clean brushes with warm water immediately after use (or follow paint manufacturer’s instructions) and reshape brush tip.
    • SUPER VERSATILITY, USE THEM WITH ALMOST ANY KIND OF PAINT: Ideal for watercolor oil, acrylic painting / body, nail, face painting. Great Gift for your kids, friends, beginners, artists or anyone who have fun in painting. Unleash their creativity with our high-quality paint brushes!
    • LOVE IT OR YOUR MONEY BACK: It’s highly unlikely you won’t be 100% satisfied with our quality PaintBrushes. If you don’t absolutely love them, rest assured because we’re more than happy to either provide a no-questions-asked Refund or Replacement. Order yours today Risk Free!

    User questions & answers

    Question: Would these brushes work well for suminagashi
    Answer: They are about 12 inches long. I really love these brushes. They hold a lot of water, paint and also kerp a great point for intricate work.
    Question: Can I use this brush set with Chalk Paint
    Answer: The largest brush is a little over an1 1/2” or 4mm from the shank to the tip. I think this set has nice spring and is good bang for the buck
    Question: How long are these brushes
    Answer: Yes
    Question: Whats the size of the biggest brush from bottom to bristles
    Answer: I doubt that it would hold up with oil since mine sheds with watercolor and oil is a much heavier medium. Hope this helps.

    Transon Round Watercolor Detail Paint Brushes Goat Hair 8pcs for Watercolors,Acrylics,Inks,Gouache,Oil and Tempera

    Transon

    Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
    • Transon round watercolor paint brushes are also suitable for acrylics, inks and gouache. Round are great for detail, wash, fills, and thin to thick lines. This original brush set is only offter by "Transon". Check seller name before purchase.
    • Professional round brushes - Made from GOAT HAIRS and HIGH-GRADE IMPORTED NYLON. NATURAL GOAT HAIRS have great liquid holding ability, SOFT and SMOOTH blending with high-grade nylon gives you perfect sable-like spring back and be able to hold its shape, more AFFORDABLE than genuine kolinsky and sable hair. These brushes do not compromise their quality.
    • Sturdy and Durable - Nickel plated copper ferrules, more DURABLE and double-crimped to the handle, NO WOBBLING.
    • Ergonomic - Well balanced wooden handle finished with champagne-colored metallic finish. Smooth touch, comfy control, it brings you great joy while painting.
    • Brushes come in 8 popular sizes:#0,#1,#2,#3,#4,#5,#6,#7. Extremely versatile size range. Perfect for professionals, artists, students, novices, beginners, adults, and kids.

    Product features

    Transon Artist Round Watercolor Detail Paint Brush Set

    These paint brushes are suitable for different media.

    No matter you are painting watercolors, gouache, acrylics, oils or tempera painting, this professional art brush set is your best choice.

    Dripping snappy
    Comfortable and Luxurious

    • Seamless and Nickle plated copper double crimped to the well balanced wooden handle. Rust-resistance making the ferrules more durable.
    • Handles finished with metallic champagne-colored paint, smooth and elegant.

    Professional Design

    Short handle with big belly helps easier control of precision when you are working on details.

    Paint brushes value pack

    Inside the Package

    • 8 Round-and pointed Paint Brushes
    • 1 General Instruction

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