Buying Tips
- Synthetic bristles can be more economical and long-lasting for acrylic painting than natural bristles.
- Plastic handles can last longer than wooden handles, and solve the issue of paint flaking off the brush after being in water.
- Exact brush sizes vary between types of brush and manufacturer.
- For this reason, approx. measurements of the width of the bristles have been listed below beside the brush size.
- Generally, small is approx. size 2-3, medium is size 5-6 and large is size 10-12.
- The exact size doesn’t matter, substitute in the general range of small, medium and large.
- This group of paintbrushes works for painting in medium – large journals and small to medium canvas from approx. 30-60 cm or 12-24 inches. You may wish to scale down a couple of sizes for very small journals or up a couple of sizes for an extra-large canvas.
- Tried and tested economical brands are listed below. The pitfall of extremely cheap brands, such as those in the children’s section, is that the bristles come out and get stuck in the painting.
- Search ‘Royal & Langnickel Gold Taklon Value Paint Brush Set’ for an economical way to get some of the basics.
20 Paint Brush Tool Kit
This selection of 20 paint brushes is a well-rounded set to cover all you need to get started with mixed media art, including acrylic paint and collage media. The list below is in order of priority. When building the collection up gradually, start with the Bright, Flat and Round brushes.
Paint Brushes for Acrylic Mediums:
Varnishing brush
An extra-large size Flat brush is most valuable to reduce join lines, with a soft bristle.
Suggested size – Width 1.9”, 50mm
Collage brush
A large size Flat brush, with a soft to medium bristle holds enough product while giving good control.
Suggested size – Size 24, 1” width, 25.4mm
Gesso brush
A large size Flat brush, with a soft to medium bristle holds enough product while giving good control.
Suggested size – Size 24, 1” width, 25mm
Paint Brushes for Acrylic Painting:
Bright brush
These make strong, choppy brushstrokes that can be quick and rough. They can easily hold a range of paint hues along the wide square edge of the brush for an interesting brushstroke. These can be substituted for a Flat brush or use a combination in these sizes.
Suggested sizes – Sizes 8, 10, 12, 24 or width ¼”, ½”, ¾”, 1” or 6.4mm, 12.7mm, 19mm, 25.4mm
Round brush
The full body with pointed tip makes this handy for both filling in small areas or painting lines with the tip, as if you were using a coloured pencil.
Suggested sizes – Sizes 3, 6, 10 or width 0.078”, 0.126”, 0.22” or 2.0mm, 3.2mm, 5.6mm
Filbert brush
Very similar to the flat brush except with its curved edges it is useful in areas with curves or round shapes.
Suggested sizes – Size 2, 6, 12 or width 3/32”, ¼”, ½” or 2.3mm, 6.4mm, 8mm
Angular brush
Also known as a shader. Handy to have to get into tight corners and where you want some precision with the pointed edge.
Suggested size – Size 4, 2 or width 3/8”, 0.27” or 10mm, 7mm
Liner brush
For long thin delicate lines and outlines. The longer the brush, the more paint it will hold for a longer uninterrupted line.
Suggested size – Size 4, 3mm wide by 25mm long
Mini Spotter detail brush
Essential for tiny marks when precision and a light touch is required, such as the highlights in eyes or tiny dots.
Suggested size – Size 5/0, 1mm wide x 6mm long
Fan brush
A non-essential, mostly used for blending, and making splatters.
Suggested size – Size 12, width 2.3”, 60mm
Dina Wakley Media Flat brush
Strong and springy bristles give highly textural brush strokes, especially when used without much water.
Suggested sizes – 1 “, 1 ½”
Optional extras
Foam Paddle brush
Make interesting marks and cover areas quickly. However, the foam/sponge is very thirsty and soaks up and holds onto a lot of paint, which can ultimately lead to wasted paint.
Catalyst Tool
A catalyst tool moves product around without clogging up brushes, especially when using acrylic mediums. They can be less versatile and flexible than a paint brush.
Brands
Great performance for an economical price:
- Holcroft
- Royal & Langnickel
- Art Spectrum
- The Art Studio
- Eraldo Di Paulo
Extra performance, with a slightly higher price tag:
- Dina Wakley Media, particularly Flat brushes
Happy Painting!
