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Ever wondered how artists create different textures, edges, and brushstrokes in their paintings? The secret lies in their paint brushes! Just like a chef has favorite knives, artists have go-to brushes for precision, blending, and bold marks. Whether you’re an art collector curious about the process or an artist looking for brush-care tips, this is a peek into the tools that bring a painting to life!

Let’s chat about brushes!
Not all brushes are created equal, and artists often have a collection of them. I have over 100 brushes, and I use them for different things. Some are my everyday favorites, while others are for specific projects like big canvases, blurring edges, or my signature style. Then there’s the “used and abused bucket” where my well-loved paint brushes go to retire/die because “you never know when you’ll need an extra frayed brush.”

Brushes come in different shapes and bristle materials, and each type has a unique purpose and creates a different stroke. There are many different types, but I’ll only cover the basics.

SHAPES

• FLAT:  Flat brushes are great for making long, smooth strokes. They have long bristles and a flat tip. They can also make solid lines in different thicknesses depending on the weight, when used on their side.
• FILBERT:   Filbert brushes are between flat and round brushes. The main difference between a filbert and a flat is their rounded edges, which let them make a variety of marks with a softer edge.
• ROUND:  Round brushes are versatile tools for any painter.  Pointed-tipped rounds are especially useful for details and can make different line weights depending on how hard you press the brush.
• FAN:  Fan brushes are soft-bristled and shaped like a traditional hand fan. The bristles are usually thinner. They’re great for blending paint already on the surface, especially in areas where you want a blurred effect (think clouds).
• MOP:  Mop brushes are soft-bristled with a rounded head.  Great for blending colors and edges.

BRISTLE MATERIAL (can be real animal hair or synthetic):

• HOG: Hog bristles are durable and stiff hair that’s often used for oil paints and thick paints. Hog bristle brushes are naturally strong and springy.
• SABLE: Sable hair is soft, flexible, and durable, making it a popular choice for watercolors. Sable brushes are considered top-notch and offer great control and precision. They have excellent absorbency and can still hold a fine point even when wet.

Do Paint Brushes Really Go Bad?
Yes, paint brushes can go bad and are no longer able to be used for their intended purpose. When a brush is no longer usable, it’s usually because the bristles are frayed or “flagging.” Flagging happens when the tips of the bristles on a paintbrush get frayed or split, making it hard for them to hold paint evenly and create a smooth finish.  So, what causes the bristles to fray or split? It can happen if you use the brush too much, don’t clean it properly, or use a brush that’s not the right fit for the type of paint you’re using. Another thing to watch for is dried paint buildup at the base of the bristles, which can make the brush stiff and difficult to clean properly. Storing brushes bristle-side down in water or solvent for too long can also cause warping and damage.

TIP: always wash your brushes with oil-based soap (click here for my favorite) after using any paint solvent, even Gamsol. This will keep your brushes in good condition for longer.  After washing, allow brushes to dry on their side to prevent water from dripping into the ferrule of the brush (the metal band that connects the bristles to the handle) and loosening the glue.

Here are some of my favorite paint brushes:

Bristle: Silver Brush Bristlon

Soft and Fine Detail: Princeton Velvetouch and Trekell Spectrum

Most Versatile: Princeton Summit Series 6100