Understanding Brush Types, Hair, and How to Choose the Right One

When you're new to watercolour painting, one of the most confusing parts can be deciding which brush to use. Walk into any art supply store—or browse online—and you'll quickly be overwhelmed by the variety: different shapes, sizes, hair types, and price points. But don’t worry. This guide will help you understand what makes each brush unique and how to find the right ones to start with.

Anatomy of a watercolour brush

Before diving into the types, it's helpful to know what makes up a watercolour brush:

• Handle: Usually wooden or acrylic.

• Ferrule: The metal part that holds the bristles to the handle.

• Bristles: The working part of the brush—available in various shapes and hair types.

Natural vs synthetic hair

Natural hair brushes

These are often made from animal hair like sable, squirrel, ox, or goat. Natural hair holds more water, making it easier to lay down smooth, flowing washes.

• Sable: Luxurious and springy. Kolinsky sable (a type of weasel hair) is considered top-of-the-line.

• Squirrel: Very soft and absorbent, often used in mop brushes.

• Goat or Ox: Coarser and used in larger brushes for broad washes.

💡 Note: Natural hair brushes can be pricey and require more delicate care.

Synthetic brushes

Made from nylon or taklon, these are affordable, vegan-friendly, and more resilient for daily use.

• Often have more "snap"—meaning they bounce back into shape after each stroke.

• Easier to clean and maintain.

• Many modern synthetic brushes now mimic the performance of natural hair surprisingly well.

Types of watercolour brushes by shape

Round Brushes

A must-have in any beginner's kit. Round brushes have a pointed tip for detail and a full belly for broad strokes. With one brush, you can go from a fine line to a full wash.

💡 Start with a size 6 or 8 round—it’s a great all-rounder.

Flat Brushes

These have straight edges and are ideal for:

• Laying down even washes

• Creating clean lines

• Painting skies or backgrounds

Bright Brushes

A variation of the flat brush with shorter bristles. They're springier and give you more control—great for tighter, precise work.

Mop Brushes

Soft, fluffy, and ultra-absorbent, mop brushes are perfect for large areas and wet-on-wet techniques. Their rounded shape allows for smooth, flowing colour applications.

⚠️ Mops take some practice to control, but they’re amazing for expressive styles.

Filbert Brushes

Flat with rounded tips—these can create both soft edges and more controlled strokes. A beautiful in-between brush for blending and detail.

Fan Brushes

Used for special effects like grass, trees, and textures. Great for creating motion and organic shapes.

Angle Brushes

Cut diagonally at the tip—great for painting sharp edges, corners, and expressive strokes.

Rigger or Liner Brushes

Long and thin, these brushes are ideal for delicate lines, branches, grasses, or even lettering.

Travel brushes & brush pens

If you enjoy painting outdoors or while traveling:

• Water brushes (brush pens) hold water in the barrel—no need for a separate cup.

• Travel brushes come with protective caps and are compact enough to fit in a pencil case.

What brush should you start with?

You don’t need every type of brush to begin with. In fact, many artists work wonders with just one or two good round brushes. Here's a simple starter set:

• Size 6 or 8 round brush

• ½ inch flat brush

• Rigger or liner (optional for detail work)

As your confidence grows, experiment with other shapes to find what suits your style.

Caring for your brushes

Even the best brushes won’t last forever—but with proper care, you can extend their life and keep them performing beautifully.

Cleaning and storing your brushes

• Rinse Thoroughly: After each use, rinse brushes under lukewarm water. Gently swirl the bristles in your palm or a container to remove paint residue. Avoid hot water, as it can damage both natural and synthetic bristles.

• Remove Excess Water: Gently blot the brush on a paper towel or clean cloth to remove excess moisture before reshaping.

• Dry Flat: Allow brushes to dry completely by laying them flat or with the bristles pointing down. This prevents water from seeping into the ferrule, which can cause loosening over time.

• Avoid Soaking: Never leave your brushes standing in water. This can weaken the glue inside the ferrule, warp the handle, and damage the bristles.

• Proper Storage: Once dry, store your brushes with care—either flat in a drawer or upright with the bristles facing up in a container. Make sure they’re not pressed against anything that could bend or fray the tips.

• Clean Before Use: If you're using a brand-new brush, give it a quick rinse to remove any factory residue, dust, or stray bristles before painting.

Reshaping a tired brush: The boiling water method

Sometimes brushes lose their shape, especially after heavy use or rough storage. Here’s a gentle method to revive them:

Boiling Water Method

• Heat water until boiling.

• Dip just the bristles into the hot water for a few seconds (between 3–20 seconds depending on how damaged they are).

• Remove and gently reshape with your fingers or by rolling the brush on a clean cloth.

• Let the brush air dry completely.

⚠️ Never dip the ferrule or handle in the boiling water—this can cause permanent damage.

With a little care and attention, your brushes will reward you with better control, cleaner strokes, and longer-lasting performance.

 

Final thoughts

Choosing the right watercolour brush isn’t about buying the most expensive one—it’s about finding what feels right in your hand and matches your painting style. Start simple, explore slowly, and let your brushes guide your creativity.

Happy painting!

– Mareli