When talking about watercolor painting, one of the most common topics, especially among beginners, is watercolor brushes. Whether it is owning the best watercolor brushes, learning which brushes are better suited for watercolor, how to use such brushes and which brands perform better than the others, the watercolor brushes topic always ends up being much more complex than going to the art store and grabbing a pack of brushes.
Many artists and bloggers will lead you toward different brands and sets, based on their experience and knowledge and although that is great, sometimes their recommendations won’t be the best fit for you. In this article we’ll learn the basics of watercolor brushes, how to identify a high quality brush, what to look for in watercolor brushes and how to use them.
So, let’s get started and get you set up with the perfect brushes for your next masterpiece!
Understanding Watercolor Brushes
Understanding your brush is a bit like getting to know a new friend. The more you learn about its characteristics, the better you can work together. Let’s break down the main parts of a brush and see what each one brings to the table.
When talking about brushes, we have three main parts: the handle, the ferrule and the head. These three parts are common to all brushes.
The Handle
- In the handle we can find information about our brush, like the size, the brand and the series. You can find brushes with long handles, these are great for larger canvases or if you’re standing at an easel. They allow for broader, more expressive strokes and a loose painting style.
- There are also brushes with short handles, which are ideal for close-up work or when you’re working on a smaller canvas. They give you more control and precision and are easier to store.
- Then you also have travel brushes which have “split handles” that can be assembled to make a short one. These are perfect for carrying them in your pocket without worrying about damage.
The Crimp
The crimp is the piece of metal that holds the bristles and the handle together, it’s usually water resistant and made from a single metal piece (seamless). Watercolor brushes’ crimps are typically deeper and more pronounced. This is because watercolor brushes often deal with a lot of water, which can seep into any gaps and weaken the adhesive holding the brush together. A deeper crimp helps prevent water from getting between the ferrule and the handle.
The Head
The head of a brush is made of bristles, which are the part of the brush that comes in contact with our paper, it can be made of different materials and can be what makes or breaks our experience.
Material
Watercolor brushes are usually made from softer materials that don’t damage the paper and hold decent amounts of water at the same time. We can classify them according to the material they’re made of.
- We have natural bristles which are made from animal hair, often sable, hog, or squirrel. These brushes are amazing at holding water while keeping a fine point, which makes them perfect for watercolor painting as they can be used for heavy washes and detailed work.
- We also have synthetic bristles, which are more common and much more affordable. These are made from nylon or polyester and are more durable and resistant than natural bristles. Though they’re not close to holding water as natural bristles do, they’re quite close and an affordable alternative for those who are on a budget.
- There are also blends of both synthetic and natural bristles available in the market, and while they’re not as common as synthetic brushes, they’re also a nice alternative for those who want high quality brushes at a more affordable price point.
Shape
Despite being made of synthetic or natural bristles, the shape of the head can be a determinant factor when choosing watercolor brushes as it determines the use we’re going to give them. Here are the main shapes you should have as a watercolor artist:
- Round: Your all-rounder! Perfect for both fine lines and broader washes. If you’re starting out, this is a must-have.
- Flat: These have a squared-off end, making them ideal for filling in large areas or creating sharp edges.
- Filbert: Think of this as the love child of round and flat brushes. It’s got a rounded edge, and it’s great for soft blending.
- Liner or Rigger: Super long bristles make these perfect for detailed work, like painting branches or fine lines.
- Mop: These are fluffy and hold a lot of water, making them perfect for laying down big washes of color.
What to Consider when Buying Watercolor Brushes
So, after reading all of the information above you’re now ready to start the hunt for the perfect watercolor brush? I’ve been there, and I know it can be a bit overwhelming with all the choices out there. But don’t fear! Here are some key things to think about to help you make an informed decision.
Skill level
For beginners, opt for versatile, affordable brushes like a basic round. You’re still exploring, so no need for big investments yet. Professionals should prioritize quality and durability, given the frequent use and need for precision.
Budget
If you’re budget-conscious, look for sets offering a variety of brushes. Many mid-range options deliver great results. If you’re leaning towards premium, invest in brushes with natural bristles and top-notch construction for longevity and superior performance.
Maintenance and Care
Choose brushes that release pigment easily for hassle-free cleaning. Prioritize brushes with sturdy construction, like deep crimps and quality ferrules, to ensure they stand the test of time.
Painting Style
For detailed work, brushes with fine points, like liners, are ideal. If you’re into broad washes, go for mops or large flats that can hold ample water for even coverage.
The 6 Best Watercolor Brushes in 2024
- Best Overall Watercolor Brushes — Silver Black Velvet Basic Watercolor Set
- Best Value Watercolor Brushes — Da Vinci Brushes 5359 Set
- Best Synthetic Watercolor Brushes — Princeton Velvetouch, Mixed-Media Brushes
- Best Gift Watercolor Brushes — Winsor & Newton Series 7
- Best Watercolor Brushes for Beginners — Winsor & Newton Foundation Watercolour Brushes
- Best Mop Watercolor Brushes — Princeton Good Mop, Brushes for Watercolor Series 2850
1. Best Watercolor Brushes Overall — Silver Black Velvet Basic Watercolor Set
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3rgkTgZ” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
Selection Criteria
- Handle type: Short handle.
- Our Score: -/-
- Material: Synthetic and Squirrel Mix.
- Our Score- 9/10
- Shape: 2 round 1 flat.
- Our Score- 9/10
- Grade: Professional.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $89.08
- Our Score – 9/10
About the Silver Black Velvet Basic Watercolor Set
The Silver Black Velvet Basic Watercolor Set is a popular choice among both intermediate and seasoned watercolor artists. Known for its quality and performance, this set offers a blend of natural squirrel hair and black synthetic filament, resulting in brushes that hold a significant amount of water and release it evenly while still being relatively affordable. In order to make the best brush combination, this set includes a big flat brush for large areas and washes, a big round brush and a small one for details which is why this is our best option.
Pros
- Holds lots of water.
- Versatile for techniques.
- Durable and long-lasting.
Cons
- Higher price point.
- Specific care required.
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3rgkTgZ” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
2.Best Value Watercolor Brushes — Da Vinci Red Sable Collection
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3Pa7GOJ” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
Selection Criteria
- Handle type: Short handle.
- Our Score – -/-
- Material: Animal Hair.
- Our Score –10/10
- Shape: Round.
- Our Score – 10/10
- Grade: Artist.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $53.95
- Our Score – 9/10
About the Da Vinci Red Sable Set
The Da Vinci Brushes are appreciated by artists for their quality, performance and affordability. The set differentiates between kolinsky sable and the more affordable red sable, without compromising performance. These brushes have a particularly special handle, which has a unique triangular shape to provide comfort and ease of use to artists. Despite being high quality, these brushes are much more affordable than other brands, providing high value for the price, however, pay special attention to the sizes since they may differ from other brands.
Pros
- Quality performance
- Comfortable handles
- Affordable red sable option
Cons
- Size inconsistency
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3Pa7GOJ” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
3. Best Synthetic Watercolor Brushes — Princeton Velvetouch, Mixed-Media Brushes
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3LjscLE” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
Selection Criteria
- Handle type: Short handle.
- Our Score – -/-
- Material: Synthetic, Wood.
- Our Score –9/10
- Shape: 1 Spotter, 1 Angle Shader, 2 Round and 1 Filbert.
- Our Score –10/10
- Grade: Professional.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $46.95
- Our Score – 9/10
About the Princeton Velvetouch, Mixed-Media Brushes
The Princeton Velvetouch Mixed Media Brushes are a great choice for artists seeking versatility and comfort. These brushes are designed with a unique blend of synthetic bristles that mimic the performance of natural hair brushes, additionally, the handles have a velvety feel, providing a comfortable grip when painting. The brushes are suitable for various mediums, including watercolors, acrylics, inks, and oils. They offer a good balance between holding a point and retaining water/pigment, making them ideal for both detailed work and broader strokes but they might have certain limitations due to their synthetic nature.
Pros
- Comfortable velvety grip
- Suitable for multiple mediums
Cons
- Synthetic brushes might not hold water as well.
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3LjscLE” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
4. Best Premium Watercolor Brushes — Winsor & Newton Series 7
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/44Li5pS” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
Selection Criteria
- Handle type: Normal handle.
- Our Score – -/-
- Material: Kolinsky Sable hair
- Our Score –10/10
- Shape: 4 pc Round Watercolor Brush.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Grade: Professional.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $124.99
- Our Score – 8/10
About the Winsor & Newton Series 7
When looking for the best watercolor materials, Winsor and Newton will always be one of the go-to brands for both beginners, intermediate and professional artists. Best known for their watercolor paints and paper, Winsor and Newton also offer excellent quality brushes that are renowned in the art community as some of the finest watercolor brushes available. Crafted using kolinsky sable hair, these brushes are known for their exceptional point, flow control, and the ability to retain their shape. They are hand-made with high precision, ensuring consistent quality and performance. Suitable for both professionals and enthusiasts, the Series 7 brushes offer a painting experience that is unparalleled in terms of precision and comfort.
Pros
- Premium kolinsky sable
- Exceptional point retention
- Superior flow control
Cons
- Premium price point
- Requires careful maintenance
- Limited to finer work
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/44Li5pS” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
5. Best Watercolor Brushes for Beginners — Winsor & Newton Foundation Watercolour Brushes
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3PvJAzw” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
Selection Criteria
- Handle type: Short handle
- Our Score – -/-
- Material: Synthetic.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Shape: 3 round, 1 filbert, 2 flat.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Grade: Beginners.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Price: $24.99
- Our Score – 9/10
About the Winsor & Newton Foundation Watercolour Brushes
As their name says, the Winsor and Newton Foundation Brushes are an excellent starting point for artists or hobbyists stepping into the world of watercolor. These brushes, while designed with beginners in mind, carry the weight of the Winsor & Newton name, ensuring a level of quality that’s hard to match at its price point. They offer a good balance between performance and affordability, making them a popular choice for those who are still exploring their style and technique. While they might not have the finesse of the brand’s premium range, they are more than capable of laying down consistent strokes, washes, and details without breaking the bank or going over budget.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Reliable for beginners
- Backed by a trusted brand
Cons
- Not for advanced techniques
- Lesser bristle quality
- May wear out faster
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3PvJAzw” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
6. Best Mop Watercolor Brushes — Princeton Mop Brush
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3Eucgmd” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
Selection Criteria
- Handle type: Short handle.
- Our Score – -/-
- Material: Natural Goat Hair Bristle.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Shape: Mop.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Grade: Artist.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $14.95
- Our Score – 9/10
About the Princeton Mop Brush
One of the brushes that is a must in every watercolor kit is the mop brush, though not carried by a lot of sets, this brush is the one that will aid you the most when doing wet-on-wet techniques. Princeton’s Mop Brush is a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit. These brushes are designed to cater to the specific needs of watercolor artists, ensuring smooth application and excellent paint retention. Many artists have praised their soft bristles which ensure a smooth and even spread of watercolor, allowing for a seamless blend of colors on the canvas.
Pros
- Efficient large area coverage
- Smooth watercolor application
- Excellent paint retention
Cons
- Initial stray hairs issue
- Too large for detailed work
[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/3Eucgmd” target=”blank” background=”#ef2e2d” size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow sponsored”]View Prices![/su_button]
Conclusions
Choosing thе right watеrcolor brush can makе a significant difference in your painting еxpеriеncе, thе brushes you choose can either elevate your artwork or hindеr your progrеss. Wе hope that this article has provided you with guidance and helped you choose some of thе bеst watercolor brushes available in thе markеt. Thе brushеs wе vе prеsеntеd you today cater to various skill lеvеls and nееds, from bеginnеrs to profеssionals.
Whеthеr you’re looking for valuе, prеmium quality, or brushes tailored for specific techniques, thеrе’s somеthing hеrе for еvеryonе. Rеmеmbеr, thе bеst brush is not just about thе brand or pricе but how it complеmеnts your stylе and mееts you’re nееds. So, takе your timе, consider your prеfеrеncеs, and invеst in brushеs that will еnhancе your watеrcolor journеy.
Happy painting!
