Paint Brushes: Finding the Right Tool for Every Stroke

Every artist knows the feeling. You sit down, paints ready, inspiration flowing. Then you reach for a brush and realise it is not quite right for the job. Whether you're blocking in bold acrylics, glazing delicate watercolours, or building texture in oils, the brush you choose can make a real difference to your final result.   At Discount Art & Craft Warehouse, we believe the right tools should make painting feel easy and enjoyable. With a wide range of paint brushes in various shapes, fibres, and sizes, there's something here for every artist. Whether you're picking up your first brush or expanding your collection, this guide will help you find the best paint brushes for your style and medium.

Types of Paint Brushes

Choosing a brush starts with understanding bristle type and shape. These two features influence how your brush holds paint, how it moves across your surface, and the kind of mark it leaves behind.

Natural vs Synthetic Brushes

Natural brushes are made from animal hairs like hog, sable, or squirrel. They hold more paint or water and offer a smooth, responsive flow. Many oil and watercolour artists prefer them for their softness and natural feel.   Synthetic brushes, often made from nylon or polyester, are durable, affordable, and cruelty-free. They're a great match for acrylics and mixed media work, and they're generally easier to clean after painting sessions.   Both options have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your technique and preferred medium.

Shapes and Sizes – Round, Flat, Filbert, and More

Brush shapes play a big role in how you apply your paint:

• Round brushes offer precision and are great for fine detail or controlled strokes.
• Flat brushes are ideal for bold strokes, washes, and filling large areas.
• Filbert brushes have rounded edges that allow for blending and soft curved lines.
• Fan brushes are excellent for textures like foliage or clouds.
• Angled brushes make it easy to paint sharp edges, corners, or curved shapes.

  A brush set with a variety of shapes is a smart choice if you're still exploring which styles suit your work best.

Choosing the Right Brush for Your Medium

While there's plenty of room to experiment, using a brush suited to your paint type helps you get better results and extends the life of your tools.

Brushes for Acrylic Painting

Acrylic paint dries quickly and can be tough on brushes. Synthetic bristles are a great choice because they can handle the fast drying time without losing their shape.   Medium to stiff bristles work well for moving thicker acrylics around, while softer synthetics are useful for glazing and detailed work.

Brushes for Oil Painting

Oil paints are thicker and slower to dry. Brushes with hog bristles are ideal because they're strong enough to move heavy paint across the canvas. Softer natural fibres or specialised synthetic brushes also work well for blending and fine detail in oil painting.   If you're building texture with thick applications, our range of oil brushes will give you more control.

Brushes for Watercolour Painting

Watercolour relies on controlled water flow, so brushes need to be soft yet springy. Natural fibres like sable or squirrel offer excellent absorbency, but modern synthetic watercolour brushes can provide similar results at a lower cost.   A good watercolour brush holds a fine point for detailed work and fans out smoothly for washes and gradients.

How to Care for Your Paint Brushes

Taking a few extra minutes to care for your brushes keeps them in good condition and saves you money in the long run.

Cleaning Techniques for Different Paint Types

Water-based paints like acrylic or watercolour rinse easily with lukewarm water. Add a little mild soap to remove all pigment, reshape the bristles gently, and let them dry flat or upright. Oil paints require wiping off excess paint, followed by cleaning with a solvent like low-odour thinner or a brush cleaner. Afterwards, a wash with soap and warm water helps remove any remaining residue.   Never use hot water, as it can loosen the glue that holds the bristles in place.

Storage and Maintenance Tips

After cleaning, reshape your brushes carefully and let them dry bristle-side up or flat on a towel. Avoid storing brushes with the bristles down, as this damages their shape over time.   Brush rolls, containers, or holders help keep your tools protected between uses. If a brush becomes misshapen, trimming stray hairs can sometimes extend its life, especially for background work or creating rough textures.   Regular deep cleaning, especially after heavy painting sessions, helps preserve the spring and performance of your brushes.

Browse Our Collection of Paint Brushes Today

At Discount Art & Craft Warehouse, we stock a wide selection of paint brushes suited for every artist, style, and budget. Whether you're just starting your creative journey or building a professional kit, the right brush can make every stroke feel more natural and rewarding.   From starter sets to high-performance favourites, you'll find everything you need to explore, refine, and express your creativity. Take your time, test different shapes and fibres, and discover how the right tools can elevate your artwork.