Bristle material
Acrylic brushes are usually grouped by bristle material, shape and handle length.
- Synthetic (nylon, polyester, synthetic blends). The usual recommendation for acrylic. Synthetic fibers cope with water and fast-drying paint, hold their shape and are generally easy to clean.
- Natural hair (such as hog bristle, the traditional choice for oil brushes). Stiffer and holds heavy paint well, so it can suit thick, textured work. Natural hair can absorb water and may be damaged by acrylic over time, so it takes more care.
- Blends. Some brushes mix synthetic and natural fibers to balance softness and stiffness.
If you are unsure, start with synthetic brushes in a few shapes and sizes.
Brush shapes
| Shape | What it looks like | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | Rectangular head with long bristles | Covering large areas, crisp edges, broad strokes |
| Bright | Like a flat, with shorter bristles | More control for short, firm strokes |
| Round | Tapers to a point | Lines, detail, sketching in paint, thin to thick strokes by pressure |
| Filbert | Flat with a rounded, domed tip | Soft edges, blending, organic shapes such as petals and leaves |
| Angle (angular) | Cut on a slant | Curved lines, tight corners, sharp edges |
| Fan | Bristles spread out flat | Soft blending, textures like grass, foliage and clouds |
| Liner / rigger | Thin and long | Fine lines, lettering, signatures, whiskers |
What are the 8 types of paintbrushes? There is no single universal list. Lists of eight usually include some mix of flat, bright, round, filbert, angle, fan, liner and mop or wash brushes. The table above covers the shapes you are most likely to need for acrylic.
Palette knives
Palette knives are not brushes, but they are useful for mixing paint and for applying thick, textured strokes. A painting knife has a bent handle and a flexible blade that can create flat patches, ridges and sharp lines. They are also easier to clean than brushes when working with thick paint.
A starter set
You can paint a lot with a handful of brushes:
- A large flat (for backgrounds and washes)
- A medium flat or bright
- A medium round
- A small round for detail
- Optional: a filbert, a liner and a palette knife
Add more only when you notice a mark you cannot make with what you have. For a wider set of beginner suggestions, see acrylic painting tips for beginners.
Sizes and handle length
Brush sizes are numbered, but the numbering is not standardized between brands, so a size 8 from one brand may differ from another. It is best to compare brush widths in person or in product specifications. Short handles suit close, detailed work, while long handles let you stand back from an easel and paint with a looser arm, which many acrylic painters prefer for larger canvases.
Avoiding visible brush strokes
How do you avoid brush strokes with acrylic? Some marks are part of the charm, but if you want a smoother surface:
- Use a soft, wide flat or a mop brush for large areas.
- Apply thin, even layers rather than one thick coat, letting each dry. See painting layers with acrylic.
- Add a small amount of acrylic medium or flow improver, following the product’s directions, so the paint levels out.
- Brush in one direction and avoid overworking paint as it begins to dry.
- Lightly sand between layers on a smooth, primed surface if needed.
A smoother canvas also helps; see canvas types for acrylic.
Brush care
Acrylic dries into plastic, and dried paint in the bristles near the metal ferrule can ruin a brush. Rinse brushes during painting, and never leave them standing on their bristles in water. After painting, wash with mild soap and lukewarm water, reshape the bristles and let the brush dry flat or bristles up. Avoid hot water, which may loosen the glue in the ferrule.