Brush hair: natural, synthetic and blends
Watercolor brushes differ in shape and in the hair they use.
- Natural hair (such as sable or squirrel) tends to hold a lot of water and release it gradually. Good sable brushes are expensive.
- Synthetic hair is cheaper, durable and often springy. Modern synthetics are a sensible choice for beginners.
- Blends mix natural and synthetic fibers to balance water capacity, spring and cost.
Hair type matters less than shape and size when you are starting out.
Round brushes
A round brush has a full belly that tapers to a point. It is the most versatile watercolor brush: the side makes broad strokes, the tip makes fine lines, and varying pressure changes the mark. If you buy only one brush, make it a medium round.
Mop and wash brushes
Mop brushes are large, soft and rounded. They hold a great deal of water, which makes them useful for skies, backgrounds and wetting big areas of paper. The main difference from a round brush is capacity and softness: a round is better for control and detail, a mop for large, loose washes. Some mops still come to a reasonable point, so they can do more than washes.
Wash brushes are broad, often flat and soft, designed for covering large areas evenly. They matter most for large scale watercolor painting.
Flat brushes
Flats have a square edge. They suit straight edges, architectural shapes (see an easy cityscape), blocks of color and crisp lifting. A flat can be a good second brush once you have a round.
Filbert, liner and specialty brushes
- Filbert: A flat brush with an oval end. It gives softer edges than a flat, useful for petals and foliage.
- Liner or rigger: Long, thin hairs for fine lines, such as branches and rigging.
- Waterbrush: A brush with a refillable water barrel in the handle, handy for travel and sketching.
- Travel brushes: Short-handled or capped brushes that protect the tip in transit. See travel watercolor painting for kit ideas.
Choosing sizes
Sizing differs between brands, so compare actual bristle width rather than numbers alone. A common approach is one large brush for washes, one medium round for general work and one small round for detail.
A simple starter set
- A medium round
- A large mop or wash brush
- A small round or liner for detail
Add a flat later if you paint buildings or want sharp edges. For the rest of your kit, see our beginner watercolor supplies guide.
Caring for your brushes
- Rinse well after use and shape the tip.
- Store brushes tip up or lying flat; do not leave them standing on their bristles in water.
- Avoid leaving paint to dry in the ferrule.
- Cap or protect brushes when traveling.
FAQ
What brushes work best for watercolor? A medium round brush is the usual starting point, with a larger wash brush for broad areas.
What is the difference between a mop and a round brush? A mop is larger and softer and holds more water; a round offers more control for detail.
Do I need expensive brushes? Not to start. Decent synthetics are enough while you learn technique.