Watercolor Brushes

Round brushes are versatile for lines, shapes and general painting.

Natural hair holds generous water but can be expensive and delicate.

Beginners need dependable brushes, not luxury brushes.

A mop is a soft, full brush designed to hold plenty of water and colour.

Look for a brush that returns to shape, forms a clean point, holds water and does not shed.

Brushes lose shape when paint dries near the ferrule, bristles are scrubbed aggressively or the brush is stored standing on its tip.

Rinse until the water runs clear, reshape the bristles and let brushes dry horizontally.

Allow brushes to dry completely before placing them in a roll, case or upright container.

Replace a brush when it sheds repeatedly, will not hold a usable point, has a loose ferrule or no longer responds predictably after cleaning.

A small round, a medium round and one larger wash-capable brush cover most beginner needs.