4 Advice to Choose a Bent Head Paint Brushes

Choosing the best paint brush for your project can dramatically impact your results, saving you both time and frustration. Many painters—both beginners and experienced DIYers—underestimate how significantly their brush selection affects the final appearance of their painted surfaces.

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Paint brush quality and type matter more than you might think. A brush that's perfectly suited for your specific project will deliver smoother finishes, cleaner lines, and more efficient paint distribution. Furthermore, the right brush can make painting easier and more enjoyable, especially during those larger, time-consuming projects.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about selecting the right paint brush for your project. From understanding different bristle types and brush shapes to matching brushes with specific paints and surfaces, we'll help you make informed decisions for professional-looking results. Whether you're touching up trim or tackling an entire room renovation, the perfect brush is waiting—and we'll help you find it.

Understanding Paint Brush Bristles

The bristles on your paint brush represent the most critical component that determines performance and results. Bristle selection impacts everything from paint distribution to the smoothness of your finish—making it essential to understand the different types before starting your next project.

Natural bristles: When to use them

Natural bristle brushes are crafted from animal hair, with options ranging from hog to sable, badger, and ox hair. These brushes excel primarily with oil-based paints, varnishes, polyurethanes, and stains. The natural structure of these bristles allows them to hold and release paint evenly, resulting in smoother finishes with fewer brush marks.

White China bristle brushes, made from hog hair, provide super-smooth finishes on oil-based coatings and are ideal for cabinets, doors, and trim work. These brushes have naturally split ends (called "flags") that hold more paint and create exceptionally smooth results. Black China bristle brushes offer slightly more stiffness and durability, making them perfect for high-productivity applications.

However, natural bristles have limitations. They absorb water and become limp when used with water-based paints, causing them to lose their shape and effectiveness. Additionally, rough surfaces can break the tips off natural bristles, quickly ruining your brush. For best results, reserve natural bristle brushes exclusively for oil-based products and smooth surfaces.

Synthetic bristles: Best for water-based paints

Synthetic bristle brushes, manufactured from materials like nylon, polyester, or modified nylon (Chinex®), have become the standard choice for most modern painting projects. These brushes perform exceptionally well with water-based paints such as latex and acrylics.

Unlike natural bristles, synthetic options resist water absorption, maintaining their stiffness and shape even after prolonged use with water-based products. This resistance makes them significantly easier to clean and extends their usable life. Nylon brushes offer excellent paint pickup and produce smooth finishes but may soften in hot weather. In contrast, polyester brushes maintain their shape and control in heat but typically have lower paint pickup.

Chinex® bristles, a modified nylon developed by DuPont, represent an advanced synthetic option that performs similarly to natural bristles but with easier cleanup and better shape retention. Many professional painters prefer Chinex® brushes for their versatility with both oil-based and latex paints.

Blended bristles: A versatile option

For painters seeking the best of both worlds, blended bristle brushes combine natural and synthetic fibers to create versatile tools for various applications. These hybrid brushes typically feature a mix of nylon/polyester with natural bristles, offering balanced performance across different paint types.

The most popular professional brush choice is often the nylon/polyester blend, which combines nylon's precise tipping and excellent paint pickup with polyester's added stiffness and control. This combination creates an all-around versatile brush suitable for most painting tasks.

Modern natural bristle brushes often include 20-40% synthetic bristles to improve durability and finish quality while maintaining the benefits of natural bristles. This blending technique enhances performance across a wider range of applications.

When selecting your next paint brush, consider the specific project requirements and paint type first, then choose the bristle type that will deliver the best results. The right bristle selection will not only improve your finish quality but also make the painting process more efficient and enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Brush Shape and Size

The shape and size of a paint brush play crucial roles in determining how efficiently and effectively you can complete your painting project. Selecting the proper dimensions helps you achieve better coverage, cleaner lines, and more professional results with less effort.

Flat brushes for large surfaces

Flat brushes feature straight-cut bristles that create a rectangular shape, making them ideal for covering large areas quickly. These brushes hold significant amounts of paint and deliver consistent, even coverage across large surfaces. Flat brushes (sometimes called flat sash or trim brushes) excel at:

• Painting exterior siding, decks, fences, and large walls
• Applying base coats and filling in substantial areas with color
• Creating straight lines and edges when used with their sides
• Varnishing large surfaces with their long-haired variations

The flat shape allows you to cover more area with each stroke, consequently reducing your painting time on major projects. Flat brushes with longer bristles can hold more paint, meaning less trips to the paint can.

Angled brushes for trim and corners

Angled brushes (often called angled sash brushes) feature bristles cut at a slant, creating a precise edge perfect for detailed work. This angled edge serves a specific purpose—giving you better control and access to tight spaces. These brushes are particularly effective for:

• Cutting in along ceiling lines and corners
• Painting trim, moldings, and window frames
• Reaching into tight corners and crevices
• Creating crisp, clean lines between different colors

The precision of an angled brush comes from its tapered edge, which allows you to maneuver into tight spaces while maintaining control. Professional painters typically prefer angled brushes when precision matters more than speed .

Round and detail brushes for precision work

Round brushes feature cylindrical bristle arrangements that taper to a point, offering exceptional detail capability with controlled paint application. These brushes serve as essential tools for intricate work and are categorized into several specialized types:

• Standard rounds: Perfect for detailed work, outlining, and controlled washes
• Liners/riggers: Feature extra-long bristles ideal for creating consistent fine lines
• Spotters: Ultra-small rounds designed for the finest details and touch-ups
• Filberts: Rounded-tip flat brushes that blend the coverage of flats with detail capability

Round brushes give you remarkable control for intricate projects, particularly when working on furniture details, craft projects, or artistic elements .

Brush width guide by project type

Selecting the appropriate brush width dramatically impacts your painting efficiency and results. Most home painting projects require brushes between 1 and 4 inches wide, with specific recommendations by project type:

Remember that brush shape and size selection should primarily be determined by your specific project needs rather than personal preference alone. The best paint brush for your job combines the right size, shape, and bristle type to achieve optimal results with minimal effort.

Matching Brushes to Surface and Paint Type

Beyond bristle selection and brush size, successfully matching your paint brush to your specific surface and paint type is crucial for professional results. Indeed, the interaction between brush, surface texture, and paint formulation significantly impacts both the application process and final appearance.

Smooth vs. rough surfaces

Surface texture directly determines which brush will deliver the best finish for your project. For smooth surfaces like trim, doors, or cabinets, softer bristles create the finest results. White China bristle brushes excel on smooth surfaces when using oil-based products, as they provide super-smooth finishes with minimal brush marks .

Alternatively, rough textured surfaces such as stucco, brick, or weathered wood require completely different brush characteristics. These surfaces demand stiffer, more durable brushes that can withstand abrasion. Specifically, synthetic brushes with Chinex® bristles or Pro-Extra® styles offer superior performance on textured surfaces .

First of all, it's worth noting that rough surfaces will break the tips off natural bristles, quickly ruining your brush. Even when using oil-based paints on rough surfaces, a durable synthetic brush is preferable owing to its resistance to wear .

Latex vs. oil-based paints

Paint formulation fundamentally affects which brush will provide optimal application and finish quality. For water-based paints (including latex and acrylics), synthetic bristles made from nylon, polyester, or blends offer the best performance because they don't absorb water, maintaining their shape throughout application .

Natural bristle brushes remain the gold standard for oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, and polyurethanes. The natural "flagging" (splitting) of these bristles allows them to hold more paint and deliver smoother finishes with these formulations . As a general guideline:

When working with latex paints, nylon bristles provide excellent paint pickup and smooth finishes but may soften in hot weather. In contrast, polyester bristles maintain their shape well but typically hold less paint .

Low VOC and heavy-bodied paints

Modern paint formulations present unique challenges that require specific brush considerations. Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints dry substantially faster than traditional formulations, making brush selection particularly important .

For Low VOC paints, brushes with softer tips help avoid brush marks as these quick-drying formulas can show streaking more readily. Many manufacturers now produce brushes specifically designed for these formulations, featuring extremely fine tips (similar to makeup brushes) coupled with firm bristles to provide adequate pushing power .

Heavy-bodied paints, characterized by their thick, buttery texture, require stiffer brushes that can effectively move these viscous formulations. Extra-firm nylon and polyester brushes excel with these thicker coatings .

Given these considerations, modern manufacturers have developed specialized brushes like Purdy's Clearcut® Elite™ that deliver excellent paint release and superior cleanability, making them ideal for today's challenging paint formulations while remaining versatile across various surface types .

Handle Types and Ergonomics

The handle of your paint brush serves as more than just a place to grip—it fundamentally affects your painting experience, precision, and comfort. Selecting the right handle style can mean the difference between a frustrating project and a satisfying one.

Rattail vs. beavertail handles

Handle shape directly impacts how you control your brush during application. Rattail handles feature a long, thin design that tapers at the end, allowing you to hold the brush almost like a pencil for detailed work. This design helps maintain a firm grip for precision tasks and is ideal for drawing fine lines or intricate patterns .

In contrast, beavertail handles offer a wide, rounded shape that fits comfortably in your palm. This ergonomic design reduces strain during extended use, making it perfect for larger projects requiring prolonged brush holding . The balanced design helps distribute pressure evenly while painting .

Fluted handles represent a middle option with grooves along their surface that improve grip, even with wet or messy hands. These handles excel in projects requiring steady, careful movements .

Short vs. long handles

Handle length affects both reach and control. Short handles (approximately 5-6 inches) provide superior control for detail work. Their lightweight design makes them ideal for tight spaces and intricate designs .

Long handles (approximately 9 inches) excel in larger painting jobs, helping you reach distant surfaces without straining. They're particularly valuable for walls and ceilings, providing better leverage that reduces fatigue during extensive projects .

Comfort and control for long projects

Ergonomically designed handles can decrease hand fatigue by up to 60% after two hours of painting . These specialized designs increase palm contact by 40%, distributing pressure more evenly across your hand .

Well-balanced brushes save approximately 30% of your energy during extended use, making them essential for professional painters . Quality brushes should balance naturally in your hand, offering greater control regardless of the handle style .

Ultimately, the most comfortable handle depends on your hand size, project type, and personal preference. Testing different handles before purchase ensures you'll find the perfect match for your specific needs .

Brush Care and Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance of your paint brushes is just as important as selecting the right type initially. With proper care, quality brushes can last for years instead of months, saving you money in the long run.

How to clean brushes properly

Cleaning begins immediately after you finish painting. For water-based paints:

1. Remove excess paint by scraping the brush against the rim of the paint can
2. Rinse under warm water with bristles pointing down to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule
3. Add a small amount of mild soap and work it through the bristles
4. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear

Oil-based paints require a different approach:

1. Wipe excess paint onto newspaper or back into the can
2. Dip in mineral spirits or paint thinner (never soak)
3. Work the brush against the container sides to loosen paint
4. Follow with a soap and water wash

Above all, never leave brushes soaking in water or solvent for extended periods, as this damages both bristles and handles .

Storage tips to extend brush life

Once cleaned, proper storage is crucial for longevity:

First, reshape the bristles while they're still damp using your fingers or a brush comb . Subsequently, remove excess water by gently slapping the brush against your hand or table edge—never bang brushes against hard surfaces as this can damage brush designs .

For long-term storage, consider these options:

• Hang brushes vertically with bristles facing down
• Store flat with nothing touching the bristles
• Return to original protective sleeve after completely dry

For overnight breaks during multi-day projects, wrap bristles in plastic wrap with a tight seal at the neck using masking tape .

When to replace your brush

Even with excellent care, brushes eventually need replacement. Look for these signs:

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• Bristles remain bent or splayed despite reshaping
• Consistent poor results despite proper cleaning
• Visible gaps in bristle formation
• Brush head loses its spring or flexibility
• Paint flows unevenly during application

With proper maintenance, quality brushes can last 10+ years . In contrast, poorly maintained brushes might only last through a single project. Therefore, investing time in brush care not only protects your investment but actually improves your painting results.

Conclusion

Selecting the right paint brush transforms your painting experience from frustrating to fulfilling. Throughout this guide, we've explored the critical elements that make a significant difference in your painting results.

Quality brushes matched to your specific project deliver smoother finishes, cleaner lines, and more efficient paint distribution. Natural bristles excel with oil-based products on smooth surfaces, while synthetic options perform better with water-based paints. The brush shape and size equally matter—flat brushes cover large areas quickly, angled brushes navigate trim work precisely, and round brushes handle detailed projects with finesse.

Handle ergonomics also play a crucial role, especially during lengthy projects. Whether you prefer rattail handles for precision or beavertail designs for comfort, your choice directly impacts your painting experience.

Additionally, proper brush care extends the life of your tools dramatically. Quality brushes can last over a decade with appropriate cleaning and storage, making them worthwhile investments rather than disposable tools.

The perfect brush for your project combines the right bristle type, shape, size, and handle design. Armed with this knowledge, you can now approach any painting project with confidence. Your surfaces will thank you with professional-looking results that last, whether you're touching up trim or renovating an entire room.

Remember—investing time in selecting the right brush saves countless hours of frustration later. The difference between amateur and professional-looking results often comes down to this simple choice.

Looking for the best watercolor brushes? Let me just state the obvious: This is an overwhelming task. There are so many opinions, brands, and styles of brushes that it can be difficult to actually know if you’re choosing the right brush.

If you’ve been following my blog or YouTube channel for a while, then you’ll know I’m a HUGE fan of Princeton brushes. Specifically, the Heritage series for my watercolor paintings. While these brushes are my top picks, I know that some of this comes down to preference and budget, so I thought I’d round up an ultimate guide to watercolor brushes, and share more of my top picks and what they’re used for, so you can go out on your own and choose what’s best for you and your style! Plus, some of these brands might be easier to find in your area.

Disclosure: This contains affiliate links which means for some product purchases, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only share my faves and it helps support the free content I share! Thank you!

 Why Your Watercolor Brush Choice Matters

Before we dive in, let me just say this. Picking the right watercolor brush is like choosing the perfect tool for a job—it makes a world of difference! Imagine trying to paint a delicate flower petal with a square-shape, stiff brush. Frustrating, right? The right brush not only makes your painting experience smoother but also lets you achieve those beautiful, fluid strokes and fine details that make your art pop.

Whether you're going for broad, sweeping landscapes or intricate botanical illustrations, having a variety of quality brushes at your disposal means you'll be equipped for any artistic challenge. Plus, a good brush has a good snap and holds the right amount of water and pigment, giving you more control over your work. So, don't skimp on your brushes—I promise I'll give you more affordable options (that are still good!) below. Plus, if you're just getting started with watercolor painting, make sure to grab my FREE complete guide to watercolor for beginners.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Watercolor Paper and The Ultimate Guide to Watercolor Paints

Glossary

I'm going to share my favorite brands (and the pros and cons of each) below, but to make sure you know exactly what I mean when I say certain things, here's a glossary of terms you might want to know (this will help you decode labels on professional artist tools!).

Snap

This is measured by how well a brush “snaps” back to its original shape or parallel after it’s bent. I use synthetic hair brushes that are uniquely designed to mimic Kolinsky Sable hair which is very flexible and snap-y.

Spring

Spring on the other hand, refers to how well a brush holds its shape when you’re applying different watercolor techniques or dragging it across your paper. If the hair of the brush remains bent for longer, it has a good spring!

Capacity/Load

This one is simply how much water a brush can hold. This will vary depending on the size and shape of the brush, but certain series and brands of brushes will have a better capacity than others.

And PS – before we dive into hair types, if you're excited to learn more about art terms and eager to improve your skills, whether it's a new hobby or your career, I'd love to invite you to join The Art Within. It's been recently updated (as of August ), and I share everything they should have taught you in Art School (from technical skills to finding your creative style!).

Hair Types

Next, let's talk about the different hair types you might want for your watercolor brushes. I've already mentioned I lean more toward synthetic options, but I'm going to talk about the pros and cons below.

Synthetic vs. Natural Hair

There are pros and cons to using both synthetic and natural hair brushes. I personally prefer synthetic hair brushes for the price point and the fact that they don’t come from harming animals. Neither are great for the environment if I'm being honest, so it’s important that when choosing a brush, you know how to take care of it so it lasts a lifetime!

Related: How to Clean Your Watercolor Brushes

Sable

This is the most coveted and prized hair for watercolor brushes. Especially Kolinsky Sable. If you’re a natural hair brush person, this is what you want to look for. This type of hair is best for round shape brushes because of the snap. The Princeton Heritage series is a synthetic sable hair brush and is a fraction of the cost of natural sable hair brushes.

Squirrel

This one is similar to sable hair, but softer and they’re not as spring-y as the prized sable hair. I love a good synthetic squirrel hair brush for mop brushes or covering a large surface area though! Obviously you can use the natural squirrel hair, I’m just not a natural hair brush person.

Hog

Hog brushes are my least favorite. They’re made of really stiff and coarse hair. I’d really only use this hair with a flat brush because I like a lot of bounce or spring when I’m painting with watercolor.

Goat

Goat hair watercolor brushes are traditionally used in Japanese calligraphy and wash brushes. Brushes with this type of hair don’t usually form a crisp point.

Ox

Lastly, we have Ox hair. This is another hair I’d only use for flat brushes because of the stiffness. With that said, this type of hair is really great for dry brush texture though!

Brush Shapes

I'm going to give you a few tips on how to choose the best watercolor brushes for you next, but before I do, let's talk about the different brush shapes you might want to shop for.

Round 

My favorite and the most diverse and versatile shape. A 2-in-1 stroke brush! The tip of the brush comes to a fine point, and when you use the “belly” or width of the brush, you can get a nice, fat stroke. In my opinion, every watercolor artist should have at least 2 different size round brushes in their selection — a size 6 and size 16. My Princeton Heritage series rounds are my ride or dies.

Flat

These brushes are most commonly used in washes, stripes and more linear strokes and shapes. For this style of brush, I love the Princeton Aqua Elite series flat brushes, specifically the Mottler!

Dagger

Imagine a flat brush, but make it slanted. The only difference between a flat brush and dagger brush is the sharp edge or corner you can use for painting details.

Mop

Think really fat bellies (what a visual, eh?). These brushes are typically made of squirrel (natural or synthetic) hair and are great for drinking up lots of water and still keeping a good point. I personally will always choose a round brush over a mop brush because mop brushes are more difficult to control.

Detail

Last but not least, we have detail brushes. The most common detail brushes are riggers and spotters. The main difference between the two is that riggers have longer hair or bristles than spotters. If you’re going to splurge on any type of brush, you want to make sure to invest in a really good quality detail brush. Riggers will give you longer loads because the hair is longer. Think thin lines and larger details, while spotters are great for smaller details.

How to Choose the Right Brush

If you’re starting from scratch and don’t want to break the bank, my advice is always to go for 1 small brush (like a detail brush or a round size 2), 1 medium round brush (size 6 is my fave!), 1 large round (size 16), 1 filbert brush (size 12), and a large wash/flat brush (Mottler from Aqua Elite). This will give you a well-rounded collection and get you painting anything from flowers to landscapes, portraits to objects in both loose and realistic styles.

Then in terms of knowing which brush to use for particular moments in a painting or technique, keep in mind the tips above and ask yourself these questions:

• What’s the main goal for this stroke?
• Smooth coverage?
• Small details?
• Dry texture?
• Compound strokes without having to dip in water between?

My Top Picks For The Best Brands of Watercolor Brushes

I'm going to share the pros and cons of the best brands of watercolor brushes below, but if you're ready to start shopping you can find all of my favorites over in my Amazon store.

Princeton Heritage

Pros:

• Durability and spring. The springiest brush I’ve found and probably the main reason I love this series so much. I like to paint with bounce, what can I say? *Bend and snap!*
• Holds a lot of water. Similarly to the Aqua Elite series below, this series also holds lots of water, though not as much as Aqua Elite.
• Great price. That's right! Compared to natural sable hair brushes, this synthetic series is comparable in performance, but a MUCH lower price point.

Cons:

• Fine points. The points on these brushes are great, but not needlepoint. So if you like to do lots of intricate detail work, these brushes won’t give you that extra sharp point.

Here's a more in-depth look at this series:

Princeton Aqua Elite

Pros:

• Durability. This series was made for spreading and dragging your brush across any texture of paper and made to last long.
• Holds a lot of water. The main feature of this brush series is its ability to hold water. This is a thirsty brush! So if you’re into painting landscapes or use a lot of wet in wet technique, this is a fabulous brush.
• Great price. Fantastic brush for the quality and technology!
• Huge range. You’ll find a huge range of sizes and shapes in this series from mottlers and daggers to round brushes of all sizes.

Cons:

• Very soft bristles. Because this series is known for its ability to hold tons of water, the hair is something to get used to. It’s much softer than the Heritage series brushes. This isn’t necessarily an issue, it’s just a learning curve.

Here's an in-depth look at these Winsor & Newton Cotman brushes:

Winsor and Newton Cotman Short Handle

Pros:

• Snappy. The hair on these brushes is nice and stiff, but holds its shape well.
• Nice points. These brushes are great for detail work and offer a great point.

Cons:

• Short handle. This is more of a preference thing, but the short handles can be a problem if you like to work with big sweeping strokes and prefer a longer handle.
• Not a good hold. This series doesn’t have a good round brush that holds a lot of water. If you’re used to working with round brushes like I am, you’ll be disappointed in this range unless you can get used to dipping in water more frequently.

See all sizes of shapes of Cotman brushes here.

Da Vinci Maestro

Pros:

• Holds a lot of water. Similar to the Aqua Elite series, this brush is great at holding water!
• Extra sharp point. Like sharper than a knife. These points are long and clean and great for detailed work!
• Snappy. Very durable, stiff hair that snaps well back into shape.

Cons:

• No detail brush. This brand doesn’t offer a detail brush, however, their round brushes do offer the extra sharp point to compensate for that.
• Short handle. This is more of a preference thing, but the short handles can be a problem if you like to work with big sweeping strokes and prefer a longer handle.
• Price. These are natural and not synthetic hair so while they're high quality, their starting prices are significantly higher than the other synthetic brushes above.

Choosing the Best Watercolor Brushes (So That They Last!)

As I said, once you go through the trouble of finding the best watercolor brushes, you want to learn to take care of them well. Watch the video below for a few of my favorite tips for caring for your watercolor brushes (and a few things you absolutely shouldn't do if you want your brushes to last).

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Best Watercolor Brushes

What's the difference between synthetic and natural hair brushes?

Synthetic brushes are generally more affordable and don’t involve harming animals, which is a win! They also tend to have better snap and are easier to care for. Natural hair brushes, like sable or squirrel, can hold more water and paint, but they’re pricier and require more maintenance.

Why is brush ‘snap' important?

Snap refers to how well a brush returns to its original shape after you bend it. A good snap means more control and precision in your strokes, which is important for more detailed watercolor painting.

Can I use the same brushes for different types of watercolor techniques?

Definitely! However, remember that some brushes are more versatile than others. Round brushes, for example, can be used for fine details and broad strokes, making them a great all-rounder.

How do I care for my watercolor brushes?

Easy! Always rinse your brushes thoroughly after use, reshape the bristles, and let them dry flat or with the bristles pointing down, but make sure they’re not pressed or bent up against anything. Avoid leaving them in water for too long as it can damage the handle and bristles. I have a whole YouTube video on this here if you want more!

Are expensive brushes really worth it?

It depends! While high-quality brushes can make a difference, especially for detailed work, you don’t need to break the bank. There are plenty of excellent affordable options, like the Princeton Heritage series, which I personally love.

Where can I find these brushes?

You can find these brushes at most art supply stores or online. I’ve included some links in this post to make it easier for you to shop for my top picks, but you can find everything I use and love over on Amazon.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Large Paint Roller.

Where can I learn more about watercolor painting?