How to Select Watercolor Brushes

Watercolor brushes can be expensive, but they are worth the investment. If well cared for, a good brush will last for years.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fan Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Flat Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Round Watercolor Paintbrushes
• Watercolor Blocks
• Watercolor Brush Cleaners
• Watercolor Brush Holders
• Watercolor Paints
• Watercolor Paper

1. Buy brushes that are made specifically for use with watercolors.

2. Decide whether to invest in synthetic brushes or brushes made of sable. Generally, synthetic brushes cost less.

3. Select two flat brushes. A 3/4-inch and a 1-inch are good brush sizes to start with.

4. Select three round brushes. A number 3, 6 and 10 will meet most of your painting needs.

5. Make sure round brushes have a fine point.

6. Buy the best brushes you can afford.

Tips & Warnings

• Flat brushes are labeled according to the width of the brush end. Round brushes are labeled with a number - the smaller the number, the finer the brush. The brush size is written on the handle.
• It is best to have a brush collection that includes both synthetic and sable brushes.
• Experiment with various brushes. Some useful types are riggers (for fine details), fan brushes (for creating special effects), and wash brushes (for covering large areas).
• The size of your painting will determine the size of brush you need.
• After using brushes, wash them in lukewarm water and brush cleaner or soap (not detergent). Reshape the brush tips and store them in a brush holder. (See "How to Care for Watercolor Brushes" under Related eHows.)
• Use watercolor brushes only with watercolor paints.

[Olorin]

on 5/8/2007 You should never store your brushes with the hairs upright. While it's easier just to put them in a jar the colours and left over water will go down into the base of the hairs, over time deteriorating them. There are some great holders out there, the Chinese especially have some charming ones.

As far as the points of brushes go. Don't mess about with toilet paper! After you was the brushes they will obviously still be damp so with your fingers shape the hairs to a point.

on 11/22/2005 I store my brushes in a Pringles chip can with the lid removed. That way, the brushes are together, and they can dry without bending the tips. When I'm using the brushes, I store them upright in a glass jar. When soaking brushes, do it only for a minute or two, and always make sure to let them dry tip up, or you'll have "C" shaped bristles (those are very annoying to fix)! If a brush has lost its shape, dip it in water, wrap it with toilet paper and let it dry tip up. The toilet paper constricts as it dries, forcing the bristles into shape.