How to Buy Artist Paint Brushes

Paint brushes vary in size, shape and style. Choose them depending on what type of art you aspire to create.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know that quality paint brushes offer controlled strokes and hold paint well. Bristles vary in shape and can be round, flat or pointed.

2. Buy artist paint brushes based upon the kind of paint you use. There are specific brushes made for watercolors, oils and acrylics. Brushes made with natural hair work well with oil paint while acrylics hold better on synthetic brushes.

3. Budget to buy artist paint brushes depending on your experience and interest in painting. Natural hair paint brushes offer higher quality at a higher price. Synthetic brushes are cheaper and range in quality.

4. Experiment with different styles of paint brushes. Every painter has a unique style and different brushes can either compliment or hinder that style.

5. Maintain your paint brushes by keeping them cleaned and stored properly. Paint brushes are an investment; proper care ensures quality use over time.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash brushes right away and allow them to dry with the bristles up to maintain the shape of the brush.
• A beginner painter should choose inexpensive paint brushes when starting to save money while finding the right brush type.
• Never use paint brushes designated for a specific paint type with a different paint. Oil, acrylic and watercolor paints leave residue on the brush that alters how the brush works with different paints.