Watercolor Brushes

100% Sable hair is the highest quality brush available. But there are many excellent synthetic and blended choices are available. The best student grade include blend of sable or squirrel and synthetic hair.

You will need at least one flat wash brush either 3/4" or 1". It is useful to have additional sizes between 1/4” to 1 1/2”.

You will need at least one round brush, size 6. Larger sizes 8 through 16 optional, as are smaller detailing rounds.

You will need either a large oval wash brush, size 22, or a 1” to 2” sky wash brush. An inexpensive bamboo hake brush can be substituted, but beware these brushes easily shed hair that can ruin your work.

Specialty brushes for unique effects include the widely spread fan blender for smooth blending, a toothbrush for spattering, and embossing brush for textures.

NOTE: Your brushes will last longer if cared for properly. Always wash them when finished painting for the day. Use a mild soap (ivory) and warm water and make a little soapy suds in the palm of your hand. Gently massage the bristles of brushes into this soapy suds and rinse thoroughly. It’s especially important to get the paint out of the heel of the brush (the part next to the metal ferrule). When the brush is clean use your fingers to gently (don’t tug or pull) reshape it to a point if necessary, then lay it on a flat surface to dry.