Watercolor Brushes: Get to Know Your Supplies Series

Watercolor brushes come in many shapes and sizes...

but most artists eventually discover they rely on just a few favorites. The best brush is one that feels comfortable in your hand and holds water well for the way you like to paint. Quality matters more than quantity, and a small, reliable set will take you far. That said, I have to admit that I do love my dozens of little junk brushes for various jobs, so collect what you like or want to experiment with over time and your style and preferences will mature.

This is another installment in a series of short talks on watercolor supplies aimed at helping beginners get to know and best use their supplies. Today's topic: Brushes

Types of Watercolor Brushes

The round brush is the true workhorse of watercolor. It can create fine lines with the tip, broad strokes with pressure, and smooth washes when fully loaded with water. A good round brush alone can handle most painting needs.

Flat brushes are useful for straight edges, architectural elements, bold washes, and lifting color from the paper. They offer more control over shape and direction than round brushes.

Detail brushes are designed for fine lines and small areas, though many artists prefer to use the tip of a quality round watercolor brush instead. Detail brushes are most helpful when working very small or very precisely.

Mop brushes hold a large amount of water and are ideal for laying down big, even washes or working wet-into-wet. Their softness encourages fluid movement and soft edges.

A water pen is a portable brush with a built-in water reservoir. It’s a convenient, mess-free option for travel, sketching, or simple practice sessions when you don’t want to carry water containers.

Squirrel or Synthetic?

Real squirrel (kolinsky-style brushes) can be worth the investment, but it depends on your painting style and budget. (and whether you feel bad for the squirrels) Squirrel hair brushes are extremely soft and absorbent, making them excellent for large washes and subtle blending. They require gentle handling and careful cleaning, as they are more delicate than synthetic brushes.

Modern synthetic watercolor brushes have improved dramatically and can closely mimic natural hair. They are durable, affordable, and easier to control, especially for detail work and everyday painting. For many artists, synthetics offer the best balance of performance and practicality.

Real squirrel brushes are worth it if you paint large, fluid washes, value soft transitions, and are willing to care for your tools. Synthetics may be the better choice if you focus on detail, want low-maintenance supplies, or are building your collection on a budget. (and love squirrels)

Brush Care

Good brush care extends the life of your tools and keeps them performing well. Rinse brushes gently and avoid grinding or scrubbing them against the bottom of the water jar. Use lukewarm water rather than hot, which can loosen the glue inside the ferrule. Use a very tiny amount of gentle hand soap or baby shampoo added to a half cup of water, and swish! After cleaning, reshape the bristles with your fingers and let brushes dry flat or with the bristles pointing downward. With natural hair brushes especially, gentle handling and proper drying make a noticeable difference as the brushes age.

Over time, your brush preferences will naturally reflect how you paint. Try a few types, pay attention to how they behave, and let your favorites earn their place in your toolkit.

Happy Painting! - Em

This series walks through the core watercolor supplies, explaining what they are, how they behave, and why they matter, so you can make confident choices without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your setup, think of these posts as a practical foundation for painting with more ease and confidence.