Princeton Velvetouch
NicPro
Da Vinci
Selecting the right brush is as important as any other art material, as it can change your acrylic painting experience from good to great and make every artwork unique. Whether you are a professional artist or are just starting your artistic journey, it is important to know the various types of brushes and specific uses of each. In the world of acrylic paints, the tools you have available to you are your greatest asset: they let you control the precision, texture, and even define the impact of your work.
Every brush, whether synthetic or natural bristles, round or fan shaped, offers unique benefits that can help you paint better. In this guide, we will uncover all you need to know about brushes and present to you a list of the best brushes for acrylic paint, with which you will be able to make the right decisions that suit your artistic style and taste. Let’s get started!
Anatomy of A Brush
When talking about brushes we can’t forget about the basics and that is the anatomy of a brush. A brush consists of mainly three parts, the head, the ferrule and the handle. The Head is the part that has the bristles, it can have different shapes and be of different sizes, and be thick or very thin depending on the medium and use it is meant for. The Ferrule is the metallic part that joins the head and the handle together, it’s rather short and can be round or pressed. The Handle is the longest part of the brush, the one you hold while painting, here you can find information about the brush size, brand and type.
Types of Brushes
There are different types of brushes for acrylic paint, the most common are:
- Round Brushes: Ideal for detailed work, thin lines, and controlled washes.
- Flat Brushes: Versatile for broad strokes, filling wide spaces, and sharp edges.
- Filbert Brushes: Rounded edges perfect for blending and soft, rounded strokes.
- Fan Brushes: Used for blending, soft textures, and creating foliage or hair effects.
- Angle Brushes: Angled bristles suitable for precise strokes and filling corners.
- Mop Brushes: Large, fluffy brushes excellent for broad, soft washes or applying varnish.
- Rigger Brushes: Very long, thin bristles designed for painting fine lines and details, such as rigging in ship paintings.
How To Find The Best Acrylic Paint Brushes
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the brush you pick will depend on your personal preference and the project you’re working on. If you’re a beginner, we recommend you to try and experiment with different shapes, but don’t try to get all the sizes or else your bill will skyrocket very quickly. If you’re an intermediate artist or a pro, you probably already know that the sizes of the brushes you get will depend mostly on the size of the canvas you’re working on and your painting subject.
There are “value packs” that offer a good selection of sizes and shapes for a very low price, we don’t recommend those as they will end up stuck on your canvas or losing all the bristles on the second or third use.
Bristle Material
Synthetic Brushes
Made from materials like nylon or polyester, synthetic brushes are durable, maintain their shape well, and resist damage from acrylic paints. They’re affordable, easy to clean, and good for evenly distributing paint, making them suitable for acrylic painting.
Natural Brushes
Made from animal hair such as sable or hog, these natural hair brushes offer superior softness and flexibility for smoother paint application. They excel in holding paint and creating fine details but require careful maintenance. Ideal for artists valuing traditional qualities in their brushwork.
Price
The price of acrylic brushes can vary quite a lot, and since any brush can be used for acrylics, then even more, however that’s where your judgment comes into play. You have to carefully consider where you are right at this moment in your acrylic journey. If you’re just starting, limit yourself to a few bushes and don’t exceed the price of $8 per brush, more than that is too much. If you’re getting a set then make sure it is from a respectable brand that ensures quality and durability or else your money will go down the drain along with the bristles of your brushes every time you wash them.
Consider also the techniques you’re using and whether getting specialty brushes is really worth it. Maybe you don’t really need that kolinsky sable brush for that glazing technique you want to try and a synthetic brush that costs a fraction of the price will do just fine. Even if you have the budget, acrylic is an abrasive medium so your brushes will end up ruined sooner or later, so don’t overspend and if you do, do it on quality, durable, and reliable brushes.
The Best Acrylic Paint Brushes in 2024
- Best Brushes for Acrylic Overall — Princeton Velvetouch, Mixed-Media Brushes
- Best Budget Brushes for Acrylic — NicPro 12 Piece Acrylic Paint Brush Set
- Best Long Handle Brushes for Acrylic — Da Vinci Acrylic Paint Brush Set
- Best Bristle Brushes for Acrylic — Utrecht Natural Chungking Pure Bristle Brush
- Best Value Brush Set for Acrylic — ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set, Expert Series
#1. Best Brushes for Acrylic Overall — Princeton Velvetouch, Mixed-Media Brushes
Selection Criteria
- Size and Shape(s): Round(4); Long Round(8); Angle(3/8”) and Wash(3/4”).
- Our Score – 7/10
- Bristle Material: Synthetic bristle hair.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $27.77
- Our Score – 7/10
About Princeton Velvetouch, Mixed-Media Brushes
The Princeton Velvetouch Mixed Media Brush Set is a collection of high-quality, synthetic brushes made for artists that work with acrylics, watercolor, and oil paints. These brushes feature unique synthetic bristles that mimic the qualities of natural hair, with bristles designed to be durable and enhance control which is crucial in acrylic painting.
The set features a wash, an angle, and a couple rounds that make the perfect starting pack for beginners, and the handles are designed to fit comfortably and to be held for long periods, reducing hand fatigue.
Pros
- Versatile use
- Smooth finish
- Durable design
Cons
- Pricey for some
- Limited stiffness
2. Best Budget Brushes for Acrylic — NicPro 12 Piece Acrylic Paint Brush Set
Selection Criteria
- Size and Shape(s): Round(1, 4, 8); Flat(6, 11); Filbert(2, 7, 9); Rigger(0) and Angle(3, 5, 10).
- Our Score – 9/10
- Bristle Material: Synthetic bristle hair.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $9.99
- Our Score – 10/10
About NicPro 12 Piece Acrylic Paint Brush Set
The NicPro Paint Brush Set is a popular choice among beginners and intermediate artists on a budget who are starting their acrylic painting journey. The brushes in the Nicpro set are made with high-quality synthetic fibers, which are durable and capable of maintaining their shape after multiple uses. It includes a variety of brush types, including round, flat, filbert, and angle brushes, designed with acrylic painting techniques in mind, but also compatible with watercolor and oil painting.
This set is very affordable and while the quality is not bad, it is also not excellent. It is a great choice for those who want to try different brushes and don’t overspend on art supplies, but we don’t recommend them for professional work.
Pros
- Affordable variety
- Good for beginners
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Possible Bristle shedding
- Handle durability
3. Best Long Handle Brushes for Acrylic — Da Vinci Acrylic Paint Brush Set
Selection Criteria
- Size and Shape(s): Bright(4, 8); Filbert(6) and Round(2).
- Our Score – 7/10
- Bristle Material: Synthetic bristle hair.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $31.32
- Our Score – 7/10
About Da Vinci Acrylic Paint Brush Set
Da Vinci Brushes are one of the best and most reliable brands in the art supplies world, known for their high quality and craftsmanship. Made of synthetic fibers designed to mimic the feel and qualities of natural hair, these fibers are made to resist the chemicals present in acrylic paint and other acrylic mediums, so they can maintain their shape and last much longer. Da Vinci brushes offer excellent paint load capacity, smooth application, and the durability needed for acrylic’s fast-drying nature, and their stiffness is optimal for manipulating thick paints while offering a fine touch for details.
Pros
- High-quality bristles
- Precision control
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Premium price
- Limited sizes
4. Best Bristle Brushes for Acrylic — Utrecht Natural Chungking Pure Bristle Brush
Selection Criteria
- Size and Shape(s): Round(4); Flat(10, 12) and Filbert(6).
- Our Score – 8/10
- Bristle Material: Natural Chungking Pure Bristle.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $66.92
- Our Score – 7/10
About Utrecht Natural Chungking Pure Bristle Brush
If you’re looking for a professional grade, high quality bristle brush set, then this is the set for you, made from Chungking hog bristle, these brushes are known for their superior strength, spring, and ability to retain shape. The bristles’ natural split ends (flags) hold more paint and allow for smoother application, making them ideal for laying down paint with texture or for blending. The long handles are balanced for controlled applications both for painting up close and from a distance, and their bristlier nature makes them perfect for heavy body acrylics and for achieving those textured effects.
Pros
- Natural bristles
- High paint load
- Durable construction
Cons
- Stiffer feel
- Care intensive
- Higher price point
5. Best Value Brush Pack for Acrylic — ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set
Selection Criteria
- Size and Shape(s): Round(2, 8, 10, 12, 16); Flat(2, 4, 10, 14, 2’’, 1’’); Filbert(4, 6, 8, 10, 14); Fan(4, 8); Angular(4, 6, 8, 14); Liner(1, 4).
- Our Score – 9/10
- Bristle Material: Nylon.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $8.97
- Our Score – 9/10
About ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set
Artify has been positioned as one of the go-to options for beginners and pros offering affordable and reliable art supplies and this set is not an exception, this comprehensive range of brush types and sizes are made to accommodate a variety of painting techniques and mediums. This set is known for its versatility, quality, and value, so if you’re determined to have it all, then this value set is what you’re looking for. Designed with durability and performance in mind, the synthetic fibers are intended to mimic the qualities of natural hair, providing a good balance between stiffness and flexibility. This makes them suitable for acrylics, watercolors, and oils.
Pros
- Wide Versatility
- Durable Synthetic Bristles
- Great Value
Cons
- Synthetic Limitations
- Beginner Might Feel Overwhelmed
Conclusions
To wrap it up, finding the perfect brush is key to making your acrylic paintings pop, there’s a brush out there for every stroke, detail, and texture you want to create. Whether you go for synthetic brushes that are tough and easy to clean, or natural ones that glide smoothly for that perfect touch, it’s all about what works best for you and your art. Each brush type, from tiny liners to big mop brushes, has its special role. So, play around, see which ones you like best, and let them help bring your ideas to life. Remember, the right brushes are the ones that feel good in your hand and go smoothly on your canvas, turning every stroke into a step towards your next masterpiece.
FAQ
Do acrylic brushes need special cleaning?
A: Acrylic brushes should be cleaned promptly after use with soap and water. Acrylic paint dries quickly and once it does, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove from the bristles. For a deep clean, a brush cleaner or mild soap can help remove paint residue. Avoid soaking the brushes in water for extended periods as this can damage the handle and ferrule.
Can I restore stiff acrylic brushes?
A: Yes, in many cases, stiff acrylic brushes can be restored to a softer state. Soaking the bristles in a mixture of warm water and mild soap or vinegar for up to an hour can help loosen the dried paint. After soaking, gently comb the bristles with a brush comb or your fingers to remove the paint residue. Rinse well and reshape the brush before letting it dry.
How do I choose the right brush size and shape for my project?
A: The choice of brush size and shape depends on the detail and scale of your project. For detailed work, smaller round or liner brushes are ideal as they allow for fine lines and precision. For broader strokes and filling larger areas, larger flat, filbert, or bright brushes are more suitable. The shape of the brush can also affect the texture and finish; for instance, filbert brushes offer a softer edge compared to flats.
