Core Artist Brush Shapes

At the foundation of all brushwork are the universal shapes every artist encounters. Rounds offer unmatched versatility, shifting from hairline detail to broad strokes through pressure alone. Flats provide structure, strong edges and confident planes of colour. Filberts soften those edges, making them ideal for modelling form, flesh and atmospheric passages. Brights, with their shorter hair, deliver control and strength for thick paint and precise placement. These shapes form the backbone of brush literacy. Once understood, they allow artists to translate intention into mark with confidence, regardless of medium.

Fibre Choice & Shape: The Artist’s Decision

Ultimately, shape and fibre work together. A Rigger in soft squirrel behaves very differently from one in springy synthetic. A Filbert in hog bristle pushes paint aggressively; in soft synthetic, it blends gently. Modern brushmaking gives artists more choice than ever—natural hairs for tradition and sensitivity, synthetics for durability, ethics and consistency, and blended fibres for a balance and optimisation of both. Understanding specialised shapes and fibre, empowers artists to choose tools intentionally, reducing frustration and unlocking techniques that feel effortless rather than forced.

Watercolour & Fluid Media Specialists

Watercolour rewards brushes that manage flow, timing and edge quality. Pointed rounds dominate because they combine a fine tip with a generous belly. Mops and wash brushes excel at large, even passages and pre-wetting paper. Hake brushes, often goat hair or soft synthetics, are perfect for skies, lifting and controlled flooding. Daggers and sword liners introduce calligraphic variation, while flat wash brushes define architecture and horizon lines. In fluid media, brush shape directly influences rhythm and restraint—choosing the right specialist tool can dramatically improve clarity and confidence.

Stiff Brushes for Texture & Preparation

Certain brushes exist to withstand physical work. Hog bristle brushes dominate oil painting for their strength, resilience and ability to move thick paint. Stencil brushes, with short, firm hair and flat tops, are ideal for stippling, dry-brush effects and controlled texture. Gesso and ground brushes are built wider and tougher, designed to scrub primer into canvas or panel. Modern stiff synthetics now rival bristle for durability while offering easier cleaning and consistency. These brushes aren’t about subtlety—they’re about building structure, energy and surface integrity.

Riggers, Liners & Script Brushes

Riggers (also called liners or script brushes) are defined by their long, narrow hair and fine point. Originally developed for painting ship rigging, they excel at continuous lines—branches, grasses, wires, calligraphy and signature marks. Their length allows paint to flow smoothly without frequent reloading, encouraging expressive, uninterrupted strokes. In oil and acrylic, riggers are invaluable for linear accents and final detailing. In watercolour, they demand confident timing and pressure control. These brushes reward decisiveness and are best used sparingly—but when mastered, they add elegance and energy to a painting.

Mottlers, Wash Flats & Large Surface Brushes

Mottlers are wide, flat brushes with long, soft hair, traditionally squirrel or modern soft synthetics. They are designed for large, even applications—backgrounds, skies, glazing and varnishing. Unlike expressive brushes, mottlers aim to leave no visible stroke. Large wash flats and decorator-style brushes serve similar roles across acrylic and oil, especially when toning grounds or laying broad colour masses. Artists working large-scale or atmospheric compositions rely on these tools to establish unity early in a painting. Their success lies in capacity, softness and even release—not finesse.

Overgrainers, Fitches & Decorative Specialists

Some brushes originate in decorative and faux-finishing traditions but remain powerful fine art tools. Overgrainers are long, soft flats designed to drag, blend or texture paint subtly—excellent for wood grain effects, soft transitions and layered atmospheres. Fitches are short, flat brushes used for precision edging, glazing and controlled blending. Fan brushes, often misunderstood, are specialised tools for feathering edges, breaking up marks and creating organic textures like foliage or hair. These brushes encourage experimentation and restraint; used thoughtfully, they add nuance without overpowering a composition.

Holbein Brush Washer

$61.60

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Chroma Incredible Brush Cleaner

$45.80

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AS Artist Hand and Brush Cleaner

$34.65

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Matisse Brush and Hand Cleaner MM34

$9.96

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Derivan Brush Restorer MM35 250ml

$24.10

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Solvent 75 by Langridge

$62.40

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AS Artist Odourless Solvent

$65.40

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AS Artist Art Clean

$82.85

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The golden rule: never let paint dry in the brush

This is the most important principle, regardless of medium. Dried paint creeps into the ferrule, forcing hairs apart and destroying the brush’s shape from the inside. Once paint dries there, no amount of cleaning will truly restore the brush. Even during long painting sessions, get into the habit of rinsing brushes regularly and reshaping them between passages.

Watercolour brushes - especially those made from natural hair or high-end synthetics—are delicate instruments. After each session, rinse thoroughly in clean, lukewarm water until it runs clear. Avoid hot water, which can soften glue inside the ferrule and damage fibres. For natural hair brushes, a mild brush soap used occasionally will remove residue and help maintain spring and point.Gently reshape the tip with your fingers and allow the brush to dry horizontally or with the head pointing downward. Never stand a wet brush upright—water can seep into the ferrule and weaken the binding. With good care, a quality watercolour brush can remain razor-sharp for years.

Oil painting - demands more robust cleaning, but also more care than many artists realise. The common mistake is relying too heavily on harsh solvents. While mineral spirits or turpentine will remove oil paint, overuse strips natural oils from the hair and shortens the life of the brush.My approach is to wipe excess paint thoroughly on a rag first—this step alone removes most of the paint. I then use a small amount of solvent only if needed, followed immediately by proper soap and water. Brush soaps designed for artists are ideal, but a gentle, natural soap can also work. Work the soap gently into the hairs, rinse thoroughly, and repeat until the water runs clear.Always reshape the brush before drying. Hog bristle brushes in particular benefit from careful reshaping, as splayed bristles affect paint handling. Store clean, dry brushes flat or upright only once fully dry.

Acrylic paint - is the most unforgiving medium when it comes to brush care. Once it dries, it’s permanent. That means vigilance is essential. Keep brushes wet while working and never leave them standing in water—this bends fibres and encourages paint to creep into the ferrule.Clean acrylic brushes immediately after use with water and mild soap. For stubborn residue, specialised acrylic brush cleaners can help, but prevention is far better than cure. Many artists choose durable synthetic brushes for acrylic work precisely because they tolerate frequent washing and tougher handling.

Gouache - behaves much like watercolour but can dry more stubbornly due to its opacity. Clean brushes promptly and thoroughly, using gentle soap when needed. Mixed media artists should be especially attentive—switching between inks, acrylics, mediums and collage adhesives can leave unexpected residues. When in doubt, wash the brush sooner rather than later.

Special brushes for Varnish and Grounds - Some brushes deserve single-purpose dedication. Varnish brushes should never be used for paint, as even small residues can ruin a smooth finish. Clean varnish brushes immediately with the appropriate solvent, followed by soap and water, then store them carefully to protect their soft edges.Gesso and ground brushes are workhorses, but they still need proper cleaning. Scrub out primer thoroughly before it dries, reshape, and allow to dry fully. Even tough brushes last longer with basic care.

Storage and long-term care

Once clean and dry, store brushes with care. Avoid crushing heads in jars or drawers. Brush rolls or cases protect shapes, especially for travel. For natural hair brushes, occasional conditioning with a dedicated brush soap helps maintain suppleness.

Caring for brushes isn’t just maintenance—it’s respect for your tools and your practice. A well-cared-for brush responds better, feels more predictable, and ultimately helps you paint with greater confidence. Expensive brushes earn their value over time, and good care ensures they continue to reward you every time they touch the surface.