In painting, a varnish brush plays a very different role from a standard working brush. Rather than shaping marks, it is designed to disappear—laying down a flawless, even film that protects and unifies a finished artwork. Varnish brushes are typically wide and flat, commonly known as Mottlers, with exceptionally soft fibres that glide across the surface without disturbing underlying paint layers. Traditionally, squirrel hair has long been favoured for its gentle touch, while modern high-end synthetics now offer excellent flow, resilience and consistency, making them ideal for contemporary studio practice. Artists working on bolder textured canvas or linen often find high grade bristle gives an equally successful finish.