Hints, Tips & Techniques for Acrylics - Brushes

A variety of brushes are suitable for use with acrylics.  Traditionally hog has been the most popular for those using tube colour consistency.  Within the last few years synthetic brushes have also entered into common usage.  Strength, resilience, spring and control are required and the polyester filament of Galeria Acrylic brushes gives you just that. The polyester does not soften in water as hog brushes do.

Galeria Acrylic brushes are available in both long and short handles, the latter being softer for when more water or medium is used. 

Artisan brushes can also be used with acrylics and have a stiffer brush head, more like hog. 

University brushes are firm enough to use with Galeria Acrylics and offer the artist a more affordable option.

Below you can find out what brushes to use if you are using thicker colour or fluid colour. In addition, we have some advice on cleaning your brushes.

Using thicker colour

Long handled Galeria brushes and Artisan brushes are stiffer to cope with the thicker consistency of the colour and the roughness of the canvas in an ‘oil painting technique'. The different head shapes facilitate different marks. The short flat or Bright is the most popular shape; it provides quick coverage, accurately.

Using fluid colour

For glazing, and for those using blending or water colour techniques and wherever improved flow is required, soft hair brushes (synthetic or sable) are used.  Short handled Galeria brushes are softer for working with diluted colour. Smooth applications of colour are possible without leaving brushmarks.

Cleaning Brushes

Brushes will last many years if well cared for and we recommend that great card should be taken to clean brushes immediately after use. It is important to remember to rinse them throughout every painting session.  Do not stand them on their heads in your water bucket and wash them thoroughly at the end of the day.

• Rinse brush in water
• Wash with warm water and household soap, repeating until there is no trace of colour.
• Shape brush, dry handle and stand handle down in a jar to dry.