How to choose an Acrylic Brush
There is one main benchmark for brushes that are used with thick or viscous colour; the thicker the colour, the stiffer the brush needs to be. A heavier paint like acrylic requires a brush with enough resilience to manipulate the colour with complete control.
However, a colour that has been thinned will need a softer tuft (e.g. soft hair or filament) and a colour that has been thinned to a fluid consistency then needs a brush with flow control (e.g. synthetic or natural hair brush).
Brush characteristics to consider:
Firmness of bristle - Is the bristle capable of moving heavy-bodied colour over the surface with authority?
- Tip control - Does the bristle or hair allow for subtlety in blending? Does it give fine control when creating detail?
- Sturdiness - Will it remain undamaged by prolonged use with water or acrylic resins?
Over the past decades, synthetics have proven superior in making brushes for acrylic colours. With proper manufacturing techniques, they offer good flow control, and a well-defined tip or edge for detail and blending work. They are also resistant to damage from acrylic resin and won't soften in water.
However, it is also common for acrylic painters to use Hog brushes or other natural hair brushes such as Sable depending on the style of their painting and the viscosity of the paint on their palette.
To begin choosing your acrylic colour brush, return to acrylic colour brushes.