Think of your paintbrush as a tool. You need the right tool to get the job done. You wouldn’t use a rake to dig a hole in the garden, so take the time to start with the right paintbrush. The end effect of the painting will be better when you know which brush to use when.

Brushes serve the purpose of applying a medium to a surface.

• The first aspect of brush selection takes into account the viscosity, composition, and cleaning solvent required. Some brushes are prone to damage with certain solvents, so it is important to understand the chemistry of the materials you are using.
• Next, you will choose a brush based on the texture of the surface to be painted.
• Finally, you ideal brush will depend on the desired outcome of your painting. Painting a realistic scene or mural on a highly textured wall will require very different tools than a detailed painting on a smooth surface.

One of the most important aspects of your brush is the type of hair. You can choose from natural soft animal hair, bristle, or synthetic fibers.

Synthetic fibers are generally less expensive and less prone to damage and breakage than natural fibers. However, the non-porous quality of the fibers that make synthetic brushes easy to clean, may affect how well the medium flows from the brush to the surface. Synthetic blend brushes combine the durability of a synthetic brush with the ease of use of a natural brush.

The shape and length of the brush is very important in the desired outcome, and your frustration getting there. If you want nice long strokes on a canvas, you will need a relatively thin medium and long, tapered brush. For blending or adding shadows you may want a flat brush with paint only applied to one corner. For a highly textured end piece, you will need a thicker medium applied with shorter brushes, maybe even a knife.

If you are new to painting, you should feel free to experiment. Buy a few different brushes with a similar shape and different fibers. Apply your medium with the same technique with the different brushes and notice how each feels. Thin out the medium and try it again. Try a few techniques and styles and you will find what works best for you. Remember that in art, everyone is different. Several people could get a similar end result with totally different styles, techniques, tools, and media. Painting is a personal feeling, so use what feels best and works for you.