In the world of acrylic painting, finding the best acrylic paint brush for beginners can be an overwhelming task. With so many options and brands available, it’s important to know which kind of brushes work best for acrylics for beginners. The right types of paint brushes can enhance your painting experience and can be the difference between a painting looking amateurish or professional.
I’ll introduce you to some of the best acrylic paint brushes for beginners and why their features can make a significant impact on your artwork.
In this post I’ve gathered a list of some amazing brushes that have helped me create great art over the years while still being easy for beginners to use and not being too expensive.
Here are some of the key paintbrush options for beginners exploring acrylic painting:
Princeton Aspen 6500 Professional Paint Brushes
Winsor & Newton Monarch brush
Pro Arte Academy Multi Purpose Brush Set
Majestic Royal & Langnickel 5pc Variety Artist Brush Set
BENICCI Paint Brush Set
Princeton Catalyst Polytips
Through my journey of learning acrylic painting, I’ve realized that using the right paintbrush can make all the difference. It’s not just about the brand or the price, but the size, shape, and materials that go into each brush. So let me explain to you the benefits of each.
Types of Acrylic Paint Brushes
When I first started painting with acrylics, I discovered that there are several types of brushes to choose from. Each type of brush serves a different purpose and can help you achieve specific effects in your paintings. When looking for your own set of the best acrylic paint brushes for beginners you should ensure you have at least one of each.
My recommendation is to have 2 round brushes (one large and one small).
Here are a few common acrylic paintbrush types:
Round brushes
These brushes have a round shape and come in various sizes. They’re versatile and can be used for both larger areas and finer details thanks to their pointed tip. I found these brushes to be the most popular among acrylic painters.
Flat brushes
These have a flat, squared-off shape and are great for covering larger areas and for creating sharp edges. I like to use them to create blocks of color or for blending.
You will be using flat brushes quite a lot so I recommend buying as many as possible in all sizes.
Filbert brushes
With a slightly rounded tip and a flat shape, filbert brushes are perfect for soft blending and creating round edges. I often use them for painting petals and leaves.
To be honest I hardly use a filbert brush. They are useful but not for my style of painting.
Angled brushes
These brushes have an angled shape and are ideal for precise control over the paint, particularly when creating sharp lines and corners. I find them very useful for painting small details.
It’s important to remember that these brushes come in various sizes, so you’ll want to choose the right size for your painting needs.
I have only used one angled brush in my life. I still have that one brush. Do not go overboard and buy a whole set unless they are really a part of your painting style.
I recommend starting with a few different brush types to explore different techniques and find what works best for you.
Brush Sizes and Shapes
When it comes to acrylic painting, the brush size and shape play a crucial role, especially for beginners. I believe it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the various brushes and their uses.
Start with a medium-sized brush such as a size 6 or 8 round brush. This is an fantastic choice for beginner acrylic painters.
These brushes are great for covering large areas and creating broad strokes while still having a thin enough tip to make detailed lines.
Some of the most common types of brushes I recommend include:
- Flat brushes: These brushes are versatile and can be used for a variety of techniques, from painting broad strokes to adding fine details.
- Round brushes: Round brushes come in many sizes and have a nice tip, making them ideal for both larger and smaller areas.
- Filbert brushes: Filbert brushes have a rounded, hot dog bun-like shape that’s perfect for creating soft, rounded edges and blending.
- Fan brushes: Fan brushes are exceptional for creating different textures and smooth blending. They can also be used for dry brush techniques and blending colors.
If you’re just starting, I recommend having the following brushes:
| Brush TypeSize | |
|---|---|
| Flat | #6, #12 |
| Round | #4, #8 |
| Fan | #4 |
Remember, it’s always a good idea to have at least three of each brush size and type, except for the fan brush. As you gain more experience, you may want to try larger brushes and experiment with different shapes to see what works best for your painting style.
Brush Materials
When it comes to brush materials for acrylic painting, there are two main categories: natural and synthetic.
Natural Brushes
Natural brushes are usually made from animal hair, such as hog bristles, sable or mongoose.
While they’re often softer and can hold more paint, they’re not the best choice for beginners. Acrylic paint can be harsh on natural fibers, ultimately damaging them over time.
Synthetic Brushes
Synthetic brushes are made from materials like nylon or polyester. Synthetic brushes are usually more durable and easier to clean. This makes them a better option for beginners who may not know how to properly clean brushes yet.
Synthetic brushes come in various shapes and sizes, which can help you achieve different painting techniques and styles.
Some popular synthetic brushes for acrylic painting include Princeton Aspen 6500, Winsor Newton Monarch, and Royal and Langnickel Majestic Brushes.
Another important aspect to consider is the stiffness of the bristles. Acrylic paints are typically thicker and require brushes with firmer bristles for proper application. Brushes with stiffer bristles also offer better control, which is crucial when you’re just starting out with acrylic painting.
So as a beginner it’s best to stick with synthetic brushes with stiffer bristles to ensure longevity and ease-of-use. There are plenty of affordable options out there from reputable brands, so you can start painting without breaking the bank.
Top Brands for Beginner Artists
When I started painting with acrylics it didn’t take long to figure out that after deciding which acrylic paints to use I had to make a decision on choosing the right paint brushes. There are a few brands that I recommend especially for beginners.
Princeton is a well-known manufacturer of art supplies, and their Velvetouch line of brushes is perfect for beginners. Another favorite of mine is the Royal & Langnickel Zen line, which is super popular among artists of all levels because of their soft synthetic bristles and silver color handles.
There are also other sets that can cater to a beginner’s needs, such as:
- Pro Arte Acrylix Brush Set
- Mont Marte Gallery Series Acrylic Paint Brush Set
- Rosmax Artist Paint Brushes
- Soucolor Paint Brushes
When picking the perfect brush for acrylic painting, it is essential to consider the different shapes and sizes available. Some of the most common types include flat, round, filbert, angular, fan, and daggers.
Care and Maintenance Tips
As a beginner artist it’s always good to know how to take proper care of your acrylic paint brushes. Care is essential in ensuring they last for a long time. So, here are a few care and maintenance tips I’ve found useful:
1. Clean brushes promptly after use. I like to wash my acrylic paint brushes with water and soap or brush cleaner immediately after painting. A great brush cleaner I recommend is The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver.
2. For natural brushes and those with dried paint, I prefer to use alcohol, acetone, or hand sanitizer. White vinegar mixed with water also works well.
3. When rinsing my brushes, I make sure to stroke the brush into the cleaner, working it back and forth to remove any remaining paint. Afterwards, I rinse the brush in water and repeat the process if needed.
4. Once the brush is cleaned, I like to reshape the bristles to maintain their original form. I also gently slap the brush against my hand to realign the bristles.
5. When storing my brushes, I make sure they are completely dry before putting them away. This prevents any damage or mold growth.
6. To keep my brushes in top condition, I avoid letting acrylic paint dry on the brush, keeping it moist while in use.
By following these care and maintenance tips, I’ve been able to extend the life of my acrylic paint brushes and enjoy painting without worrying about brush damage.
Where to Buy The best acrylic paint brushes for beginners
When I first started painting with acrylics, I found out that not every brush in my toolbox was suitable. I needed to have the right tools for the job. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to shop for the best acrylic paint brushes for beginners from Dollar Stores to department stores to specialty art stores.
These days, one of my favorite places to shop for acrylic paintbrushes is Amazon. They have a wide variety of brush sets available for both beginners and professionals and can usually deliver them faster than I can pick them up.
For example, Amazon offer the Acrylic Paint Brushes For Beginners, which include a palette, painting canvas, sponge, palette knife, and rich pigments. These sets on Amazon often come with brushes of different shapes and sizes.
These variety packs of sizes allow you to experiment and figure out what works best for your style.
Another great source for acrylic paintbrushes is Blick Art Materials. They provide various acrylic paintbrush sets tailored to different skill levels and budgets. Their website is organized by customer favorites and price points, making it easy to find the perfect set for my needs.
Also where possible shop local. Local art supply shops often have knowledgeable staff who can give personalized advice on choosing the best acrylic paint brushes for beginners like you. Plus, it’s always great to support local businesses in our community.
