How many brushes does a beginner need?

Fewer than most kits suggest. Our guides explain which shapes and sizes cover the most ground so you can start with a small set.

Are natural hair brushes worth the price?

They hold more water and release it more evenly, which matters for large washes. Good synthetics have closed much of the gap, so the extra cost pays off mainly for large, wet work.

How should I care for watercolor brushes?

Rinse them in clean water, reshape the tip, and dry them flat or tip down. Never leave a brush standing in water.

Do you review tools other than brushes?

Yes, when they affect the work: palettes, masking materials, and boards for stretching paper, for example.

Topic · 6 articles

Brushes & Studio Tools

Natural hair versus synthetic, brush shapes and sizes, and the studio tools that earn their place on the table.

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GuidesNov 8, 202611 min

Dry Brush Watercolor Technique: 8 Tips for Broken Texture

Dry brush watercolor technique means thick paint, a blotted brush and dry paper. Eight tips on paper, loading and brush angle, plus a 5-step practice drill.

dry-brush watercolor-technique how-to

GuidesNov 8, 202614 min

How to Clean Watercolor Brushes: 7 Steps, 3 Ways to Dry

How to clean watercolor brushes, with mild soap and water that is never hot. Seven steps, why brush makers disagree on drying, and what they all forbid.

watercolor-brushes brush-care how-to

FeaturesNov 7, 202614 min

12 Easy Watercolor Flower Ideas Sorted by Brush Stroke

Easy watercolor flower ideas, 12 flowers from four tubes, grouped by the one brush move each needs. Pigment codes, paper, time and three steps for each.

watercolor-ideas flowers watercolor-projects

FeaturesOct 19, 202610 min

Synthetic vs Kolinsky Sable Brushes: What You Pay For

Synthetic vs kolinsky sable brushes differ in hair, supply and care. What Kolinsky hair is, how synthetics copy it, and when a sable round is worth buying.

watercolor-brushes comparison synthetic-brushes

GuidesOct 19, 202612 min

Rough Watercolor Paper: Granulation, Dry Brush and 6 Steps

Rough watercolor paper is the most textured surface, made for granulation and dry brush. Which weights you can buy, which paints to use, and a 6-step sky.

watercolor-paper granulation dry-brush

GuidesOct 17, 202616 min

Best Watercolor Brushes for Beginners: 3 Shapes to Buy

Best watercolor brushes for beginners are a synthetic round, a flat and a soft mop. Why a size 8 differs by brand and how to test a brush before you buy.

watercolor-brushes buying-guide beginners

Questions

Frequently asked

How many brushes does a beginner need?: Fewer than most kits suggest. Our guides explain which shapes and sizes cover the most ground so you can start with a small set.
Are natural hair brushes worth the price?: They hold more water and release it more evenly, which matters for large washes. Good synthetics have closed much of the gap, so the extra cost pays off mainly for large, wet work.
How should I care for watercolor brushes?: Rinse them in clean water, reshape the tip, and dry them flat or tip down. Never leave a brush standing in water.
Do you review tools other than brushes?: Yes, when they affect the work: palettes, masking materials, and boards for stretching paper, for example.