Looking After Your Artist Paint Brushes
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Looking After Your Artist Paint Brushes
- Don’t leave brushes standing in water. This can damage the bristles.
- Wash brushes in warm soapy water. Hot water can loosen bristles.
- Always re-shape the bristles with your fingers before leaving them to dry.
- Store your brushes in a safe place, where the bristles won’t get damaged. For best results store upright in a pot or box.
Types of Artist Paint Brushes
Paint brushes come in a variety of types and sizes. Soft brushes are good for using with inks and water colours. Hard bristle brushes are good for using with acrylics.
A flat ended brush will give you wide brush strokes. A household paintbrush can be good for backgrounds.
- You will usually find a number displayed on a paint brush. The number on the brush indicates the thickness.
- Size 4 is usually good for painting fine detail.
- A size 12 is usually good for painting large areas.
- Alternative items can sometimes be used instead of a paint brush. Examples may include, a cotton bud, a feather or even a dip pen.
