Best Oil Painting Brushes For Professional Artists (2024 Update)
If you’re looking for high-quality brushes to create stunning oil paintings, you will need to consider a few factors before making your purchase. For professional artists, it's essential to have the right tools to achieve the desired effects in their artwork. Choosing the best oil painting brushes can make a significant difference in the quality of your paintings, so it's important to choose carefully.
Before you buy oil painting brushes, consider the type of bristles, shape, and size of the brush head. The bristle type, whether synthetic or natural, can affect how much paint the brush can hold and how it distributes the paint. The shape and size of the brush head can affect how strokes are made and how the paint is blended on the canvas. Also, different types of brushes are suitable for different techniques, so it's important to choose the appropriate brush for your intended purpose.
Are you tired of low-quality brushes that produce unsatisfactory results? Do you want to create masterpieces using the best brushes in the market? If you want to improve your oil painting skills and create vibrant and lifelike paintings, you need to invest in the best oil painting brushes for professional artists. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. In the next few paragraphs, you will discover what to look for when buying oil painting brushes and get answers to some frequently asked questions.
10 Best Oil Painting Brushes For Professional Artists
| # | Product Image | Product Name | Product Notes | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 |
The product is ideal for painting with acrylics and oils, especially for creating fine lines.
|
|
|
|
2
|
 |
The product is ideal for artists who work with acrylic, oil, and watercolor paints and need medium-stiff hog bristle brushes with long handles.
|
|
|
|
3
|
 |
This product is ideal for professional artists who use acrylic and oil paints and need high quality natural bristle brushes.
|
|
|
|
4
|
 |
This product is ideal for painting with acrylic, oil, or watercolor and comes in a set of three different brush sizes.
|
|
|
|
5
|
 |
This paint brush is ideal for use with acrylic, watercolor, and oil paints, featuring a bristle bright design and 1-1/2 inch size.
|
|
|
|
6
|
 |
This product is ideal for artists of all levels who use watercolor, oil, or acrylic paint. Includes bonus tools and a case.
|
|
|
|
7
|
 |
This product is ideal for artists who need versatile and high-quality brushes for watercolor, acrylic, or oil painting.
|
|
|
|
8
|
 |
This product is ideal for artists who use acrylic or oil paint and need various brush shapes and sizes.
|
|
|
|
9
|
 |
The product is ideal for painting with oil, acrylic, and watercolor due to its high-performance golden synthetic hair.
|
|
|
|
10
|
 |
This product is ideal for painting with oil and acrylic paints, specifically using fan brushes with hog bristles and long handles.
|
|
1. Princeton Aspen, Series 6500, Synthetic Paint Brush For Acrylics And Oils, Liner, 2
The Aspen Artist Paintbrushes are a beautiful blend of style and performance. These mixed media brushes are perfect for acrylics, oils and water-soluble oils with the fibers releasing and gliding smoothly off the brush.
Designed with superior synthetic bristles, the brush fibers are stiff, allowing for greater control when painting. Unlike natural hair brushes, the fibers remain intact regardless of the painting surface or the amount of pressure applied.
These brushes are specifically made for artists who require precision and accuracy in their work. The bristles retain their shape, allowing for precise placement of color and even distribution of paint.
With an elegant polished black handle made from reforested wood and a matte black ferrule that eliminates reflection when painting on site, these brushes are both stylish and practical. The Aspen Paintbrushes are suitable for both outdoor and indoor painting.
Available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, these brushes are durable, affordable and dependable. They are more durable and affordable than most traditional synthetic and natural hair brushes.
Whether you are a professional artist or a beginner, the Aspen Paintbrushes are a great addition to your art supplies. They are reliable, versatile and easy to use, making them a must-have for any artist.
2. Hog Bristle Paint Brush Set With Carrying Box
This set of paint brushes is an excellent choice for artists who prefer working with oils and acrylics. The 11 long handle brushes are made of 100% pure hog bristle and are designed to prevent shedding during use. Each brush is secured with high-grade copper crimped ferrules, ensuring that the hairs remain firmly attached to the brush while you paint.
The assortment of brushes in this set is versatile and offers a luxurious selection of fan, flat, round, and filbert brushes. The set includes the following sizes: Fan: Size 6; Flat: Size 2; Round: Size 3, 7, 9, 11; Filbert Brush: Size 4, 6, 8, 10, 12. This range of brush sizes ensures that you always have just the right paint brush for your artistic painting projects.
The brushes are designed with natural wooden handles that are comfortable to hold and balanced, making them perfect for long painting sessions. The handles are also lightweight and polished with birch wood, which helps to ease hand fatigue during daily painting. The long handles give you freer movements for exciting brushstrokes and perspective in your artwork, enabling you to concentrate on the crucial details of your brush painting and aiding in muscular dexterity for painting with ease and control.
The set comes with a free carrying box that is convenient for storage and travel. After use, it is recommended that you clean the brushes with mild soap and water, reshape the brush tip, and store them in the included storage container until the next painting project. This set of brushes is suitable for kids, beginners, artists, and is an excellent choice for gifting.
The manufacturer of these brushes is confident about their quality and offers a 100% risk-free purchase. They strive to make the best professional paintbrushes you've ever used, and if you're ever unsatisfied with the product, they encourage you to contact them for a full refund. Overall, the 11pcs hog bristle brushes set is an ideal choice for anyone looking for elegantly made paint brushes for personal use or as a gift.
3. Princeton Artiste 3750: Versatile Bristle Brush
If you're looking for high-quality brushes to meet your decorative and technique painting needs, look no further! These unique specialty brushes are the perfect choice for artists of all skill levels and are sure to impress with their variety of synthetic and natural hair.
One of the standout features of these brushes is their satin-finish jewelry box blue handles, which not only provide a stylish touch but also offer a comfortable grip for extended painting sessions.
The short-handled select brushes are designed with distinct shapes to allow you to truly express your creativity. Whether you're looking to create fine details or bold strokes, these brushes are up to the task.
In terms of quality, these brushes are second to none. Each one is carefully crafted to ensure that it meets the highest standards of performance and durability, so you can enjoy using them for years to come.
4. Probrush Set: 16 Paints, Knife, Sponge & Case
Introducing the BENICCI Nylon Paint Brush Set, a high quality and affordable option for artists of all levels. Unlike other nylon brushes, BENICCI's double-clamped ferrules ensure that the bristles always stay in the brush and not on your work. These brushes are both durable and affordable.
This set includes 16 nylon brushes in various shapes and sizes, suitable for use with acrylics, watercolor, gouache, ink, oil, face paint, and more. As a bonus, the set also includes a Mixing Knife and Art Sponge to help you achieve the perfect finish.
BENICCI is confident in their product and offers a 365-day Money Back Guarantee and Replacement Warranty. This risk-free purchase allows you to try out the brushes for a full year and return them if they do not meet your expectations.
The brush set includes a variety of shapes, such as liner, round, angular, filbert, fan, glaze, comb, and flat, in sizes ½, ¾, #2 #4, and #8. The comfortable handles are suitable for any temperament, speed, skill, or style. Plus, the brushes come with an easy transport nylon case, making it convenient for artists on the go.
This set of art paint brushes makes the perfect gift for artists of all levels, including kids. BENICCI's brushes are versatile and meet all artists at their level. If for any reason you or your gift recipient are not satisfied with the brushes, BENICCI offers a 1-year warranty.
Choose BENICCI Nylon Paint Brush Set for high-quality and affordable brushes that will last you for years to come.
5. Marrywindix Artists' Round Tip Paintbrush Set
The Marrywindix Paintbrush Set is a fantastic collection of high-quality painting brushes that is perfect for artists of all levels. Each brush is made of top-grade imported nylon wool, nickel plated copper tube, and a wood body. The hair is solid yet flexible, ensuring that it is durable and washable. The uniform color and shiny texture of the hair make it easy to tint during painting, and it is not prone to deformation or hair loss, making it reusable after proper washing.
The set includes 9 brushes of different sizes, each with round pointed tips. These sizes range from 0# to 16#, and the detail length of each brush ranges from 12.5mm to 31mm. The different-sized brushes allow for a wide range of color mixing and painting techniques, making your artwork colorful and unique.
The smooth wood body of each brush is glossy and odorless, making it comfortable to hold and easy to use. The brushes are also easy to clean, thanks to their round pointed design. Simply wash them with water and dry them in a cool, dry place. If the hair becomes deformed, place it in warm water and shape it gently with your hands to restore it to its original shape.
These brushes are not only practical but also widely applicable, making them perfect for various types of painting and drawing. They are suitable for use with acrylic, watercolor, oil ink, and even face paint or body paint for festivals. They are not harmful to the body and are perfect for art department students, painters, drawing lovers, or anyone who wants to learn painting at any time.
6. 15-Piece Natural Bristle Paintbrush Set With Bamboo Pouch
Introducing the versatile and durable 15-piece artist paint brush set, perfect for artists of any skill level. This set includes a full range of brush sizes and tip styles, including FAN(#1), ROUND(#4, #8, #10, #16), FLAT(#2, #6, #10, #14), ANGLED(#8, #12), FILBERT(#6, #10, #14), and CHIP(40MM). These brushes are designed to accommodate both fine detail painting and wide filling.
Crafted with hard natural hog bristle, these brushes have a split-tip that allows them to hold more paint than brushes made of nylon. This feature provides superior spring and shape retention, making them perfect for use on rough surfaces such as canvas and wood. The brushes are also equipped with a durable birch handle and a rust-free nickel-plated ferrule that is double fastened with a tinplate to prevent hair from falling off and to last longer.
The long-handled design of these brushes allows for comfortable use whether working closer to the canvas/paper/fabric/board or when more space and freedom are required for the strokes. These brushes are also multipurpose and easy to clean, making them ideal for use in a variety of painting projects, including canvas, wood, and crafts. The set is an excellent gift for beginners, children, friends, and artists.
Cleaning these brushes is a breeze; they can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water and reshaped with your finger. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, this artist paint brush set is an excellent addition to your collection. The various sizes and tips make it perfect for any project, and the hard natural hog bristle ensures that your painting will have the perfect texture and depth. Invest in this high-quality brush set to take your artwork to the next level.
7. Golden Detail Brush Set For Mixed Media
Introducing a set of 12 high-quality paintbrushes designed for artists, beginners, and students alike. These brushes are made with golden synthetic hair that guarantees no shedding, ensuring that your artwork stays free from any unwanted hairs. The ferrules on these brushes are highly secured, providing no wiggling while painting.
The short wooden handles make these brushes easy to hold and use for fine details. With a variety of brush sizes and shapes, this set is perfect for oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting. They can be used on various surfaces, including canvas, pottery, ceramics, and more.
This set includes 12 brushes, including Round #10/0, #3/0, #0, Flat #2, #4, Long Liners #20/0, #10/0, #5/0, #0, #2, #4, and #6. These brushes are perfect for detailing works and creating intricate designs.
The product packaging is well-designed and superb, making it a perfect gift for an art lover. Whether you are a professional artist or just starting, this set of brushes is a must-have. Enjoy the freedom to create beautiful, intricate artwork with ease and precision. Order your set today and experience the joy of painting with high-quality brushes.
8. Oil Acrylic Paint Brushes Artist Fan Paint Brush Set Hog Bristle Long Handle Painting Brush. (3pcs)
Introducing the perfect set of brushes for oil color painting – the Traditional Natural Hair Hog Bristle Brushes. These brushes are also suitable for use with acrylics, making them a versatile choice for any artist.
The set includes three different brush sizes – #4, #8, and #12 – which expand the creative versatility of these brushes and allow for a range of brush strokes and techniques.
Crafted with solid wood handles, the brushes are made to last. The solid wood birch handles are multi-coated with lacquer, making them durable and long-lasting.
The triple crimpling and chrome-plated brass seamless ferrule provide extra security and stability to the brush head, ensuring that the bristles stay in place and do not shed.
Each brush is hand-shaped by skilled brush makers, using traditional handicraft techniques. This ensures that the bristles are not curly, do not shed, and remain free of deformation, giving you a consistently high-quality painting experience.
Best Oil Painting Brushes For Professional Artists FAQs
Are natural or synthetic bristles better for oil painting?
Both natural and synthetic bristles can be used for oil painting, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Natural bristles, such as those made from hog hair, are generally preferred by many artists for oil painting. They tend to be more durable and can hold more paint than synthetic brushes. They also have a unique texture that can create interesting brushstrokes and effects in the paint.
On the other hand, synthetic brushes are often more affordable than natural ones and can be more versatile in terms of the types of paint they can be used with. They also tend to be easier to clean and maintain than natural brushes.
Ultimately, the choice between natural and synthetic brushes comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the artist. Some artists may prefer the texture and durability of natural brushes, while others may prefer the affordability and versatility of synthetic ones. It's always a good idea to experiment with different types of brushes to find the best fit for your painting style and technique.
Can I use the same brushes for both oil and acrylic painting?
Using the same brushes for both oil and acrylic painting is possible, but it is not always recommended. Oil paints tend to be thicker and heavier than acrylics, which can cause the brushes to become clogged and difficult to clean if used for both mediums. Acrylic paints dry faster than oil paints, and the fast-drying process can cause the brushes to become stiff when used with oil paints. To avoid these issues, it is best to use separate brushes for each medium. However, if you decide to use the same brushes for both mediums, it is important to clean them thoroughly after each use with a brush cleaner specifically designed for oil or acrylic paints. Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions carefully to prevent damaging the bristles. Ultimately, investing in separate brushes for each medium will ensure the best results and longevity of your brushes.
How do I choose the right size brush for my oil painting?
Choosing the right brush size for oil painting can significantly impact the outcome of your artwork. The size of the brush you choose depends on the details you want to capture and the area you want to cover. The general rule is that the larger the brush, the quicker you can cover a larger area, while the smaller the brush, the more detailed your painting can be.
For larger areas, such as backgrounds or underpainting, you can use larger brushes like flat or filbert brushes. For smaller details like facial features or fine lines, you can opt for smaller brushes like round or liner brushes.
It's essential to note that brush sizes can differ depending on the brand, so it's best to test out different sizes and shapes to see what works best for you. Additionally, investing in high-quality brushes can enhance your painting experience and result in better quality artwork.
In summary, choosing the right brush size for oil painting depends on the details and area you want to cover. Test out different sizes and invest in high-quality brushes to enhance your painting experience.
How do I properly care for my oil painting brushes?
Proper care for oil painting brushes is essential for maintaining their quality and longevity. Here are some tips for caring for your oil painting brushes:
1. Clean them thoroughly after each use: Use a paint thinner or solvent to remove the excess paint from the brush. Then, wash the brush with soap and warm water.
2. Store them properly: Avoid leaving your brushes in water or solvent for prolonged periods as it can damage the bristles. Instead, store them in a brush holder or container with the bristles facing up.
3. Use a brush cleaner: Occasionally, you should use a brush cleaner to remove any buildup of paint and solvent residue from the brush.
4. Avoid harsh cleaning methods: Harsh cleaning methods such as boiling, microwaving or using a hairdryer can damage your brushes.
Properly caring for your oil painting brushes will not only extend their lifespan but also ensure that they perform at their best for many years to come.
How many brushes do I need to create a professional oil painting?
To create a professional oil painting, you will need a variety of brushes to achieve different brushstrokes and effects. Generally, you will need at least four basic brushes: a flat brush for painting large areas and creating sharp edges, a round brush for creating fine details, a filbert brush for blending and softening edges, and a fan brush for creating texture and blending. However, the number and type of brushes you need will depend on the level of detail and complexity of your painting.
In addition to the basic brushes, you may also want to consider investing in specialty brushes such as a rigger brush for creating fine lines, a mop brush for large washes, and a palette knife for creating unique textures and blending colors. Ultimately, the number of brushes you need will vary depending on your personal painting style and the specific techniques you plan to use. It's important to invest in high-quality brushes that will hold their shape and last for many painting sessions.
What are the best brush materials for oil painting?
When it comes to oil painting, choosing the right brush material is crucial to achieve the desired results. The best brush materials for oil painting are natural hair bristles, synthetic bristles, and combination brushes.
Natural hair bristles, such as hog, sable, and mongoose hair, are popular choices due to their ability to hold and distribute paint effectively. Hog hair bristles are stiff and durable, making them suitable for thick applications and blending. Sable and mongoose hair, on the other hand, are softer and more delicate, making them ideal for fine detail work.
Synthetic bristles are also great for oil painting since they mimic the properties of natural hair bristles. They are typically made of nylon, polyester, or a blend of both materials. Synthetic bristles are more affordable than natural hair bristles and are generally easier to clean.
Combination brushes, as the name suggests, combine both natural and synthetic bristles. These brushes offer the best of both worlds, with natural hair bristles providing the necessary stiffness while synthetic bristles offer better shape retention.
Ultimately, the choice of brush material depends on personal preference, painting style, and budget. It's important to invest in high-quality brushes to achieve the best results in oil painting.
What brands make the best oil painting brushes for professional artists?
There are several brands that make high-quality oil painting brushes for professional artists. Some of the most popular and well-respected brands include Winsor & Newton, Raphael, Rosemary & Co., and Da Vinci. These brands offer a wide range of brush sizes, shapes, and materials, allowing artists to find the perfect brush for their specific needs.
Winsor & Newton, for example, is known for its high-quality hog bristle brushes, which are durable and hold their shape well. Raphael, on the other hand, offers a variety of synthetic and natural hair brushes that are well-suited for detailed work. Rosemary & Co. is a UK-based brand that is known for its handmade brushes, which are crafted using traditional techniques. Finally, Da Vinci offers a range of high-quality brushes made with both natural and synthetic fibers.
Ultimately, the best oil painting brushes for professional artists will depend on their individual preferences and needs. It's important to choose brushes that are well-made, durable, and suited to the specific techniques and styles of the artist.
What brush shapes are most ideal for oil painting?
When it comes to oil painting, the brush shapes that are considered most ideal are round, flat, and filbert.
Round brushes are versatile and can be used for creating fine lines, details, and filling in small areas. They come in various sizes, from very small to very large, and are perfect for creating smooth strokes.
Flat brushes are best for creating sharp edges and larger areas of color. They are also useful for blending and smoothing out colors. Flat brushes come in various sizes, and the larger ones are particularly handy for covering large areas of the canvas.
Filbert brushes have a rounded tip, which makes them ideal for blending colors and creating softer edges. They are also great for painting foliage and creating texture.
Other brush shapes that can be useful for oil painting include fan brushes, which are perfect for creating texture and blending, and rigger brushes, which are ideal for creating long, thin lines. Ultimately, the best brush shape for your oil painting will depend on your personal preference and the effect you want to create.
What is the best brush for blending in oil painting?
When it comes to blending in oil painting, there are a variety of brush options available. The best brush for blending largely depends on personal preference and the effect that the artist is trying to achieve. However, in general, soft bristle brushes such as sable or synthetic brushes tend to work well for blending in oil painting. These brushes have more flexibility and can hold more paint, making it easier to blend colors smoothly. Flat or filbert-shaped brushes are also popular choices for blending as they can cover larger areas and create a softer, more gradual blend. Some artists also prefer using a blending tool such as a blending stump or a palette knife to achieve a specific texture or effect. Ultimately, the best brush for blending in oil painting is one that feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to achieve the desired result.
What is the difference between hog hair and sable brushes for oil painting?
Hog hair and sable brushes are both popular choices for oil painting, but they have distinct differences that make them better suited for different applications. Hog hair brushes are made from the coarse hair of pigs and are ideal for laying down thick layers of paint and creating texture. They are durable and can withstand the rigors of oil painting, making them a good choice for artists who prefer a more rugged style.
On the other hand, sable brushes are made from the soft hair of the sable, a type of marten. They are prized for their ability to hold a lot of paint and create smooth, precise lines. They are also excellent for blending colors and creating subtle gradations of tone.
The main difference between the two types of brushes is their texture and stiffness. Hog hair brushes are stiffer and have more texture, while sable brushes are softer and smoother. Ultimately, the choice between hog hair and sable brushes depends on the artist's personal preference and the specific techniques they use in their oil painting.
