Brush for applying acrylic. How to choose a brush for acrylic paint? Products for painters

Acrylic brushes

Acrylic paints emerged in the mid-twentieth century, and since then acrylic painting has dominated the arts and crafts market and forms a significant part of the permanent collections of museums and art galleries. As you begin your journey into the world of acrylic painting, try to purchase the best brushes, choosing the ones that are suitable for your work. Brushes differ in shape, size and composition of the hair bundle, which we describe in detail in a special article:

• Synthetic or natural brushes?

For a less experienced artist, brushes with natural bristles may seem more suitable than those with synthetic bristles. In reality, synthetic brushes are better for acrylic painting. They are usually cheaper, more durable, more durable and resilient compared to natural ones. More importantly, acrylic dye can damage natural hair. For this reason, we recommend that beginning artists choose synthetic brushes. They are produced by most manufacturers in a variety of price categories: from fairly inexpensive ones, such as Painting Brushes (Kirov) or Pinax (China), to the famous Da Vinci brushes.

• Form

Each brush is designed for a specific purpose, but you probably won't need every one.

For example, flat brushes hold a lot of paint and are good for creating broad strokes and fills. The tips and sides can be used for finer lines and small strokes.

Round or pointed brushes are more flexible. They have a convex belly that tapers to a fine point, and are suitable for both detailed work and dense brush strokes when pressing harder on the canvas.

• Size

There are quite a few sizes for each brush shape, ranging from 0000 to 24. Even the best brushes of the wrong size will be difficult to use. If your painting requires a lot of detail, you will need a small round brush. When creating landscapes or other large-format acrylic paintings, it is much easier to work with a large brush. Medium brushes can do a lot of intermediate work.

Brushes for acrylic paints can have both short and long handles. Brushes with longer handles are useful for working at an easel when you are painting from a distance so you can see the whole picture.

• Sets

Brushes can be very expensive. To save a little money, you can purchase a set in which brushes are selected according to shape and size. This can be an excellent choice for beginning painters, allowing them to master the technique of work. various types brushes, and then move on to more expensive options.

You can purchase acrylic brushes in the Peredvizhniki online store, and also select and test the brushes you like with your own hands by visiting our stores in Moscow.

Brushes for painting with acrylic come in different types. A nylon brush has proven itself best, but it is not suitable for all types of work, so it cannot be the only one in an artist’s arsenal. Before buying this or that brush, you should figure out whether it is suitable for acrylic and for specific features specific artist.

Before buying a brush, you should figure out whether it is suitable for acrylic.

Shapes of brushes

You can work with acrylic with a tool of any shape, but each of the brushes is capable of performing a certain amount of work while painting. It is very easy to ruin a painting if you choose the wrong brush shape for certain strokes.

1. Round. This tool It is considered universal, suitable for any paints and techniques. They can be used for drawing details or filling, depending on the number of the brush. The round shape is achieved by enclosing the pile in a round-shaped cage.
2. Flat. To create this brush shape, a flat clip is used. Brushes can be wide and narrow, long and short. They are convenient to use for painting large areas of a painting with plain paint, including acrylic.
3. Contour. The shape of these brushes is similar to flat brushes, but the bristles are shorter and wider, making strokes easier to control. Contour brushes are also convenient for creating color brushes.
4. Brush in the shape of a cat's tongue. The shape of such an instrument resembles a dome or oval. It is considered a compromise solution between round and flat brushes, since it leaves different strokes depending on the position. The tool is not suitable for beginners, as its use requires some skill.
5. Linear. To create such a brush, long bristles are used, and the thickness of the tool is very small. The brush is more suitable for inscriptions or very thin, small details.

There are several other types of brushes, such as stencil or type brushes, but they are much less suitable for painting acrylics than the ones described above.

Types of brushes

Both hard and soft brushes are suitable for painting with acrylic paints. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and is used in certain techniques.

To work with acrylic paints, you can use both hard and soft brushes.

Soft brushes

Such tools, which are mostly made from natural materials, hold paint well and are suitable not only for acrylic, but also for watercolors and gouache. Artists use them to create fine, precise lines or to depict translucent tones. Using a soft brush is convenient for drawing small details.

The best natural, soft brush is considered to be sable. However, acrylic paints easily spoil this type of pile, so its use is not recommended. Alternative option A tassel is considered to be made half of sable and half of synthetic material. Well, a cheaper and more common alternative is a synthetic brush.

Hard brushes

In addition to weightless layers, acrylic paint is used to apply thick strokes. Using acrylic, you can use various relief and rough techniques, which require hard brushes that hold a lot of paint, and the strokes are clearer.

A brush for painting with acrylic should not only be hard, but also elastic and flexible enough so that the strokes are even and do not spoil the picture.

Modern painting tools meet the required specifications and are made from synthetic materials. Depending on the techniques used by the artist, a hard brush can be large or small, have different widths, and handle lengths.

Brush sizes

To determine what size brushes are needed for a particular style of acrylic painting, you need to gain some experience. When choosing a brush number, you should take into account the fact that different manufacturers numbering may differ, so having found best option For drawing, you should buy tools from only one company.

The numbering of brushes starts from one and goes up to 16 (sometimes 14). The thickness of the stroke increases accordingly. However, the difference between the brushes is not only in width, but also in the length of the handle. Soft tools are shorter, hard ones are longer, which allows you to draw at some distance from the canvas and better evaluate the picture.

Soft brushes are shorter, unlike hard ones, since they paint last at some distance from the canvas

Nylon brush

A nylon brush is considered the best option for beginner artists who prefer acrylic. It is synthetic and comes in many different shapes and sizes.

The main advantages of a nylon bristle brush:

1. Elasticity. The material from which the tool is made has high elastic properties, does not break when bent and is quite elastic and elastic. The strokes of paint that such a brush leaves are smooth and clear. The nylon brush is easy to paint even for beginners, as it is a middle option between hard and soft.
2. Strength. The main problem with natural brushes in acrylic painting is the need to keep them in water. Because of this attitude, the bristles fall out and deteriorate, which, however, does not apply to this synthetic brush. The tool will not last any less if it stays in water for a long time, so it is suitable for acrylic.
3. Easy to care for. Due to the fact that the brush is made of synthetics, it is easy to clean acrylic, which is famous for its quick drying and sticking to the bristles. Natural brushes are very difficult to tidy up, since their structure is not smooth, like nylon. To care for this brush, simply rinse it with running water after use.

It is worth noting that a nylon brush, although very good, cannot be an alternative to all other types of tools. Experienced artists will, in any case, have several other types of brushes in stock, for some specific techniques.

Nylon brush - best option for beginning artists

Caring for your brushes

Acrylic paint is different in that no matter what techniques the artist uses and no matter how keen he is on the process, he must ensure that the brushes do not dry out. Acrylic dries very quickly and then the instruments can be considered damaged. To prevent this, you need to keep your brushes in water while painting, which gradually spoils them, but at least does not disable them.

The process of cleaning the brush after painting:

• After finishing work, excess paint must be removed with a rag or thick paper, carefully wiping the brush on it;
• then the brush is lowered into the water, and rotational movements are made, with the help of which the acrylic is removed from the pile;
• the instrument is wiped with a rag and soaped with soap;
• then the soap must be washed off, making sure that it gets between the bristles and under the holder (in order for the brush to last longer, even the slightest remnants of paint must be removed);
• The brush should be rinsed until the water runs clear, after which it is wiped dry and the bristles are left to dry (the tuft should be directed upward, and the brush should first be given the correct shape).

If the acrylic has dried on the brush, you can try to remove it by soaking it in a special cleaning agent, and then carefully remove the remaining paint with a wooden toothpick, after pressing the brush to a hard surface.

In general, for this you should use synthetic brushes. The shape and size are selected individually, but for beginners it is best to purchase several standard options brushes When working with acrylic, great attention should be paid to the care of tools, since the paint dries quickly and spoils the pile.

Repair is a long and very troublesome task, and also costly. Today, the choice of materials in construction stores is huge, which means that the scope for imagination has no limits. Despite this, the paint never loses its relevance. Radiator batteries and pipes, wall panels - all this requires annual updating. Therefore, you will have to spend a little time as a painter as well. To get the job done quickly and efficiently, you need good paint brushes. And, of course, you need to decide on the material. It can be varnish or enamel.

Products for painters

It may be difficult for the average person to imagine how many there actually are. Paint brushes differ not only in size. And if until now you have used just one to perform all types of work, then after reading the material everything will change. So:

• Flight feathers (CM) are huge and fluffy, made of natural fiber with the addition of synthetics. I have a round shape and are widely used on large surfaces and for whitewashing. The diameter is approximately 60 cm, and the length of the hairs reaches 180 mm. They tolerate contact with any solvents, withstand temperature changes well and are not afraid of hot water.
• Paint brushes (KMA) - they are often used to make These are wide, rectangular paint brushes based on natural horsehair and nylon. This allows the coating layer to be applied evenly. The length of the hairs is 100 mm, used for applying adhesive or casein material.
• Handbrake (KR). Small and round, they are great for covering windows or pipes. Consist of pure bristles and horsehair. The middle is empty to allow paint to accumulate.
• Filet brushes are very reminiscent of paint brushes that we used in childhood in art lessons. Diameter 6-8 mm, they are used to outline contours.
• Radiator.
• Painting flute (CF) - wide and flat, made of nylon and badger hair, it is used to eliminate smudges.
• Synthetic flat (KP) - artificial. Inexpensive and functional, it is perfect as a repair assistant. They are ideal for applying compounds diluted with water. A universal option for painting any surface, and the sizes can be adjusted.

Using different piles

Synthetics, at first glance, are an ideal option. It is cheap, works great on any surface, and is wear-resistant. In fact, painters know that quite a lot depends on the material chosen. Bristles made from natural materials absorb the composition well and distribute it evenly over the surface. It feels a little rough to the touch. But on some surfaces it will leave lint, and the brush will wear out quickly.

Synthetic painting tools consist of polymers and are thin. They are great for applying water-resistant paints because the hairs do not absorb the material. This is also justified from an economic point of view.

What do you need to know?

High-quality brushes have a number of properties, but the main functional element is the bristles. The longer its length, the more composition the instrument will absorb. Therefore, the less often you will need to dip it into the jar. The hairs are not always straight, which allows for even better absorption and even treatment of the surface.

Not only the length, but also the elasticity of the hairs is important. If they are not flexible enough, a large amount of material will remain in the pile. Another rule is that the larger the surface area, the larger the brush. For ceilings and walls you need wide, rectangular specimens, and for tables and windows - small ones, with a variety of handles.

So same and different

At first glance, it is very difficult to choose the best paint brushes. We have listed what they are, but that doesn’t make it any easier. But a professional consultant will definitely help. Today there is a special tool for each type of work. There are kits for working with varnish based on synthetic resins, for painting with liquid wax or working with water-based compositions.

The main recommendations regarding the choice of brush are as follows. You need to be attached to the material with which you will work. Only then, among the varieties with the desired pile, you will select those that are suitable in size. If you plan to do varnishing, it is better to purchase a tool with natural rather than synthetic hairs. It will be ideal for formulations that include a solvent. The secret is that these hairs have a porous structure and can absorb much more composition.

If you have to work with water-based compounds, then natural bristles, on the contrary, are not recommended. It will lose its shape after the first use. Synthetics absorb less paint, but manufacturers are doing everything to bring its functionality closer to natural.

How to clean a brush from paint?

Once you have finished the job, you need to take care of the tools you used. Some people think that all that remains is to throw them away. But this is too wasteful an option. It is much better to wash and store them. To do this, thoroughly dry the brush on a paper or cloth towel. The more composition you can remove, the better the laundering process will be.

The second step is to use a solvent. Do not forget that the choice should be made in accordance with the characteristics of the composition used.

• Brushes for watercolors and latex, that is, all that are water-based, can be easily washed with plain water. The only rule is that they must not be allowed to dry out.
• White spirit allows you to cope with oil compositions.
• suitable for shellac.

The third step is to rinse again in water and pat dry with a towel.

For interior decoration and as a hobby

They are not always used only to cover the panel with an even layer. If you want to decorate your room with a vibrant image, then you need to choose the right paint brushes. The nylon tool is the best solution for artists who prefer acrylic. It is synthetic and comes in a huge number of different shapes and sizes. The main advantages are:

• Elasticity - the material from which the bristles are made does not break and is very flexible. This allows you to apply smooth and precise strokes. It is very convenient and perfect even for a beginner.
• Durability - if you take a natural bristle brush, you will quickly understand what the problem is. Painting and covering surfaces with acrylic requires immersing the tool in water. Therefore, the pile deteriorates and falls out. But the artificial one continues to serve.
• Easy to clean - nylon tools are very easy to clean from acrylic, which dries out and crumbles. But a brush with natural bristles has a porous structure and is much more difficult to clean.

Wide choice

But which brushes for acrylic paints to choose for a specific job will have to be decided on the spot. Flat, synthetic tools allow for wide strokes thanks to the thick, long bristles. Round - used for drawing and painting. Oval synthetic ones are more often used in painting. They are close to flat in functionality, but it is easier to change the thickness of the line. Contour brushes are flat, with short bristles. They are needed for applying small details and drawing.

Oil paint brushes

The main requirement for them is increased rigidity, which is due to the specifics of working with oil. A tool with kolinsky bristles is considered best choice. The cost of kolinsky brushes is the highest of all, but the costs are compensated by their high performance properties. It is made from natural materials and pile. As a result, the brushes work well; with their help you can not only apply an even layer, but also create a pattern or design. Unfortunately, the kolinka product is very delicate. Even portrait painters note that it cannot be used on all canvases. Linen, for example, will very quickly erase its delicate fibers. Therefore, when carrying out repairs, most often combined brushes made of natural and synthetic bristles are used for oil paint.

Instead of a conclusion

As you can see, the choice is not as simple as it might seem. You will have to take into account the nature of the work that needs to be done, its scale, as well as the coverage that needs updating. The material chosen as a coating will also play an important role. Therefore, think through all the details first, and then go to the store. Then you will definitely be guaranteed success in this difficult task.

Acrylic paints have proven to be an extremely versatile painting tool, increasingly used by both professional and novice painters. Taking this into account, manufacturers of art supplies have recently begun to produce special brushes for acrylic. At the same time, brushes designed for oil or watercolor paints are also suitable for acrylic painting. Therefore, it is not surprising that among a huge number of brushes, it is very difficult for a beginner to choose the one that would suit his style.

Typically, it is recommended to choose brushes depending on the technique that the artist is going to use, as well as on the size of the painting. Thus, when working with watercolors, preference is given to brushes with very soft hairs: such brushes are convenient for applying thin layers of paint. And for large-scale paintings, especially if the artist wants to use oil painting techniques, hog bristle brushes are suitable. They are rigid enough to allow large amounts of thick paint to be applied to the base.

Soft brushes

Brushes with soft hair hold liquid paint well. They are used when working with watercolors, gouache, acrylic and even diluted oil. Such brushes are ideal for applying thin, uniform layers and translucent glazes, as well as for drawing fine lines and drawing small details.
Soft brushes are made from many natural materials, including sable, squirrel, ox and goat hair, or mixtures thereof. Sable brushes are rightfully considered the best. No brush can compare with sable in terms of elasticity, ability to hold paint and keep the tip pointed. However, acrylic paints can damage the hair bun, so it’s not worth risking sable brushes in this case. For acrylic, a brush with a mixed composition is suitable: sable hair and synthetic fiber. And for beginning artists, it is better to use synthetic brushes. Moreover, recently in specialized stores More and more new types of synthetic brushes are appearing, and their quality and range are constantly improving.

For example, the golden fiber of Dalon brushes (Daler-Rowney company) is elastic and silky. Dalon round brushes are convenient for painting small details, and large ones are suitable for evenly painting large surfaces. Other synthetic brushes have similar properties. All of them are good alternatives to sable.

Hard brushes

Acrylic paint, like oil paint, can be applied in a thick layer. It is also suitable for the technique of relief painting - impasto. The brush mark is an important component of the painting: it can be expressive and figurative. For thick paint you need a brush with a stiff hair tuft. Moreover, you need to pay attention to its shape and size, how it interacts with the base and how evenly the weight of the brush is distributed when you hold it in your hands. Traditionally, brushes for oil painting were made from pig bristles, but today cheaper and fairly high-quality synthetic brushes are widely available in specialized stores. Brushes designed specifically for acrylic are moderately stiff and pick up and hold thick paint well. At the same time, they are quite flexible, so they can be used to apply thin glaze. There are many types of brushes on sale: with long and short handles, in different shapes and sizes.

Brush sizes

The numbering of hard brushes (both bristle and synthetic) starts from 1 (the smallest size) and ends with 16 (the largest). Soft brush sizes range from 000 to 14 or 16. Soft flat brushes, often called single stroke brushes, are numbered according to width. Please note that the same dimensions may vary from series to series. For example, a #6 brush from one series will not exactly match a #6 brush from another.

Soft brushes should have a short handle, since they are used to paint relatively small works, keeping the hand close to the base. And the long handles of hard brushes allow you to stand at some distance from the painting.

Don't buy too many brushes at once - add to your collection gradually. Choose brushes that seem a little big for your work. The fact is that small brushes provoke fuss with little things, while large ones, on the contrary, oblige you to simplify forms and strive for generalizations.

To start, buy two soft round brushes: No. 6 and 12 (or 14). You will also need hard brushes. Take synthetic ones good quality- No. 10 and No. 12, as well as a 2.5-centimeter paint brush for painting large surfaces.

Get to know each other better!

Different brushes leave very different marks, so take the time to learn each one. Take a rough sketch and make a few strokes of thick and thinned paint. Try to color the paper evenly and apply a thin layer of glaze. Determine what texture can be created with the end of the brush, the side, or the flat side. Practice applying long smooth lines, short characteristic strokes and dots.

How to care for your brush

Acrylic paint dries quickly, and after drying it does not dissolve in water. Therefore, do not be lazy to thoroughly rinse your brushes while working. If you are so caught up in the creative process that you have no time for it, at least put them in a container of water. Of course, this is not recommended, but at least the paint will not dry out. Once you've finished painting, wash each brush well. First, remove excess paint by wiping the brush on a rag or paper towel. Then dip the brush into the water and make a few swirling motions to remove as much paint as possible. The hair tuft should fit snugly to the bottom of the container - this will remove any paint stuck to it. Then wet the brush with a rag and soap it with regular soap. Try to get the soap suds between the fibers and under the metal casing. Rinse the brush under running water. If the water running off is not completely clear, lather and rinse the brush again. After that, wipe it off with a rag or paper towel. Finally, use your fingers to shape the brush into its original shape and place it in a jar to dry with the hair tuft facing up.