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The Best Travel Paintbrushes for Watercolor and Gouache

By The ARTnews Recommends Editors

The ARTnews Recommends Editors

If you use watercolor or gouache and sometimes paint outside your studio (be it en plein air or simply in another indoor location), travel paintbrushes are a great addition to your toolkit. Designed for safe carrying, they’re equipped with detachable handles that double as protective caps. Don’t think you have to sacrifice quality for convenience, however: There are many artist-grade travel paintbrushes that perform just as well as, or even better than, conventional ones. Ahead, find five that we especially like, for an array of budgets and skill levels.

1. da Vinci CosmoTop Spin Travel Watercolor Brush

No animals were harmed in the making of da Vinci ’ s CosmoTop Spin, our very favorite watercolor brush, which is also available as a round travel brush. Neither too stiff nor frustratingly floppy, CosmoTop Spins hold more water than other synthetics and feel almost as good as sable at a fraction of the price. This ingeniously designed portable version, with pieces that screw together for extra security, will fit in all travel watercolor sets.

2. Isabey Siberian Blue Squirrel Quill Mop

Highly capable and smartly designed for portability, this mop is the only brush you need if you’re painting small—which, if you’re traveling, is likely the case. Featuring Siberian blue squirrel hair that is soft and dense, it soaks up a tremendous amount of water so you can produce sweeping watercolor washes. Detailed lines are just as attainable since the hairs come to a precise point that doesn’t split. The cap fits onto the bottom to become a well-balanced, full-length handle, and the gold-tone brass finish makes this brush look extra sophisticated.

3. Raphael Le Voyageur Wallet Set

If you feel you need more than one travel brush, we suggest this set by Raphael. You get three brushes made of synthetic fibers designed to emulate sable: two rounds of different sizes and a larger, pointed quill. This assortment allows you to paint broad strokes with ease as well as lines that require finesse. The brushes show excellent snap, don’t shed, and— like the Isabey mop—come with protective caps that double as handles. The trio also comes in a faux leather wallet-style carrying case—a stylish and convenient way to keep your tools in one place.

4. Princeton Neptune Series Travel Brush Set

Another synthetic line of brushes, the Neptune series is designed to perform like squirrel hair. These brushes are softer than the Raphaels and less expensive for a set of four rounds. While they have less springiness, they carry a heavy load of water, are flexible, and hold their points beautifully. Handles made of wood make these brushes a pleasure to hold and move across the working surface. In short, this is a great high-grade option without the high price. Some, though, may find the bristles too floppy.

5. Da Vinci Travel Series 1503 Brushes

These highly coveted brushes are the very best you can carry with you on the go. They are made with the finest Kolinsky sable—the hair of the tail from winter coats of male critters—resulting in full-bodied brush heads with impeccably sharp points. While pricey, the 1503s are seriously thirsty brushes with highly controlled pigment release, the tightest snap, and solid construction. Like our top pick, they’re smartly designed, featuring a cap that screws on to become a handle. This cap also features a hole for ventilation, so if you’re in a hurry, you can put the brush away without waiting for it to properly dry first.

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The Best Travel Watercolor Brushes for 2023

Written by Robert S. Brown  / Fact checked by Helen B. Harris

When you take delight in the breathtaking sceneries of the countryside or the hustle and bustle of the city, wouldn’t it be nice to capture every sight and paint them on the spot? In case you’re a watercolor artist who moves places and loves outdoor painting, you’re probably always on the hunt for the best travel watercolor brushes.

Then, how should you choose the right travel paint brush? The key is to determine your preferences, techniques, and painting styles. And since you’ll need something quite handy and reliable wherever you go, you need to consider the size, shape, type, and brush bristles or hairs. Luckily, this article unravels reviews and guidelines that will help you find the perfect brush!

Escoda 1548-4

Golden Maple Travel Watercolor Brushes

 Ohuhu Water Coloring Brush

Table of Contents

1. Escoda 1548-4 Versatil Travel Brushes

2. golden maple travel watercolor brushes, 3. ohuhu water coloring brush pens set, 4. myartscape travel paint brush set, 5. silver brush limited velvet travel brush, 6. golden maple artist travel paint brush, 7. meeden portable artist paint brushes, 8. myartscape pocket paint brush set, 9. fuumuui kolinsky travel watercolor brushes, 10. eval travel artist painting brushes, what to look for when buying travel watercolor brushes, best travel watercolor brush reviews.

Given its popularity and expertise in artisanal brush making, this brand has been a treasure trove of wonderful Escoda travel watercolor brushes. This Versatile 1548 series does live up to its name, showcasing impeccable versatility that delivers exceptional snap, absorption, and fluid retention.

This product is labeled as #4 with a silver handle. It is a portable brush with a detachable 15mm handle that also functions as a cap. Thanks to this feature, the lid closes perfectly, thereby securing and sealing the brush while maintaining its original form. When you’re all done, you can simply remove the handle and cover your brush for messy-free storage. With its very compact size, you can easily slip it in your bag or even in your pocket and you’re all good to go.

Aside from its portability, this short handle travel brush takes its quality up a notch with a unique blend of synthetic bristles. Impressively, it mimics the feel and performance of a kolinsky sable brush.

This 2.82mm diameter brush lends a great spring that holds enough paint without losing its shape or edge. It is easy to control and the sleek and pointed shape allows you to create fine lines and delicate embellishments.

Although it is a synthetic brush, it renders a consistent flow and neat application whenever it hits the surface. Plus, it works excellently with watercolor.

Aside from that, it has a patented triple crimp ferrule that ensures durability, making it for many years to come.

• Designed with a detachable cap for hassle-free transport
• High-quality synthetic bristles for excellent versatility
• Great alternative for kolinsky sable brushes
• Superb absorption and fluid retention
• Ideal for fine details
• Portable and compact size

It is important to keep your watercolor travel brushes in secure and neat storage to maintain their shape and prevent damage.

With that in mind, these Golden Maple synthetic brushes come with a portable case that will keep your brushes handy no matter where you go. It can either be a sturdy bamboo brush roll or a faux leather case.

Whichever you receive, both types provide a convenient holder for your watercolor brushes , keeping them tidy and accessible at all times. I think this is quite useful, especially when you like to travel and paint outdoors.

While that seems to be a sweet treat for artists, the synthetic brushes are what makes this set worth buying. It includes 3 different sizes of professional quality brushes (4, 8, and 12) that you can use for varying line widths.

Each brush has pointed bristles that exhibit excellent spring and snap. With such features, the brushes can preserve their original shapes to render soft and controlled applications. In addition to that, these brushes stand out with their high-quality fibers that imitate the properties of sable brushes. Impressively, the hairs don’t splay but rather provide optimum liquid absorption and consistent flow rate.

• Set of 3 sizes brushes for various purposes
• Comes with a portable case for easy travel
• Synthetic brushes with high-quality bristles that won’t fray quickly
• Has stainless steel removable handles
• Lightweight and compact
• Excellent absorption and smooth flow
• Some caps feel a little loose sometimes

If you’re in search of a portable watercolor brush set that you can use for colorful washes, you’ll have all the essential brushes with this Ohuhu 6-piece brush pen set.

Contrary to the traditional painting brushes, these watercolor brushes highlight their nylon bristles that do not easily deform or fray despite frequent use. They’re sturdy yet versatile, allowing you to blend colors or create artistic embellishments without smears and messy paint overflowing.

Another advantage of nylon brush tips is their ability to hold paint well and release it nicely as soon as it touches the surface. Moreover, if you prefer synthetic alternatives over natural bristles that contain animal products, this material can be your ideal option.

Since the brushes vary from broad, flat, and pointed tips, you can have all the sizes you need for specific coloring or detailing tasks. You can choose which brush you need, whether you have to cover large areas or create delicate lines and details.

Aside from that, the innovative barrel design is one of its fascinating features that makes it an ideal travel brush. You can fill it with water and simply squeeze it to gently dampen the brush tip.

Then, you can dip it in your watercolor palette to produce solid hues or vibrant washes. You can also use this with water-soluble art media to achieve watercolor effects.

When it comes to cleaning, there’s no hassle doing it. You can just tidy them up with water and you’re all good. Plus, each of the brush pens comes with a cap that fits snugly for secure and neat storage while traveling.

• Various tip sizes and brush types for versatile applications
• Made of nylon brush tips for superb absorption
• Innovative barrel design that holds and dispenses water
• Able to create colorful washes and different detailing styles
• Blends color seamlessly without smears
• Comes with caps for secure storage
• May leak if pressed firmly

For a variety of brushes that can showcase your watercolor painting skills wherever you go, this MyArtscape travel brush set must be the one you’re looking for.

It consists of 7 different professional quality brushes that you can use to produce varied line widths and execute different painting techniques. The brushes range from flat, angle, rake, round, and liner types.

I find the variety of sizes a promising deal since you’ll have a particular type of brush for every painting job. In detail, each of them exhibits respective features that can add intricate details, render longer strokes, cover large areas, or accentuate artwork’s elements.

You’ll also find specialty brush designs such as Rake and Liner brushes are suitable for refining those delicate details like animal hair or grass. Other than that, the tapered brush tips deliver exceptional precision and sharpness. As a result, you can define without any smears or awful paint marks.

In terms of design, these synthetic brushes are beautifully crafted with Korean toklan hair. It effectively holds more paint for consistent flow rate and continuous applications.

In this way, you’ll have more time painting and rendering longer strokes than constantly dipping into your paint. This brush material is also anti-shedding, perfect for smooth and hassle-free painting.

What also makes these brushes travel-friendly are their compact handles. Although they are short, the brushes are comfortable enough to hold.

Aside from that, it comes with a portable carry case that you can easily slip in your bag or take anywhere, especially when you fancy plein air painting.

• Made of Korean toklan hair for versatile and efficient applications
• Anti-shedding brush material
• Tapered brush tips for precise detailing
• Comes with a portable carry case
• Compact handles to deliver comfortable grip
• Some have wobbly ferrules

If you need a watercolor brush to flourish your work with precision and produce colorful washes, you’re in for a treat with this Silver Brush Limited black velvet travel paint brush.

It highlights its sleek round brush tip that is soft enough to render smooth and accurate colors. This allows you to freely showcase your painting styles and achieve your preferred color palette and vivid washes.

If you also release the paint for consistent strokes, the brush performs efficiently because of its excellent spring. Although it is soft, it maintains its shape and is firm enough to lift color without leaving any messy smears.

Additionally, this size 8 watercolor brush boasts its elegant blend of squirrel hair and black synthetic bristles. It has a unique design that ensures durability and proper color retention. Apart from that, these sturdy fibers play a significant role in keeping the brush tip to a fine point.

It features an ergonomic shape and length that lends a comfortable grip, leaving a snug fit in your hand as you hold it.

Other than that, it boasts its black lacquer handle that adds a sophisticated touch to the brush. Since it is short, you can also keep it in your brush case or travel bag without any hassle.

• Can deliver small and solid details and colors
• Produces vivid washes and consistent strokes
• Designed with synthetic bristles and natural squirrel hairs
• Compact shape and size
• Elegant design
• Some hairs are sticking out

This Golden Maple brush set highlights its portable and versatile design that ramps up the comfort of traveling and outdoor painting. You’ll have three different sizes for various applications – sizes 4, 8, and 12.

I’ve come across several compact brushes but a detachable handle saves space and promotes secure storage. Therefore, the unique design of these portable brushes makes them a worthwhile purchase.

All you need is to twist the handle to extend the length of the brush, giving you an ergonomic grip and balance in your hand.

When you’re done using it, you can simply remove the handle and cover the brush, leaving you with a portable and compact size that you can toss in your brush case or bag.

Besides the convenient design, these brushes display versatility with their premium nylon bristles that resemble sable hairs. Each of them lends a springy feel that delivers watercolor smoothly.

It’s nice that they aren’t overly soft but rather firm enough to create beautiful washes and gouache evenly. There aren’t any loose hairs, and each exhibits a pointed tip, perfect for rendering fine details and coloring narrow spaces.

Another great addition is the leatherette pouch where you can store your brushes for hassle-free transport. I like how you can keep the brushes tidy and secure in this case and carry it no matter where you go.

• Made with premium quality nylon bristles for a smooth application
• Designed with detachable nickel-plated copper handles
• Comes with a handy leatherette case for tidy storage
• Creates gouache and colorful washes evenly
• Compact and portable sizes
• They don’t hold water well

One of the top options I’ve found for a collapsible watercolor brush set is this one from MEEDEN. Similar to Golden Maple artist brushes, these portable paint brushes feature innovative removable handles that can alter the brush length for a compact and convenient size.

On the other hand, this set includes five round watercolor paint brushes of sizes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. With the diverse sizes, you’ll have an array of beautiful brushes for building and blending colors as well as producing glazing vibrant layers.

If you’re not a fan of animal hairs, you might love the delicate synthetic bristles of these brushes. As they are designed with premium quality materials, the bristles can hold color well and release it without any smears.

Amazingly, each brush can maintain its spring and snap. Thus, the brushes retain their shape for seamless and precise applications as well as optimum water retention.

Furthermore, since they have pointed tips, you can render delicate strokes and lines without disrupting previous colors.

It’s also impressive that synthetic hairs don’t wear out easily despite frequent use. Aside from that, they have sturdy handles and anti-rust nickel ferrules that ensure long-lasting quality.

Besides the fantastic craftsmanship and wonderful performance, these brushes are ideal sizes for travel and outdoor painting. They are compact, sleek, and lightweight. Plus, they come with a mini leather case for trouble-free transport!

• Synthetic anti-shedding brushes that can hold color well
• Delivers consistent flow and accurate applications
• Able to maintain its spring and snap
• Mini leather case included
• Compact and lightweight
• The caps are prone to rust

Whether you’re a hobbyist or an experienced artist who loves plein air watercolor painting, you’ll enjoy this 7-piece brush set from MyArtscape.

The brush shapes and sizes vary from round, flat, rake, and liner types, which I find beneficial for achieving a vast array of colors. The assortment of brushes can also create varied consistencies whether you’re rendering fine strokes or producing thick and solid color washes.

If you look closely at the brush tips, they are all beautifully and neatly tapered for excellent precision. Furthermore, the bristles do not shed, allowing you to accentuate even the finest details on your work without a hitch.

I also want to highlight the quality of these brushes, especially their ability to maintain their shapes. They don’t quickly deform or fray even when used multiple times. Additionally, this lends an advantage to its performance as it holds colors and water efficiently.

When it comes to its flow rate, it picks up colors with excellent control and releases them steadily to the surface. The bristles don’t splay but rather keep their edges sharp and firm.

One more thing I love about this set is the portable brush carry case that has snug holders for the brushes. Apart from that, it converts into a brush stand for easy access. Since the fabric is made from an easy-wipe material, it can ward off stains and messy paint marks.

Aesthetically, these lightweight and compact pens look elegant with their gold ferrules and black handles.

• Assorted sizes and shapes for diverse applications
• Tapered bristles and pointed tips for enhanced precision
• Releases paint steadily
• Lightweight and compact brushes
• Portable carry case included
• The case has an unpleasant smell

If you want to experience the remarkable snap and elasticity of natural kolinsky sable hair, you might find yourself an exquisite treat from these Fuumuui pocket watercolor brushes. It includes three different brush sizes – 4, 8, and 12.

Each brush boasts its natural kolinsky sable bristles that have an enormous capacity to hold color. This means that you’ll have more time painting and less time constantly dipping into water and color.

Aside from that, these natural hairs feature a springy structure and excellent shape retention that prevents the brush tips from deformation and fraying. The natural bristles also have a significant effect on its superb performance, allowing you to revel in effortless applications and a steady flow rate.

Like the Raphael watercolor brushes review I’ve read, these travel brushes have a similar feel and capacity of absorbing color to the aforementioned brand. They flaunt their sophisticated pointed tips that carry out precise coloring and detailing.

In terms of portability, these brushes take it up a notch with their detachable metal handles. They also serve as caps to keep the brushes compact as well as to secure them while you’re traveling.

The mini leather pouch is also a great bonus for hassle-free storage and keeping your brushes together at all times. With their portable sizes, you can easily slip them into your pocket or backpack and you’re all set for your next spot for outdoor painting!

• Made of natural kolinsky sable hair
• Removable handles for easy transport
• Excellent spring and shape retention
• Lends smooth flow for various applications
• Includes a mini leather case for secure storage
• Some caps don’t fit snugly

You’re working painstakingly on your watercolor art pieces that exhibit delicate details, and I think you might need this 7-piece Eval travel brush set. It consists of high-quality compact artist brushes with sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Since the round brushes range from small to large, you can paint your favorite landscapes or stunning sights with various detailing styles. You can use the broad tips to paint solid colors and the narrow tips to apply intricate strokes and even the littlest details with awesome precision.

Aside from its amazing assortment, each brush boasts its flexible and durable synthetic bristles. Derived from high-quality and anti-shedding nylon wool, these brushes ensure smooth painting and steady color flow.

Thanks to their thin and conical-shaped hairs along with their thick bellies, each brush offers an optimum capacity that can hold water as well as provide consistent water flow.

To spruce up the portability when you move places, these brushes feature detachable nickel-plated copper handles that convert the brushes to compact sizes.

When you’re ready to paint, you can attach these handles to their ferrules and extend the brushes to convenient lengths. In this way, you can start immediately and paint flawlessly and comfortably.

Furthermore, you can use the removable handles as caps to cover the brushes and protect them from further damages as well as to provide neat storage. One more thing, the caps have small vents at the bottom to deter mold growth and moisture buildup due to wet bristles.

On the other hand, you won’t have to worry about storing your brushes since this set includes a small black leather case with a velcro closure.

Thanks to its design, this carry case secures the brushes whether you slip them in your bag or pocket. Therefore, you can always keep your brushes together and prevent them from falling wherever you go.

• Features synthetic bristles designed with anti-shedding nylon wool
• Offers superb color retention and consistent flow rate
• Great for painting intricate details and precise applications
• Has detachable handles for enhanced portability
• Includes a black leather carry case
• Feels wobbly sometimes

Brush Shapes

Watercolor brushes vary in shapes: round, flat, bright, angled, script, filbert, fan, and mop. Each of these shapes renders specific strokes, consistencies, and detailing styles that will complement your painting methods and artistic watercolor techniques. Therefore, determining the brush shape will help you choose the type of brush you’re looking for.

To help you understand the characteristics of each brush shape and its primary uses, consider the following comparison:

• Round: The most versatile shape that can produce various consistencies, intricate details as well as solid lines and colors.
• Flat: A flat brush has long and flat bristles that form a rectangular shape; it can create controlled strokes and define sharp edges.
• Bright: It resembles a flat brush but with shorter bristles and forms a square shape instead of a rectangular. It is ideal for washes, controlled strokes, and linear designs.
• Angled: It can produce flat strokes and varying line widths.
• Filbert: You can consider this shape for remarkable absorption and fluid retention.
• Mop or Oval: It is ideal for covering large areas and creating colorful washes.
• Rigger or Script: It has a long, narrow, pointed tip that renders remarkable precision that is useful when making controlled lines, very fine details, and exhaustive detail work.
• Fan: This shape is great to use for producing artistic effects, varying textures, and adding decorative details.

Synthetic vs Natural Bristles

The type of bristle or hair can make or break your brush. Whether you choose synthetic or natural bristles, both types offer remarkable merits in terms of fluid retention, absorption, and flow rate.

Natural bristles or animal hairs are typically obtained from sable, hog, squirrel, ox, pony, and goat. They all share pitfalls and advantages although sable is the most popular option among the others.

It is best known for its soft bristles and excellent spring and snap. Some of its examples are the Da Vinci travel watercolor brushes and Isabey travel brush, which are derived from pure red sable hair. However, natural hairs are usually more expensive than synthetic ones.

If you’re not a fan of animal hairs, synthetic bristles must be your best pick. Aside from their more affordable pricing, many premium quality synthetic bristles can mimic the properties and performance of natural bristles. This bristle type is usually made from nylon and polyester fibers that can provide full snap and spring as well as preserve their shapes.

The downside with synthetics is their longevity and durability. Contrary to natural hairs that can last a lifetime, synthetic bristles tend to wear out more quickly.

Size and Portability

Since you’ll be traveling most of the time to paint outdoors or someplace else, you should invest in a compact and lightweight watercolor brushes set. Fortunately, many brands offer an extensive lineup of portable brush sets that can fit even in your pocket. You may also consider those brushes with retractable or detachable handles and short handles for easy transport.

When looking for the best travel watercolor brushes , consider long-term use. Take note of the materials used, bristles, ferrules, and handles. You may also look for reputable and popular brands that are pioneers in manufacturing high-quality artist brushes. Some brands like Escoda watercolor brushes, Raphael, Isabey, and Da Vinci are known for their impeccable durability and performance.

However, this doesn’t mean that you should shy away from other brands. Many watercolor artist brush brands can provide superior performance like the ones mentioned in this guideline. In addition to that, customer reviews can help you compare the features and overall durability of the brushes.

Personal Preferences and Needs

The factors and guidelines will help narrow down your options, but the significant basis of your choices relies on your preferences and painting demands. Therefore, it is a prerequisite to determine your techniques, preferred medium, textures, and artistic effects you want to achieve.

With the plethora of choices out there, finding the best travel watercolor brushes can be crucial. If you often travel or go outdoors for plein air painting, you should go for a lightweight and compact brush.

Ultimately, the right brush depends greatly on your brushwork, preferences, and needs. That’s why you should look for the one that complements your painting styles, techniques, and preferred medium. But no matter what brand, shape, or size you choose, it all comes down to what you’re most comfortable with.

I am a former art teacher, so it is evident to me the importance of art in educating the new generation. We also want to help parents who plan to teach their children and desire the best tools and tips for them.

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Be ready when inspiration strikes with Princeton Aspen Series 6500 Synthetic Travel Brushes. Designed for use with all oil and acrylic paints, this fo...

Niji Premier Waterbrush Set

Item #: 08015

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Create beautiful watercolor paintings with the Niji Premier Waterbrush Set. Made from strong plastic, each waterbrush acts as a brush and liquid conta...

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Deluxe Water Brush

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The Deluxe Water Brush from Faber-Castell has a channel that fills easily with water for use with watersoluble mediums such as Gelatos and watercolor ...

Utrecht Golden Taklon Traveler's Watercolor Brush Set

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Utrecht Series 6150 Traveler's Watercolor Brush Set contains three popular round brushes for the watercolorist on the go. Included are a #1, a #5, and...

Tombow Water Brushes

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Use Tombow Waterbrushes to easily blend water-based markers, watercolor paint, pencils, or crayons. Available in small, medium, and flat brush tips, b...

Raphaël Stradivarius Synthetic Kolinsky Sable Travel Brush

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Capture stunning landscapes on the go with the Raphaël Stradivarius Synthetic Kolinsky Sable Travel Brush. Made with an innovative fiber, this brush h...

Raphaël Precision Travel Brushes

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Tulip Refillable Tie-Dye Watercolor Brush Set

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Add beautiful watercolor effects to your paper or fabric projects with Tulip Refillable Tie-Dye Watercolor Brushes. The brushes features soft bristles...

Raphaël Soft Aqua Travel Brushes

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Travel and Pocket Brushes

When space is at a premium or a trip is on the horizon, a high-quality pocket brush, travel brush, or water brush is a great tool to add to your artist’s tool kit. Pocket brushes have snug-fitting caps that protect the brush hairs or synthetic fibers on your brushes when closed, and also extend the length of the brush when fitted onto the end. Choose a travel brush set that includes a variety of essential shapes, or individual brushes in your favorite shape and size.

Water brushes are great for eliminating cumbersome water containers when creating outside the studio — simply fill the brush barrel with water, liquid watercolors, or inks, then release the water or color by squeezing the barrel or pushing a button. Economical and portable, water brushes are also great for mixing your own watercolors and creating custom ink colors.

Best Watercolour Brushes: A Review

The best watercolour brushes are those that have soft fibres , suitable for moving fluid paint. Watercolour brushes also have short handles , giving artists better control when painting. 

It’s better to invest in some higher quality brushes that will last and that you will enjoy using. If you get the cheapest brushes you can find, you will soon get frustrated at how they perform with the paint. The bristles will quickly splay, spread and shed. You will also have much more difficulty controlling the paint flow on the paper. 

In this guide, I’ll show you some outstanding options for painting and some brushes that are more budget friendly too. Find out about the different kinds of brush filaments, shapes and sizes available to watercolour painters and how they perform. Choose the best watercolour brushes for your painting practice.

Disclaimer: Fine Art Tutorials is a reader supported site. When you make purchases through links on this site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Natural Fibre Bristles

Natural hair bristles are those that come from animals. Sable, squirrel and even goat, pony and badger hairs are all soft enough to work with watercolour paint. Animal hairs will be more expensive than the synthetic alternatives. Synthetic hairs can closely emulate the performance of some natural hair fibres, however there are noticeable differences in the performance.

How to look after natural hair brushes

Natural fibres have a long lifespan, but it’s a good idea to clean and condition them after use. The Master’s Brush Conditioner and Restorer will do the trick. This soap nicely restores your brushes to a like-new condition after each use. It also improves the colour holding abilities of the brush fibres. Be mindful that you don’t leave your brushes upside down in brush washers or leave the pigment to dry for too long on the bristles.

When you first receive your watercolour brush, it will be tapered to a point with gum arabic to set the bristles in place. Wash this off with water and brush soap before using.

Kolinsky sable watercolour brushes

Sable hair is the fibre most commonly associated with watercolour painting. Some of the best watercolour brushes are made from this fibre. Most favoured by professional artists, it is the finest type of bristle available to watercolour painters. It gives a brush some unique attributes.

Kolinsky sable hairs are ultra soft and hold a high amount of pigment in the bristles. When applying paint to the paper they seamlessly release the pigment smoothly and evenly. This gives the artist the capability to create long, even washes of colour. Round shaped sable brushes taper to a point when wet. The fine point gives the painter the ability to create thin or thicker lines depending on the pressure applied.

What makes kolinsky sable brushes stand apart from any other is its ability to retain a sharp point over the years, if washed and conditioned properly. Many synthetic alternatives offer this benefit to a certain extent. However, a kolinsky brush will stand the test of time, compared to a synthetic.

The bristles come from the kolinsky, a type of Siberian weasel, rather than a sable marten. Sable bristles that meet the highest standards of brush making will be obtained from the red male kolinsky weasel’s coat during the winter. These hairs are long and tapered, with elasticity spring and a round, full shape. 

Kolinsky sable brushes are the most expensive type of brush you can get. The prices seem to increase by quite a bit with each increase in size increment. Buying a kolinsky sable brush is an investment, that could bring benefit to your painting practice. I’ve reviewed the best watercolour brushes made from kolinsky sable hair thoroughly to give you a better idea of how they perform. So you can decide which brush will best suit your budget and your style of painting.

Best watercolour brushes: Kolinsky sable product picks

Winsor & newton, series 7.

Attributes: most expensive, good water holding ability, built to last

This is possibly the most famous kolinsky sable brush. As Winsor & Newton have a world-wide reputation for excellence. 

The bristles are made from the finest kolinsky sable hairs and it is reflected in the price. It is the most expensive brush on the list.

Brush tips are finely shaped, taper to a point and have a high level of softness.

The water holding capability of this brush is good. However, some artists report inconsistencies in the snap and point of the brush.

Water and paint is released from the bristles evenly. With the right brushwork techniques, you will be able to achieve even washes.

Some artists report that this brush is overrated for the money and that the quality of Winsor & Newton’s brushes have decreased over time. It might be better than other kolinsky sable brushes, but it is priced as a luxury product at two or three times the cost. Is it worth the extra money? Maybe not as much as other kolinsky sable brushes on the list.

Da Vinci Maestro kolinsky sable brush

Attributes: holds a lot of water, tapers to a point, feels smooth to paint with, holds its shape whilst painting, firmer than other kolinsky brushes

The Maestro brush is handmade in Germany and comes in several different varieties. Series 1503 is small with a lidded case for the brush, making it easy to transport and travel with. 

This is an exceptional quality brush that is made from kolinsky sable hair, selected from the male winter tails. These are Da Vinci’s top of the line brushes and their water holding ability is of a high standard. 

They have finely shaped tips, enabling painters to create delicate details. With a high amount of elasticity, it gives superior control over the brush.

The bristles are firmer than the Winsor & Newton series 7 and the Escoda brush. This means the bristles snap back to a point easily. If you want a brush that will last years, this may be the one for you.

Escoda Reserva

Attributes: Most expensive Escoda brush, stiffer than Optimo, wide range of sizes, cheaper than ‘designer’ kolinsky brushes

Escoda makes two different kinds of kolinsky sable brushes, Reserva and Optimo. Reserva is slightly more expensive for larger sized brushes. The higher price of the Reserva is due to the fact that the bristles are selected from only the male winter tail hairs of the weasel. This brush is stiffer and tapers to a sharper point compared to the Optimo.

Compared to the Optimo, the Reserva comes in a wider variety of shapes and sizes. Buy it from as small as 5/0 and up to 18. Reserva is best for ultra fine detail work compared to the Optimo brush. If you’re looking for a kolinsky sable brush that is cheaper than the top of the line ‘designer’ brushes like the Da Vinci Maestro, then this could be a good pick.

Escoda Optimo

Attributes: Soft, high quality brush, cheaper than Escoda Reserva

This brush is made from a mix of male and female kolinsky weasel winter coat hairs.

The hairs of this brush are slightly longer than the Da Vinci Maestro. This is a unique watercolour brush that is great for outlining and detail work. Hairs are cured to give them extra spring.

The Escoda Optimo seems to adhere to a similar sizing scale as Da Vinci Maestro series 10. As a size 6 brush from both manufacturers is 3.2mm wide.

Compared to the Da Vinci Maestro sable brush, for larger sizes (10+), the Optimo brush is almost half the price. 

This brush has a high water holding ability, it is great for washes of paint. Both the Reserva and Optimo brushes will stand the test of time, if treated well. 

Rosemary kolinsky sable brush

Buy it here

Attributes: Handmade, high quality, cheaper than other brands, wide range available, durable

Rosemary & Co are a UK based company, however they operate worldwide and have a large user base of professional artists from across the globe. They have a few different types of kolinsky sable brushes available to artists.

The brushes handle paint beautifully, as the water holding capacity is excellent. The brushes are made in the perfect full bodied shape and bristles have a wonderful snap to them.

These brushes are significantly cheaper than Da Vinci Maestro and the Escoda kolinsky sable brushes. They cut costs by sourcing materials directly and cutting out middlemen.

Brushes are handmade by a small team based in Yorkshire and have been running for the last 35 years. The brush materials are carefully sourced, so the bristles will last.  

Raphael kolinsky sable brush

Attributes: Fine tip, full body, brilliant for details, more expensive than Escoda

Made in France, Raphael watercolour brushes are made from kolinsky sable. It is made to high specifications, with a fine tip and a conical shape. 

The bristles are springy, have high water holding capacity and they have beautiful fine points that are brilliant for painting details. If you want to try this brand out, I’d recommend getting a smaller size and testing it for details, as this is where it performs well.

The water and paint runs off the bristles smoothly and evenly onto the paper, giving rich or delicate washes, depending on the pressure applied.

Compared to the Escoda Reserva, the Raphael brush has a slightly different sizing guide. A size 8 Raphael brush roughly equates to a size 10 Escoda brush, as they are both around 6mm wide. Raphael brushes are more expensive than the Escoda brushes, however.

Squirrel brushes

Cheaper to make and buy than sable, squirrel hairs are softer than kolinsky sable. But this means that they have little ‘snap’ to them. As in, they will not spring back to shape when moved as much as a kolinsky sable. The softness of the bristles makes the brushes suitable for techniques such as washes. You will often find squirrel hair made into mop or wash brushes. 

Squirrel hair can hold a huge amount of colour, just like sable. So in using these brushes you won’t need to worry about reloading your brush after each stroke. This is brilliant for those who like to work on a larger scale, or who like to make bold, large, unbroken brushstrokes across the page. However, when using a squirrel brush, bear in mind you won’t have as much control over where the paint ends up due to the lack of springiness. 

Silver Brush: Black Velvet (squirrel and synthetic blend)

Attributes: springy like synthetic, ability to hold water like squirrel brushes

These are premium brushes made from a mix of squirrel hair and a synthetic filament called Risslon. By getting a brush with a blend of synthetic and natural hair, you get the best of both of their attributes.

These brushes have the spring and durability of synthetic bristles, but the soft qualities and water holding capabilities of squirrel hair.

Other natural fibres

Under this heading fits the bristle fibres that you don’t see being made into artist grade brushes as much.

Pony hair, for example, is used to make some of the cheapest brushes available to artists. The hairs are soft, but they are just not as suited to providing artists with the possibility of using a variety of techniques like sable and squirrel are. Pony hairs don’t taper or hold a point, meaning they’re not great for detail work. If you need some cheap brushes for very basic paint applications, then it may be useful to get a few.

Goat hairs are almost exclusively used to make mop brushes. Mop brushes are used to create very thin, transparent washes for backgrounds, such as areas of sky. The reason for this is that goat hairs are so soft and fine, they don’t have that snap to them that sable brushes do. They are still useful to have, however, just remember how you need to make the paint runny before you use them. Buy goat mop brushes here .

Synthetic bristles

Synthetic bristles are cheaper than natural hair, they can emulate the properties of different animal hair fibres pretty closely. Bristles made of synthetic fibres can range in softness, with some being stiffer than others.

The best watercolour brushes made from synthetic hair are soft, but also springy and flexible. It’s this springiness that makes them perform slightly differently to natural hair brushes. This means they require a lighter touch when applying watery washes to the paper. But they also lend themselves to be used with applications of paint that are less runny or have been altered with a medium.

One drawback of using synthetic brushes as opposed to natural hair brushes like kolinsky sable, is the lifespan. Sable brushes will last longer if conditioned and washed properly. 

Below, I’ve outlined the synthetic brushes that best emulate the properties of natural hair.

Best watercolour brushes: Synthetic brushes product picks

Princeton: neptune faux squirrel.

Attributes: smooth even washes

These brushes hold colour brilliantly and they come in a range of different shapes and sizes. 

They feel smooth to paint with and are less expensive than natural hair, so they make excellent brushes for beginners. The brushes give an even release of colour but don’t taper to as sharp of a point as some other natural hair brushes.

Escoda: Versatil Synthetic Sable

Attributes: Economical price, closest to genuine sable in water holding ability

The Escoda Synthetic Sable brush is a brilliantly versatile option for watercolourists, coming in at a mid-range price. Bristles are springy and soft, with excellent absorption properties, holding fluid and releasing it smoothly onto paper. This brush comes in a range of shapes and sizes, making it great for fine details or large washes.

These brushes very closely emulate the water holding capabilities of genuine sable bristles, more so than other brands.

Da Vinci Casaneo

Attributes: Springy, good elasticity, fine point, vegan

Da Vinci Casaneo brushes are made from synthetic Kazan squirrel hair. The brush has a brilliant spring and elasticity, more so than a natural squirrel brush. Use a lighter touch than you would with a natural hair brush. These brushes snap back to a point better than a natural hair Kazan squirrel brush.

The water holding ability of this brush is excellent. It comes in round, flat, pointed oval, mottlers and wash shapes.

This brush is vegan friendly, as it uses no animal products in the production process. They are significantly cheaper than natural hair brushes, so would also suit a watercolourist on a smaller brush budget.

The round brushes go up to a size 40, much larger than most kolinsky sable brushes go up to.

Best watercolour brushes for travel

Escoda travel brushes.

Escoda has a huge range of travel sized brushes. They sell compact pocket brushes in their optimo, reserva and versatil ranges amongst others. The travel brush sets come in handmade leather cases. Travel brush handles have a beautiful metal and wood finish, with a lid to keep the bristles safe.

Da Vinci travel brushes

Series 1503 of the Da Vinci Maestro brush range comes in a retractable ferrule and cap which makes them perfect for travel and painting plein air. Get the quality of the Maestro sable brush in a compact format.

The brush handle is made from a durable plastic that does not detract from the quality of the brush. There is a ventilation hole in the, which is essential for transporting wet brushes. However, after painting outdoors, you should always take the lid off to dry brushes thoroughly in the air when you return home. For a full list of travel watercolour brushes , check out our review.

Brush shapes and what they do

Mop brushes often come made from goat hair or a synthetic alternative due to the softness of the filaments. These brushes are perfect for background washes of thin colour, blending and softening areas.

This brush shape is perfect for filling in small areas of the painting, drawing fine lines and creating detailed areas. You can get two different kinds of round brushes, those that taper to a point also called ‘pointed rounds’ and those that are more rounded at the end. Round brushes with a softer tip will usually be more inexpensive.

Depending on the density of the bristles, you can use this brush shape in two different ways. You can use it as a soft blender. Or if the bristles splay, you can use it to create textured works. Like creating the appearance of multiple blades of grass at once, or the fur on an animal.

Rigger (and liner)

Rigger brushes have extra long bristles and taper to a needle point at the tip. The length of the bristles absorbs shakes from your hand and creates a drag effect, allowing you to create long precise, fine lines.

A rigger is the perfect tool for thin lines of grass, hairs or other small details. They are great for signing work at the end too.

A flat brush can be used for large, wide washes. You can also utilise the flat edge to make square shapes, or vary the angle and pressure to create different thicknesses and effects. Botanical artists favour flat brushes to create leaf and petal shapes by using the angle of the brush.

A hake brush is made from super soft and fine filaments, such as goat hair. It has a long flat wooden handle with short, flat bristles attached. The bristles can hold a large amount of water, making it perfect for creating large fine washes of colour across the paper.

A dagger, or dagger striper is a brush with wide bristles near the ferrule (metal clamp) that tapers to a dagger point at the tip. Because the bristles are so thick near the ferrule, this brush can hold a lot of paint. Use it for detail work, or creating natural shapes that require varied pressures to create different patterns, for example, petals or leaves. Also, they are the perfect tool for creating the appearance of waves and water ripples.

Brush sizes

Brush sizes range from 20/0 to size 40 and beyond. 20/0 is the smallest brush you can get, the tip is needle sharp and is brilliant for creating ultra fine details in your paintings. At size 40, you can cover large areas of your canvas. You can get brushes larger than size 40, but they will usually advertise their size in their width measured in inches. 

The size you choose for your brush depends upon the scale in which you intend to work on. If your style is expressionistic and you work at a larger scale, mainly larger brushes will suffice. If you want to paint more realistically, you will need smaller brushes to achieve detail. 

There is no standardisation in brush sizing. Different manufacturers use different sizing models to create their brushes. So a size six from Da Vinci may be different to a size six from Winsor & Newton. It’s important to look not at the sizes given to brushes, but the width and length measurements themselves.

Best watercolour brushes for beginners

The best watercolour brushes for beginners perform well but come at a good value.

Get a round brush and also a larger mop or flat brush to fill in areas such as backgrounds, or sky washes. A size 6 or 8 would be a good place to start. Synthetic brushes are cheaper than natural hair and in many ways they outperform natural hair brushes too, in their elasticity and spring. For that reason it makes sense to start with synthetic brushes.

I would start with a Da Vinci Casaneo , or the Escoda Versatil in a few different shapes and sizes, depending on the size you planning to be working at and the subjects you plan to be painting. If you want to create small detailed paintings, a couple of small, round brushes would suit you. For larger works, get a wash or mop brush too.

That’s really all you need to start. If you’re interested in any other types of brushes described in this guide, follow the links to find where to buy them. It’s great to experiment with different tools and materials to get a broader understanding of the medium you are using. You’ll find new ways to enjoy the process.

As a beginner, you’ll be feeling your way with watercolour for a little while. Learning some basic techniques, getting used to applying paint to paper and most of all having fun with it!

Your skills develop will over time and you’ll become more particular about which materials you buy. You’ll get to know the brands and tools you like to use and the effects they can achieve with them. It’s at that point that artists start to build upon their collection of brushes and maybe even invest in a real kolinsky sable brush.

Best watercolour brushes: Pin it!

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The 6 Best Watercolor Brushes for Artists in 2024

Silver black velvet.

Da Vinci Brushes 5359 Set

‎Princeton Velvetouch

When talking about watercolor painting, one of the most common topics, especially among beginners, is watercolor brushes. Whether it is owning the best watercolor brushes, learning which brushes are better suited for watercolor, how to use such brushes and which brands perform better than the others, the watercolor brushes topic always ends up being much more complex than going to the art store and grabbing a pack of brushes.

Many artists and bloggers will lead you toward different brands and sets, based on their experience and knowledge and although that is great, sometimes their recommendations won’t be the best fit for you. In this article we’ll learn the basics of watercolor brushes, how to identify a high quality brush, what to look for in watercolor brushes and how to use them.

So, let’s get started and get you set up with the perfect brushes for your next masterpiece!

Understanding Watercolor Brushes

When talking about brushes, we have three main parts: the handle, the ferrule and the head. These three parts are common to all brushes.

• In the handle we can find information about our brush, like the size, the brand and the series. You can find brushes with long handles , these are great for larger canvases or if you’re standing at an easel. They allow for broader, more expressive strokes and a loose painting style.
• There are also brushes with short handles , which are ideal for close-up work or when you’re working on a smaller canvas. They give you more control and precision and are easier to store.
• Then you also have travel brushes which have “split handles” that can be assembled to make a short one. These are perfect for carrying them in your pocket without worrying about damage.

The crimp is the piece of metal that holds the bristles and the handle together, it’s usually water resistant and made from a single metal piece (seamless). Watercolor brushes’ crimps are typically deeper and more pronounced. This is because watercolor brushes often deal with a lot of water, which can seep into any gaps and weaken the adhesive holding the brush together. A deeper crimp helps prevent water from getting between the ferrule and the handle.

The head of a brush is made of bristles, which are the part of the brush that comes in contact with our paper, it can be made of different materials and can be what makes or breaks our experience.

• We have natural bristles which are made from animal hair, often sable, hog, or squirrel. These brushes are amazing at holding water while keeping a fine point, which makes them perfect for watercolor painting as they can be used for heavy washes and detailed work.
• We also have synthetic bristles , which are more common and much more affordable. These are made from nylon or polyester and are more durable and resistant than natural bristles. Though they’re not close to holding water as natural bristles do, they’re quite close and an affordable alternative for those who are on a budget.
• There are also blends of both synthetic and natural bristles available in the market, and while they’re not as common as synthetic brushes, they’re also a nice alternative for those who want high quality brushes at a more affordable price point.

Despite being made of synthetic or natural bristles, the shape of the head can be a determinant factor when choosing watercolor brushes as it determines the use we’re going to give them. Here are the main shapes you should have as a watercolor artist:

• Round: Your all-rounder! Perfect for both fine lines and broader washes. If you’re starting out, this is a must-have.
• Flat: These have a squared-off end, making them ideal for filling in large areas or creating sharp edges.
• Filbert: Think of this as the love child of round and flat brushes. It’s got a rounded edge, and it’s great for soft blending.
• Liner or Rigger: Super long bristles make these perfect for detailed work, like painting branches or fine lines.
• Mop: These are fluffy and hold a lot of water, making them perfect for laying down big washes of color.

What to Consider when Buying Watercolor Brushes

So, after reading all of the information above you’re now ready to start the hunt for the perfect watercolor brush? I’ve been there, and I know it can be a bit overwhelming with all the choices out there. But don’t fear! Here are some key things to think about to help you make an informed decision.

Skill level

For beginners, opt for versatile, affordable brushes like a basic round. You’re still exploring, so no need for big investments yet. Professionals should prioritize quality and durability, given the frequent use and need for precision.

If you’re budget-conscious, look for sets offering a variety of brushes. Many mid-range options deliver great results. If you’re leaning towards premium, invest in brushes with natural bristles and top-notch construction for longevity and superior performance.

Maintenance and Care

Choose brushes that release pigment easily for hassle-free cleaning. Prioritize brushes with sturdy construction, like deep crimps and quality ferrules, to ensure they stand the test of time.

Painting Style

For detailed work, brushes with fine points, like liners, are ideal. If you’re into broad washes, go for mops or large flats that can hold ample water for even coverage.

The 6 Best Watercolor Brushes in 2024

• Best Overall Watercolor Brushes — Silver Black Velvet Basic Watercolor Set
• Best Value Watercolor Brushes — Da Vinci Brushes 5359 Set
• Best Synthetic Watercolor Brushes — ‎ Princeton Velvetouch, Mixed-Media Brushes 
• Best Gift Watercolor Brushes — Winsor & Newton Series 7
• Best Watercolor Brushes for Beginners — Winsor & Newton Foundation Watercolour Brushes
• Best Mop Watercolor Brushes — Princeton Good Mop, Brushes for Watercolor Series 2850

1. Best Watercolor Brushes Overall — Silver Black Velvet Basic Watercolor Set

Selection Criteria

• Our Score: -/-
• Our Score- 9/10
• Our Score – 9/10

About the Silver Black Velvet Basic Watercolor Set

The Silver Black Velvet Basic Watercolor Set is a popular choice among both intermediate and seasoned watercolor artists. Known for its quality and performance, this set offers a blend of natural squirrel hair and black synthetic filament, resulting in brushes that hold a significant amount of water and release it evenly while still being relatively affordable. In order to make the best brush combination, this set includes a big flat brush for large areas and washes, a big round brush and a small one for details which is why this is our best option.

• Holds lots of water.
• Versatile for techniques.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Higher price point.
• Specific care required.

2.Best Value Watercolor Brushes — Da Vinci Red Sable Collection

• Our Score – -/-
• Our Score –10/10
• Our Score – 10/10

About the Da Vinci Red Sable Set

The Da Vinci Brushes are appreciated by artists for their quality, performance and affordability. The set differentiates between kolinsky sable and the more affordable red sable, without compromising performance. These brushes have a particularly special handle, which has a unique triangular shape to provide comfort and ease of use to artists. Despite being high quality, these brushes are much more affordable than other brands, providing high value for the price, however, pay special attention to the sizes since they may differ from other brands.

• Quality performance
• Comfortable handles
• Affordable red sable option
• Size inconsistency

3. Best Synthetic Watercolor Brushes — ‎Princeton Velvetouch, Mixed-Media Brushes

• Our Score –9/10

About the ‎Princeton Velvetouch, Mixed-Media Brushes

The Princeton Velvetouch Mixed Media Brushes are a great choice for artists seeking versatility and comfort. These brushes are designed with a unique blend of synthetic bristles that mimic the performance of natural hair brushes, additionally, the handles have a velvety feel, providing a comfortable grip when painting. The brushes are suitable for various mediums, including watercolors, acrylics, inks, and oils. They offer a good balance between holding a point and retaining water/pigment, making them ideal for both detailed work and broader strokes but they might have certain limitations due to their synthetic nature.

• Comfortable velvety grip
• Suitable for multiple mediums
• Synthetic brushes might not hold water as well.

4. Best Premium Watercolor Brushes — Winsor & Newton Series 7

• Our Score – 8/10

About the Winsor & Newton Series 7

When looking for the best watercolor materials, Winsor and Newton will always be one of the go-to brands for both beginners, intermediate and professional artists. Best known for their watercolor paints and paper, Winsor and Newton also offer excellent quality brushes that are renowned in the art community as some of the finest watercolor brushes available. Crafted using kolinsky sable hair, these brushes are known for their exceptional point, flow control, and the ability to retain their shape. They are hand-made with high precision, ensuring consistent quality and performance. Suitable for both professionals and enthusiasts, the Series 7 brushes offer a painting experience that is unparalleled in terms of precision and comfort.

• Premium kolinsky sable
• Exceptional point retention
• Superior flow control
• Premium price point
• Requires careful maintenance
• Limited to finer work

5. Best Watercolor Brushes for Beginners — Winsor & Newton Foundation Watercolour Brushes

• Our Score – 7/10

About the Winsor & Newton Foundation Watercolour Brushes

As their name says, the Winsor and Newton Foundation Brushes are an excellent starting point for artists or hobbyists stepping into the world of watercolor. These brushes, while designed with beginners in mind, carry the weight of the Winsor & Newton name, ensuring a level of quality that’s hard to match at its price point. They offer a good balance between performance and affordability, making them a popular choice for those who are still exploring their style and technique. While they might not have the finesse of the brand’s premium range, they are more than capable of laying down consistent strokes, washes, and details without breaking the bank or going over budget.

• Affordable price point
• Reliable for beginners
• Backed by a trusted brand
• Not for advanced techniques
• Lesser bristle quality
• May wear out faster

6. Best Mop Watercolor Brushes — Princeton Mop Brush

About the Princeton Mop Brush

One of the brushes that is a must in every watercolor kit is the mop brush, though not carried by a lot of sets, this brush is the one that will aid you the most when doing wet-on-wet techniques. Princeton’s Mop Brush is a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit. These brushes are designed to cater to the specific needs of watercolor artists, ensuring smooth application and excellent paint retention. Many artists have praised their soft bristles which ensure a smooth and even spread of watercolor, allowing for a seamless blend of colors on the canvas.

• Efficient large area coverage
• Smooth watercolor application
• Excellent paint retention
• Initial stray hairs issue
• Too large for detailed work

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Sable Travel Watercolor Brushes, Fuumuui 4pcs Elegant Kolinsky Sable Watercolor Travel Brushes Travel Watercolor Kit with Leather Pouch Perfect for Watercolor Gouache Ink Painting

Sustainability features.

This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

Made with materials from well-managed forests, recycled materials, and/or other controlled wood sources.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) supports responsible forestry, which is a vital solution to combat climate change. Choosing FSC-certified products – whether furniture, building materials, paper, rubber, or textiles – helps protect forests, wildlife, clean water and supports the Indigenous Peoples, forest workers and communities who depend on them. Choosing FSC-certified products can also help to mitigate climate change by supporting responsible management of the world’s forests. For a better future, choose FSC.

Learn more about this certification

Purchase options and add-ons

• Our Upgraded watercolor travel brush set offer variety of shapes ( Liner, Pointed Round, Flat, Cat's Tongue Oval Wash ) so you can paint from long, thin lines to large areas with ease. For any level of talent or interest, you will surely enjoy this kolinsky travel brushes.
• Premium Sable Hair - Bristles are made from natural kolinsky sable hair, which makes these watercolor brushes hold a perfect point, possess plenty of elasticity, have a high capacity for holding color, and feature an expertly shaped tip with snap.
• Pocket Size Leather Pouch - Comes with pocket sized leather pouch with a sliding lock for the flap, makes the brushes very easy to carry and storage, you can take it anywhere and sketch and paint what you see. It is the perfect set to add to your travel bag.
• Wide Applications - As a potentially suitable travel set for painting, these travel paint brushes are excellent for watercolor, gouache, illustration, animation, restoration and rendering. The brush barrels have holes drilled into them for air circulation needed to dry wet brushes when they are cleaned and ready for storage.
• Warranty and Service - 2 years warranty, 24-hour online customer service, 90-day money back policy. You can get a full refund if you are not satisfied with travel watercolor kit unconditionally. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Customers’ satisfaction is on our top priority.

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PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

The Forest Stewardship Council certified products support responsible forestry, helping keep forests healthy for future generations.

Product information

Warranty & support.

Product Description

The lengths of the brushes with the cap as extended handle:

Liner #2: 18.5cm / 7.3 inch

Round Pointed #8: 20.5cm / 8 inch

Cat Tongue #8: 20.6cm / 8.1 inch

Flat #6: 20.5cm/ 8 inch

The lengths of the brushes with the cap when in storage:

Liner #2: 10.7cm / 4.2 inch

Round Pointed #8: 12cm / 4.7 inch

Cat Tongue #8: 12cm / 4.7 inch

Flat #6: 12cm/ 4.7 inch

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the value, screw feature, portability, and quality of the travel brushes. They mention that they're well-made, sturdy, and hold their shape. Some like the capacity, and appearance. Opinions are mixed on feel and size.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the paint brushes. They mention that they are well-made, sturdy, and hold their shape. Some say that the case looks and feels like a luxury brand. Overall, most are happy with the quality and functionality of the product.

"...They screw together so theres no flimsy wiggling between the cap and the actual brush handle...." Read more

"...they keep their points very sharp, and the case looks and feels like a luxury brand . I still can't believe the price...." Read more

"...When re-assembled for use, I found the brushes to be very solid to use and not loose like some others that just push together...." Read more

"Beautiful design. The handle has a good weight to it and doesn't feel cheap and flimsy ...." Read more

Customers find the travel brush set easy to store and carry. They also say the travel case is nice.

"... They are amazing , especially for the price...." Read more

"...brushes that will hold a lot of paint, they break down and store in a compact pocket case ...." Read more

"...These are wonderful brushes ." Read more

"...as a more studied painter, but, for me, they have been a nice set of training wheels with which to get started." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the set. They mention that the brushes are beautiful, the case is nice, and the hair seems decent. They also appreciate the compact portability and brush styles.

"...The shapes are perfect for my use and they keep their shape very nicely while still being soft and lush for my gouache and watercolors...." Read more

"...They are amazing, especially for the price. They are beautiful , with proper care they keep their points very sharp, and the case looks and feels..." Read more

" Beautiful design . The handle has a good weight to it and doesn't feel cheap and flimsy...." Read more

"...Love that the brushes are protected when not in use! Well made and stylish !" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the capacity of the paint brush. They mention that it holds a lot of paint, water, and pigment. Some say that the brushes are soft and hold enough water to make perfect washes.

"...going to get the most use and I’m absolutely thrilled with how it holds the paint and keeps an edge...." Read more

"...That said, these are good quality brushes that will hold a lot of paint , they break down and store in a compact pocket case...." Read more

"...The brushes hold more water than my other brushes and keeps their shape well. I'm not sure about their longevity, but do far so good." Read more

"...They suck up water like sponges and hold pigment nicely ...." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the paint brush. They mention that it's a great travel brush for the price.

"...This is the second set that I purchased. Great value !" Read more

"I love these brushes. The price is unbelievable for these high quality sable watercolor brushes...." Read more

"Love these, good quality, perfect limited assortment, handy size, great price . They go with me everywhere : travel and plein aire." Read more

"...the brushes are assembled make it all look high quality with an affordable price ...." Read more

Customers like the screws in the paint set. They say it's easy to put together and there's no flimsy wiggling between the cap and the extender. They also appreciate the brushes screw into the handle to protect them when traveling.

"...The brush screws into the handle to protect it when traveling. These are wonderful brushes." Read more

"This kit is really beautiful; I love how the caps screw on and the leather pouch is terrific...." Read more

"...The brushes are easy to put together , and the set is nice and compact. Happy painting!" Read more

Customers are mixed about the size of the paint brush. Some are attracted to the range of sizes and shapes, saying the handles fit perfectly on the 4 and 8 brushes. They also find the set very versatile, with a reliable fit. However, other customers report issues with the size, saying that the brush sizes are not typical, and the biggest handle doesn't fit.

"...What drew me to this set was the variety in brush shape and sizes ...." Read more

"...I'm pleased with the variety of brush sizes and bristle configurations. I hope in the future they develope a few more sizes in some of the shapes.." Read more

"These brushes are not light weight! The brush sizes are not typical therefore the water hold is limiting...." Read more

"...I think this is a very versatile set . I was especially attracted to the range of sizes and shapes. Hard to find in a travel pack...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the feel of the paint brush. Some mention that it's soft enough and holds enough water to make perfect washes, while others say that it doesn't feel like actual sable and the shaping is sloppy. The holder is very nice feeling leather, and the bristles are pretty smooth. However, some customers also mention that the brushes don't have a high-quality feel and are uneven and rough.

"...for my use and they keep their shape very nicely while still being soft and lush for my gouache and watercolors...." Read more

"...as “Sable”; they have more control, some “snap” and the bristles are pretty smooth ...." Read more

"...The brushes themselves are just OK - they'll work, but just don't have a high-quality feel ." Read more

"...The brush handles are beautiful, have a nice heft, great feel and balance in hand. My main complaint is the actual brush heads...." Read more

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