Paintbrush 101: Everything you need to know about oil paint brushes

Oil painting is a versatile and fascinating art form that has captivated artists for centuries. Choosing the right brushes is one of the most important aspects of creating beautiful and expressive oil paintings. With so many brushes to choose from, selecting the best brushes for oil painting can be confusing. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the different types of brushes used in oil painting and help you understand which ones are best suited to your artistic needs.

Oil painting brush materials

Oil paint brush bristles are mostly made from hog hairs, but that doesn’t mean you have to use only those. Below we will talk about the main brush materials used in oil painting.

• Hog hair: Hog brushes are the most common choice for oil painting. They are made of hog hair and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These brushes are ideal for applying thick layers of paint and creating texture due to their rigidity. Use the larger bristle brushes to cover larger areas and the smaller brushes for detailed work.
• Sable: They are prized for their softness and fine sharpness. These brushes are ideal for fine, intricate work and blending. Their softness and fine texture make these brushes ideal for detailed work. They are often more expensive but offer precision and control. Synthetic sable brushes offer similar qualities but are cheaper and more animal-friendly.
• Synthetic: Synthetic brushes are made from chemical materials such as nylon or polyester. They are a cost-effective alternative to natural hair brushes and are also well-suited for oil painting. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a good choice for beginners. However, it’s important to remember that synthetic brushes may not last as long as natural hair brushes.
• Painting knives: Although they are not traditional paintbrushes, painting knives are essential tools for oil painters. They are used to blend paint, apply impasto (thick) layers of paint and create unique textures. They come in a wide range of shapes, allowing paintings to create different effects.

Types of oil paint brushes

Brushes can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. All are designed to achieve a variety of exciting effects in your artwork. Below we highlight the main types of brushes used in oil paintings.

• Flat brushes: Flat brushes have a straight edge, making them suitable for precise brush strokes, blending, and covering large surfaces in broad strokes.
• Round brushes: Rounded brushes have a sharp tip for fine detail and controlled strokes. They are ideal for drawing contours and adding intricate elements to a painting.
• Filbert brushes: Filbert brushes have a flat, oval tip that combines the characteristics of both flat and round brushes. The shape of the brush hairs is ideal for making longer, even strokes. While a flat brush tends to flatten out when pressed, a filbert maintains its width thanks to its rounded tip. They’re great for blending, softening edges and creating smooth transitions. These brushes are versatile and widely used by artists.
• Fan brushes: Fan brushes have a distinctive fan-shaped tip. They are perfect for creating textures such as leaves, clouds and hair. They can also be used for blending and softening.
• Angled brushes: Angled brushes are flat brushes with a diagonally cut angled edge. They are useful for making precise brush strokes, creating sharp edges, and adding angled detail. These brushes are particularly useful for architectural elements and geometric shapes.

Cleaning your brushes

Cleaning and caring for your oil paint brushes is important to ensure they last long and work well. Proper care can extend the life of your paintbrushes and keep them in good condition, allowing you to produce quality work. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean and maintain your oil paint brushes:

• Wipe off excess paint: After you’re done painting, wipe off as much excess paint as possible from your brushes with a towel or paper towel. Use a towel or cloth to wipe off the paint with a paintbrush.
• Rinse with a solvent: Dip the brush into a container of suitable thinner, such as white spirit or turpentine. Gently turn the brush to loosen and remove the paint from the brushes. Avoid rubbing the brush against the bottom of the container as this may damage the brushes.
• Repeat the rinse: You may need to repeat the rinse a few times, especially if there is a lot of paint left on the brush. You may need to use a clean container with solvent each time to ensure all the paint is removed.
• Wash with soap: After rinsing, wash the brush with mild soap and warm water. Raphael’s special brush soap is great for this as it not only cleans but also conditions the brush hair. Lather the soap in the palm of your hand and gently work the brush in a circular motion to thoroughly clean the bristles. Be sure to clean the sealing ring too, as paint can build up there.
• Rinse with warm water: Rinse the brush under warm running water until there are no longer signs of paint or soap.
• Dry brushes: To dry, place the brush horizontally or hang it upside down. Avoid drying brushes standing upright as this can damage the brush hairs as well as the brush handle.

Summary

Choosing the right brush for oil painting is an important step at the beginning of your artistic journey. Your choice of brushes will have a significant impact on the texture, style and overall quality of your artwork. It is important to experiment with different brush types, shapes and sizes to find which ones are best suited to your unique artistic style and preferences.