Best Paint Brushes for Acrylic: Top Picks for Artists and Hobbyists

Acrylic paint is a favorite medium among artists because of its versatility, affordability, and durability. However, to achieve the best results, you need the right tools, and that includes paint brushes.

Using the right paint brushes for acrylic can make a significant difference in your artwork’s quality, texture, and overall appearance.

We spent hours researching and testing various paint brushes to identify the best paint brushes for acrylic. In this article, we will share our top picks and provide a detailed guide on what to look for when purchasing paint brushes for acrylic.

Best Paint Brushes for Acrylic

We have researched and tested various paint brushes for acrylic to help you find the best ones for your next art project. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, having the right paintbrush can make a significant difference in the outcome of your painting.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the top paint brushes for acrylic that provide excellent quality and value for your money.

Best High-Quality: ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set

If you’re looking for a comprehensive paintbrush set for acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache, you should consider the ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set.

Key Features

• Comprehensive set for acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache
• Securely attached ferrules with premium glue
• High-quality nylon materials minimize hair loss
• Korean-imported nylon hair for superior water absorption and shape retention
• Specially selected shapes and sizes for various painting needs
• Convenient nylon cloth roll for brush protection

Pros

• The ferrules are securely attached with premium glue, so you don’t have to worry about them falling apart.
• The high-quality nylon materials minimize hair loss, so you can enjoy a smooth painting experience without any interruptions.
• The Korean-imported nylon hair ensures superior water absorption capacity and speed while maintaining excellent elasticity and shape retention even with long-term use.

Cons

• The flat wide brushes are not as wide as advertised, so keep that in mind when selecting your brush size.
• The nylon cloth roll is not very durable and may not provide adequate protection for your brushes.
• Some brushes may have a strong chemical smell when first opened, but this should dissipate after washing them.

We were impressed with the ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set’s specially selected shapes and sizes, which cater to your needs whether you’re working on detailed paintings or large coat applications.

The ferrules stay secure, ensuring the chrome-plated aluminum ferrules remain firmly attached. The long-standing issue of hairs falling out has been addressed by using high-quality nylon materials, specifically designed to minimize hair loss.

We’ve also found that the Korean-imported nylon hair from numerous nylon hair raw materials ensures superior water absorption capacity and speed while maintaining excellent elasticity and shape retention even with long-term use.

Overall, the ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set is a great option for artists of all levels looking for a comprehensive set of brushes. Just keep in mind the slight drawbacks mentioned above and you’ll be good to go.

Best Easy-grip: Benicci Professional Artist Paint Brush

If you’re looking for a versatile paintbrush set that works well for acrylic, watercolor, and oil painting, the Benicci Professional Artist Paint Brush Set of 12 is a great choice.

Key Features

• A versatile set for acrylic, watercolor, and oil painting
• Variety of brush shapes and sizes for different brushstrokes and effects
• Soft yet durable bristles that hold paint without shedding or staining
• Easy-grip handles for fine control and precise details
• Suitable for both beginners and professionals

Pros

• The set includes a variety of brush shapes and sizes, making it easy to create different brushstrokes and effects.
• The bristles are soft yet durable, and hold a good amount of paint without shedding or staining.
• The easy-grip handles provide fine control, making it easy to create precise details and lines.

Cons

• Some users may find that the brushes aren’t as high-quality as professional-grade brushes.
• A few users have reported issues with the ferrules (the metal band that secures the bristles to the handle) coming loose.
• The brushes may not be suitable for very large or detailed paintings.

In our experience, the Benicci paintbrush set is a great choice for both beginners and professionals. The variety of brush shapes and sizes allows for a wide range of painting techniques, from broad washes to fine details.

The bristles are soft and flexible, but also hold their shape well, making it easy to apply paint smoothly and evenly. The easy-grip handles are comfortable to hold and provide good control, making it easy to create precise lines and shapes.

One thing to keep in mind is that the brushes may not be as high-quality as some professional-grade brushes. However, for most users, they should be more than adequate for a wide range of painting projects.

Additionally, while we didn’t experience any issues with the Ferrules coming loose, some users have reported this problem, so it’s something to be aware of.

Overall, we would recommend the Benicci Professional Artist Paint Brush Set of 12 to anyone looking for a versatile, high-quality paintbrush set for acrylic, watercolor, or oil painting.

Best Corrosion-Resistant: Rosmax Life Paint Brush Set

We highly recommend the Rosmax Life Paint Brush Set for anyone looking for a practical and versatile set of paint brushes.

Key Features

• Practical and versatile paint brush set
• Great variety of brush types and sizes
• High-quality synthetic nylon bristles
• Corrosion-resistant and easy to clean
• Convenient and sturdy carrying case for organization and protection

Pros

• The set includes a great variety of brush types and sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of painting projects.
• The brushes are made with high-quality synthetic nylon bristles that are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
• The set comes with a convenient and sturdy carrying case, making it easy to keep the brushes organized and protected.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the bristles tend to shed after a few uses.
• The brushes may not be suitable for professional artists who require more specialized brushes for their work.
• The set may not be ideal for those with larger hands, as the handles are on the shorter side.

We were impressed with the Rosmax Life Paint Brush Set’s excellent material quality and practicality. The different brush types and sizes included in the set made it easy to experiment with different painting techniques and styles.

We found that the brushes were easy to use and provided good control over the paint application. The carrying case was also a nice touch, as it made it easy to keep the brushes organized and protected.

Overall, we think that the Rosmax Life Paint Brush Set is a great value for the money, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a basic and versatile set of paintbrushes.

Best Comfortable: Transon Artist Paint Brush

We highly recommend the Transon Artist Paint Brush Set of 12 for anyone looking for a versatile and practical set of brushes for their art projects.

Key Features

• Versatile and practical set of brushes
• Wide range of brush types for different media
• High-grade nylon bristles for performance and durability
• Comfortable ergonomic handle grip
• Sturdy construction with double-crimped aluminum ferrules

Pros

• The set includes a wide range of brush types, making it suitable for different media such as watercolors, acrylics, gouaches, oil, and tempera.
• The high-grade nylon bristles are hand-crafted and made to rigorous standards and quality control, ensuring that they perform well and last a long time.
• The ergonomic handle grip is comfortable to hold and the 5-layer smooth paint-finished handles are secured in double-crimped aluminum ferrules, providing a sturdy and durable construction.

Cons

• Some users reported that a few brushes broke right away, which could be due to shipping or handling issues.
• A few users found that the bristles separated and made it hard to paint fine details, but this may be due to improper cleaning or usage.
• One user mentioned that the set only has one or two watercolor brushes and may be better suited for acrylic or oil painting.

We found that the Transon Artist Paint Brush Set of 12 is a great value for its price and quality. The brushes are versatile and can be used for different types of painting, making it a practical choice for general art painting, body painting, canvas painting, model painting, rock painting, craft painting, and more.

The brushes are easy to clean and maintain, and the ergonomic handle grip makes it comfortable to use for long periods. We especially liked the dual-color flexible taklon and exquisite design, which adds a touch of elegance to the set.

Overall, we think that the Transon Artist Paint Brush Set of 12 is a great investment for artists of all levels who want a reliable and high-quality set of brushes that can handle different types of painting.

Best Affordable: Benicci Paint Brush Set

We highly recommend the Benicci Paint Brush Set for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable set of brushes for their acrylic painting needs.

Key Features

• Versatile and affordable set of brushes
• Double-clamped nylon bristles prevent shedding
• 16 varied shapes and sizes for different painting techniques
• Bonus mixing knife and art sponge included
• 90-day money-back guarantee and 365-day replacement warranty

Pros

• The double-clamped nylon bristles ensure that they stay in the brush and not on your work.
• The set comes in 16 varied shapes and sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of painting techniques.
• The 90-day money-back guarantee and 365-day replacement warranty offer peace of mind.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the handles can become loose over time.
• The set does not include many smaller brushes.
• The brushes are not the highest quality, but they are great for beginners or those on a budget.

We were impressed with the variety of brushes included in the Benicci Paint Brush Set. The brushes are suitable for acrylics, watercolor, gouache, ink, oil, and face paint. We also appreciated the bonus mixing knife and art sponge that were included in the set.

The nylon bristles held up well during use and did not shed onto our work. The comfortable handles made it easy to control the brush, although we did notice that some of the handles became loose over time.

Overall, we think that the Benicci Paint Brush Set is a great value for the price. While they may not be the highest quality brushes on the market, they are perfect for beginners or those on a budget.

The 90-day money-back guarantee and 365-day replacement warranty also offer peace of mind for those who are hesitant to make a purchase.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best paint brushes for acrylic, there are several factors to consider. We want to help you make an informed decision, so we’ve put together this buying guide to help you choose the right brushes for your needs.

Brush Shape and Size

The shape and size of the brush are important factors to consider when choosing a brush for acrylic painting. Round brushes are great for fine details, while flat brushes are ideal for covering large areas.

As for size, it’s best to have a variety of sizes on hand. Larger brushes are great for covering large areas, while smaller brushes are ideal for details and precision work.

Bristle Type

The type of bristle you choose will depend on the type of acrylic paint you’re using. Synthetic bristles are great for use with acrylic paint because they’re durable and easy to clean. Natural bristles, on the other hand, are better suited for oil paints.

Handle

The handle of the brush is another important factor to consider. A comfortable handle will make it easier to control the brush and create the desired effect. Look for a handle that’s easy to grip and comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Price

Price is always a consideration when it comes to choosing the best paint brushes for acrylic. While it’s important to invest in high-quality brushes, you don’t have to break the bank to get a good set. Look for brushes that offer a good balance of quality and affordability.

In summary, when choosing the best paint brushes for acrylic, consider the brush shape and size, bristle type, handle, and price. With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect set of brushes to suit your needs.

Types of Brushes for Acrylic Paint

When it comes to acrylic painting, choosing the right brush can make all the difference. There are a variety of brush shapes and sizes to choose from, each with its unique function. Here are some of the most common types of brushes used for acrylic painting:

Round Brushes

Round brushes are the most versatile of all brush shapes and are perfect for creating fine lines and details, as well as for filling in small areas. They come in a variety of sizes, from tiny to large, and are ideal for creating smooth, even strokes.

Flat Brushes

Flat brushes are great for creating broad, sweeping strokes and for filling in larger areas. They come in a variety of sizes, from small to large, and are perfect for creating sharp edges and straight lines.

Filbert Brushes

Filbert brushes are similar to flat brushes but with rounded tips. They are great for blending and creating soft edges, as well as for filling in larger areas.

Fan Brushes

Fan brushes are perfect for creating texture and blending colors. They are great for creating foliage, clouds, and other natural elements.

Angular Brushes

Angular brushes are similar to flat brushes but with an angled tip. They are great for creating sharp edges and for filling in small areas.

Detail Brushes

Detail brushes are tiny brushes that are perfect for creating fine lines and details, such as highlights and shadows. They come in a variety of shapes, including round, flat, and filbert.

When choosing brushes for acrylic painting, it’s important to consider the size of the canvas and the level of detail you want to achieve. A variety of brush shapes and sizes will give you the versatility you need to create a wide range of effects and textures.

How to Use Paint Brushes for Acrylic Painting

When it comes to painting with acrylics, using the right brush can make all the difference. Here are some tips on how to use paintbrushes for acrylic painting:

1. Choose the right brush: The type of brush you choose will depend on the effect you want to achieve. For example, a flat brush is great for covering large areas, while a round brush is ideal for adding detail.
2. Prepare your brush: Before you start painting, you should prepare your brush by wetting it with water. This will help to prevent the paint from drying out too quickly and will make it easier to apply.
3. Load your brush: To load your brush with paint, dip it into the paint and then tap off any excess. You should aim to have enough paint on your brush to cover the area you are working on, but not so much that it drips or smears.
4. Apply the paint: When applying the paint, use long, even strokes. Try to avoid going over the same area too many times, as this can cause the paint to become muddy or streaky. If you need to add more paint, wait for the first layer to dry before applying another coat.
5. Clean your brush: After you have finished painting, it’s important to clean your brush thoroughly. Acrylic paint can dry quickly, so it’s best to clean your brush as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the best results when using paint brushes for acrylic painting. Remember to choose the right brush, prepare it properly, load it with paint, apply the paint evenly, and clean your brush thoroughly.

What Size Acrylic Brush Should We Use?

When it comes to choosing the right size acrylic brush, we should consider the size of the painting and the level of detail we want to achieve. Here are a few guidelines to help us choose the right size brush for our acrylic painting:

Large Brushes

If we are working on a large canvas, we should use large brushes to cover the surface area quickly. Large brushes are also great for creating broad strokes and washes. The following table shows the common sizes for large acrylic brushes:

Brush Size	Width (inches)
1 inch	1
2 inches	2
3 inches	3

Medium Brushes

Medium brushes are perfect for painting medium-sized areas and for creating details. The following table shows the common sizes for medium acrylic brushes:

Brush Size	Width (inches)
1/2 inch	0.5
3/4 inch	0.75
1 inch	1

Small Brushes

Small brushes are ideal for creating fine details and for painting small areas. The following table shows the common sizes for small acrylic brushes:

Brush Size	Width (inches)
0	0
00	0.03
000	0.06

In conclusion, we should choose the size of our acrylic brush based on the size of the painting and the level of detail we want to achieve. By using the right size brush, we can create a beautiful acrylic painting with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paint brushes are best for acrylic?

When it comes to acrylic painting, we recommend using synthetic brushes rather than natural hair brushes. Synthetic brushes are more durable and can withstand the harsh chemicals in acrylic paint. They also hold their shape better and are easier to clean.

Are bristle brushes good for acrylic paint?

Bristle brushes can be used for acrylic paint, but we recommend using them only for specific techniques, such as dry brushing or impasto. This is because bristle brushes tend to leave visible brushstrokes and can be difficult to control for detailed work.

What brushes do professional artists use?

Professional artists tend to use a variety of brushes, depending on their preferred techniques and styles. However, many professionals prefer synthetic brushes for their durability and versatility.

What Are Synthetic Professional Paint Brushes Made From?

Synthetic professional paint brushes are typically made from nylon, polyester, or a combination of both. These materials are designed to mimic the characteristics of natural hair brushes while providing added durability and ease of use.

How do I choose the best professional acrylic paintbrush set?

When choosing a professional acrylic paint brush set, consider the types of brushes included, the quality of the materials, and the price.