Brushes

Brushes are tools consisting of bristles, filaments, or fibers attached to a handle, designed to apply, spread, or manipulate a substance. They are used in a wide range of activities, including painting, cosmetics, cleaning, grooming, and industrial processes.

Common categories include painting brushes, makeup or cosmetic brushes, cleaning brushes, and grooming brushes such as hair or beard brushes. Painting brushes vary by medium and purpose, with shapes like flat, round, filbert, and fan used to lay color, create lines, or blend. Makeup brushes include foundation, powder, eyeshadow, and contour brushes, chosen for face area, texture, and application technique. Cleaning brushes range from soft to stiff and are designed for surfaces such as dishes, floors, or gratings. Grooming brushes help manage hair and coats, while industrial brushes may be used for deburring, painting efficiently, or polishing.

Bristles can be natural or synthetic. Natural bristles come from animal hair such as hog, sable, or badger, offering good grip for oil-based paints or delicate blending. Synthetic bristles, made from nylon or Taklon, are often more durable, easier to clean, and suitable for water-based media. Handle materials include wood, plastic, and metal, with design considerations including length, balance, and ergonomics.

Care involves cleaning after use, reshaping bristles, and drying thoroughly to prevent damage or mold. For wood handles, avoid prolonged soaking and exposure to heat. Regular replacement is advised when bristles shed, split, or lose effectiveness. Proper selection depends on intended use, desired stiffness, bristle material, and brush shape.