paintbrush

A paintbrush is a hand tool used to apply paint to a surface. It consists of a handle, usually made of wood or plastic, a ferrule that secures a bundle of bristles or filaments, and the bristles themselves. Bristles may be natural, from animal hair such as hog, sable, or camel, or synthetic, such as nylon, polyester, or Taklon.

Brush shapes include flat, round, filbert (oval), angular, and fan. Bristle stiffness ranges from soft to very stiff, depending on the application. Different combinations produce different marks: broad washes, precise lines, crisp edges, or textured strokes. Brush sizes vary, with smaller brushes for detail and larger ones for coverage.

In art, brushes are used with water-based or oil-based paints to control pigment flow and texture. In house painting and decoration, larger flat brushes apply primer and coats efficiently. Specialty brushes are used for glazing, dry brush effects, or gilding.

The use of brushes dates to ancient times, with early tools likely made from animal hair bound by metal or bone. In Europe, hog bristle brushes became common in painting during the Renaissance and after. Synthetic bristles were developed in the 20th century, offering greater consistency, durability, and ease of cleaning.

Care and maintenance include cleaning after use, choosing appropriate solvents for oil paints, reshaping bristles while damp, and drying the brush with the bristles pointing downward. Store brushes flat or with the bristles up in a holder to prevent distortion.