paintbrushes

Paintbrushes are hand tools used to apply paint to a surface. They consist of a handle, a ferrule that clamps the bristles to the handle, and the bristles themselves. Brushes vary in material, shape, size, and purpose to suit different painting media and techniques.

Bristles can be natural or synthetic. Natural hairs include sable or kolinsky, hog bristle, and camel or pony hair, each with distinct absorbency and stiffness. Sable and kolinsky are prized for fine detail in watercolor and thin paints, while hog bristle is common for oil and acrylic applications. Synthetic fibers, such as nylon, polyester, or Taklon, mimic natural bristles and can offer consistent shape retention and easier cleaning. The choice affects paint handling, edge control, and durability.

The ferrule is typically metal and binds the bristles to the handle. It is usually made of aluminum or nickel, and is crimped to secure the bristles. Handles are commonly wooden or plastic and come in various lengths for comfort and reach.

Common brush shapes include round brushes for detail and thin lines, flat brushes for broad strokes and washes, filbert (oval) brushes for soft edges, angular brushes for sharp-edged strokes, and fan or dagger shapes for special effects. Sizes range from very fine to large, selected to control coverage and precision for the medium in use.

Care and maintenance: rinse or wash brushes after use appropriate to the medium, reshape the bristles, and dry them flat or with the bristles pointing downward to protect the ferrule. Store brushes in a way that keeps bristles from bending.

Historically, brushes were handmade from bundles of natural hairs bound to a handle. Modern production employs a mix of natural and synthetic fibers, with synthetic options becoming common across all media.