pinsel

Pinsel is the German word for brush. It denotes a tool consisting of bristles, filaments, or fibers attached to a handle and used to apply liquids such as paint, glue, varnish, or cosmetics, or to sweep dust and dirt from surfaces. In everyday use the term covers a wide range of brushes: Malerpinsel for painting, Schmink- or Make-up-Pinsel for cosmetics, and cleaning brushes for household tasks. The word can also refer to specialized brushes in crafts, writing, and nail art, reflecting the diverse set of bristled tools.

In art and crafts, brushes vary by bristle material, shape, and size. Natural bristles include hog bristle and animal hair, while synthetic options include nylon and Taklon. Common shapes are round, flat, filbert, liner, and fan; larger flat brushes for washes and smaller pointed ones for detail. The choice of brush depends on the medium (oil, acrylic, watercolor) and the technique.

Care and maintenance: After use, brushes should be cleaned with appropriate solvents or warm soapy water, depending on the medium, then reshaped and dried thoroughly. Avoid soaking the ferrule and handle in water for extended periods, and store brushes either upright with bristles protected or laid flat to preserve their shape. Keeping brushes clean prevents color buildup and extends their life.

In digital media, the term Pinsel is commonly used in German-language software to designate a brush tool, with adjustable size, hardness, opacity, and dynamics to simulate painting.