Which Are Better for You, Natural or Synthetic Brushes?

Natural brushes are made from animal hair, such as pony, badger, Chinese hog, squirrel, or sable hair.

Synthetic brushes are made from man-made fibers, such as polyester, nylon, or a blend of the two. There are no strict rules, but a few tried-and-true tips can help you choose.

Natural-Hair Brushes

- They work very well with watercolors because they absorb water and paint well
- Stiffer natural hair works very well with oil paints. Oil makes it softer and more flexible
- They can also be used with acrylic paints, but the binder in acrylic paints tends to damage them over time
- They retain their shape for a long time when properly cared for
- They leave a visible mark in the paint stroke

Synthetic-Fiber Brushes

- They can be used with all types of paints: acrylic, oil, or watercolor
- They are more affordable.
- They lose their flexibility and shape more quickly
- The mark left by synthetic brushes is finer and more even
- They are a great choice for everyone, whether you are just starting to paint or are an experienced artist.
- Their ability to absorb paint and water is usually lower

Did You Know There Are Eco-Friendly Alternatives, Too?

In keeping with the protection of nature, eco-friendly, entirely natural brushes have also been developed. These brushes do not have a metal ferrule. The handle is made from roughly finished wood, and the bristles are natural, too.

Which Brushes Do You Use?