Paint by numbers can be super relaxing. But using the wrong brushes? Frustrating! You need brushes that hold paint well. They also need to create fine lines. I’ve tested tons of brushes. Here are my top picks for a smooth painting experience.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Princeton Artist Brush Co. Round Brush Set: Best for detail work and fine lines.
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Brush Set: Great all-around set for various techniques.
- Art Brush Set by Crafts & Colors: Budget-friendly option with a good variety of sizes.
- D’Artisan Shoppe Miniature Paint Brushes: Ideal for tiny details and miniature painting.
- The Army Painter Wargamer: Detail Brush: Perfect for intricate details and precision work.
Top 5 Best Paint By Number Brushes
Princeton Artist Brush Co. Round Brush Set
This brush set is fantastic for detail work. The synthetic bristles hold paint nicely. They also snap back to shape. This helps you create clean lines.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent for fine details
- ✅ High-quality synthetic bristles
- ✅ Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit pricey
- ❌ Limited size range in the set
- ❌ Not ideal for large areas
Verdict: This set is perfect for serious painters needing precision. You will find it great for intricate designs.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Brush Set
Winsor & Newton is a trusted brand. This set offers a great range of brush sizes and shapes. It’s versatile for different painting techniques.
Pros:
- ✅ Good variety of brush sizes
- ✅ High-quality synthetic fibers
- ✅ Suitable for various painting styles
Cons:
- ❌ Might be too soft for some acrylics
- ❌ Can fray with heavy use
- ❌ More expensive than some alternatives
Verdict: A solid all-around set. Great for beginners and experienced artists. Especially good if you use watercolors or acrylics.
Art Brush Set by Crafts & Colors
Looking for a budget-friendly option? This set gives you a lot of brushes for your money. They’re decent for basic paint by number projects.
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Wide variety of brush shapes and sizes
- ✅ Good for beginners
Cons:
- ❌ Bristles may shed
- ❌ Not as durable as higher-end brushes
- ❌ Less precise than more expensive options
Verdict: Perfect for casual painters or kids. It’s a good starter set. Just don’t expect professional quality.
D’Artisan Shoppe Miniature Paint Brushes
These brushes are super tiny! They are awesome for the smallest details. Think intricate patterns and fine lines.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely fine tips for detail work
- ✅ Comfortable handles
- ✅ Great for miniature painting
Cons:
- ❌ Not suitable for large areas
- ❌ Require careful cleaning
- ❌ Can be fragile
Verdict: If your paint by number has tiny sections, get these! They make fine details much easier.
The Army Painter Wargamer: Detail Brush
Don’t let the name fool you. This brush is not just for wargaming models. It’s great for any detailed painting. The fine tip offers excellent control.
Pros:
- ✅ Super precise for intricate details
- ✅ Durable construction
- ✅ Comfortable to hold
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than other options
- ❌ Limited to fine details
- ❌ Not ideal for covering large areas
Verdict: A top-quality brush for serious detail work. It’s worth the investment if you need precision.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right paint by number brushes can make all the difference. Here’s what to consider.
- Bristle Type: Synthetic bristles are generally better for acrylic paints. They hold their shape well. Natural bristles can be good for other media. But synthetic is usually the best choice for paint by numbers.
- Brush Shape and Size: Round brushes are great for detail work. Flat brushes are good for filling larger areas. A variety of sizes is useful.
- Handle Comfort: Longer handles can provide better control. Make sure the brush feels comfortable in your hand.
- Durability: Look for brushes that won’t shed bristles easily. Read reviews to see how well they hold up over time.
- Price: You don’t need to spend a fortune. But cheaper brushes might not last as long. Balance cost with quality.
- Cleaning: Easy to clean brushes will save you time and frustration. Acrylic paint can ruin brushes if not cleaned well.
- Set vs. Individual: A set gives you a range of options. Individual brushes let you replace your most-used sizes.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about paint by number brushes.
-
What’s the best way to clean my paint by number brushes?
Rinse them immediately after use with water. Use soap and water for acrylics. Brush cleaner can help remove stubborn paint.
-
How do I prevent my brushes from fraying?
Don’t press too hard when painting. Clean them gently. Store them upright. This keeps the bristles in good shape.
-
Can I use the same brushes for different colors?
Yes, but clean them thoroughly between colors. This prevents mixing. It keeps your colors vibrant.
-
What size brush should I use for small details?
A size 0 or 1 round brush is ideal. Miniature brushes are even better for very fine details.
-
Are expensive brushes worth it?
They can be. They often last longer. They also offer better control. But a good mid-range set can work well too.
Conclusion
Choosing the right brushes will make your paint by number project much more enjoyable. Consider your budget and the level of detail in your project. Any of the brushes on this list will be a great choice.
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
