Getting optimum painting results from acrylic paints is dependent on having the best acrylic paintbrushes to work with. That said, it’s no cakewalk to acquire the said brushes. After all, not all highly-rated acrylic paint brushes are as good as they’re painted to be.
To be sure of the quality, all you need do is get a clear picture of the paintbrushes capabilities according to the features. A list of essential features to look into includes the brushes’ size, the bristle material, and the durability of the whole pack. Since the best acrylic paint brushes are sold in packs, you need to know how many brushes you will be getting from each option. If you can tick all these feature sections as satisfactory, you won’t need to worry about buying the wrong paintbrushes. Based on these, the MyArtscape Detail Paint Brush Set became our top pick.
Other features: superfine Taklon tips, rust-free ferrules, balanced birchwood handles
The MyArtscape Detail Paint Brush Set is one of the best acrylic paint brushes for beginners and professionals. After review, we saw it fit to name this brush set as our editor’s choice.
If you’re taking on large painting projects, you might want to steer clear of this brush set. After all, it does come with some fine brush tips that would be better for miniature modeling or for painting small canvases.
Further, this set offers three types of brushes. They include rounds, flats, and liners. Some of the brush types missing from the collection are filberts, angular flats, fans, and more. Nonetheless, depending on how you want to use these brushes, the omission of said brush types may be inconsequential.
The tips on these brushes are made of Taklon fiber, which also happens to be super light and super thin. One might even draw some similarities between this and human hair. That said, this fiber is easy to clean after a painting session.
Holding the Taklon tips in place are rust-free ferrules. Since acrylic paints are water-based, you can see how essential this is in the brush set. Lastly, the ferrules are attached to Birchwood handles. Birchwood is also water-resistant, and that adds one more benefit to the brush set.
What we liked: We liked the overall construction of the brushes. They are relatively durable and resistant to water damage. Additionally, cleaning the brushes is a cinch.
What could be better: When you’re using the brushes, you may note some shedding of the Taklon fiber in the tips.
Other features: birchwood handles, lifetime warranty
If the brush tip variety in the MyArtscape Detail Paint Brush Set isn’t enough for you, it would be easy to switch over to the D’Artisan Shoppe Artist Paint Brush Set. However, the added value brought about by the extra brushes means that this brush set will come at a higher price.
If you’ve got the money and you like brush set, we encourage you to get it. There are 15 brushes in total that come well packed in a carry pouch. For organizational purposes, this carry pouch can be an asset to your art kit in the long run.
Also, out of these 15, there are a few fan brushes, flat brushes, round options, and three other categories of brushes. Notably, these brushes have bristles made either from hog hair or from synthetic fibers.
Furthermore, you might want to get this set for acrylic paints. That said, if you branch into using other paints, there’s no reason not to use the same set if you’ve cleaned the bristles properly.
As for brush sizes, it’s no surprise that there are different options. This translates into more versatility for how the set can be used.
What we liked: The number of brushes in this set is relatively high. Additionally, the bristles are not notorious for shedding. This can be helpful after a painting session when you need to clean the set. Also, you get consistent painting results if the brushes don’t shed. The carry pouch offers organized storage for your brushes. A lifetime warranty is provided.
What could be better: For this brush set, you might need to pay a relatively steep price. Like the editor’s choice, some users have mentioned shedding.
Other features: wooden handle, aluminum ferrule
Another 15-piece brush set gets to feature on our list in the name of the Mont Marte Art Paint Brushes pick. Once you’ve chosen this set, you get rigger, mop, liner, filbert, flat, angle, and round brushes all in one purchase. Also, these brushes range from size 3/0 to 12.
With such a variety, it is reasonably obvious that this painting toolset can be used for a wide variety of applications. What’s more, you don’t have to stick to acrylic paints. You can use the brushes with multiple types of paints so long as you always remember to clean them afterward.
For the cleaning process, you are advised to use warm soapy water. Also, rinsing brushes immediately after use will make paints easier to get rid of. Finally, before you return the brushes into storage, reshape them into their ideal shape and let them dry. Following this simple procedure can significantly improve bristle life.
Similar to the MyArtscape Detail Paint Brush Set, the manufacturer opts for Taklon bristles. Aside from that, you can take note of the aluminum ferrules which are attached to wooden brush handles. Finally, you should know that all components are put together by hand.
What we liked: There is a large variety of brush types to paint within this set. The handmade design seems exquisite. While not pictured or mentioned above, a zippered bag is also part of the package. The brushes are easy to clean and can be used with different types of paints.
What could be better: Some of these brush sets arrive at your doorstep with a strong chemical smell that may take a while to get rid of.
Other features: paint-covered wooden handles, white copper ferrules
For beginner or veteran painters who strongly believe that 15 brushes are not enough, there is a 38-piece set for you as well. However, you might be disappointed by the types of brushes in the set. After all, there are only flat and round brush tips available.
Brush sizes are just as mentioned above, so you at least get a bit of variety with that. As for the bristles, they come in nylon, hog, and pony variations. These bristles are washable, and cases of them shedding are negligible.
Since the chances of them shedding are minimal, you can use and clean the brushes as many times as you’d like. Also, expect that the bristles will maintain their shape for a long time to come.
Wooden handles are not uncommon in paintbrush handles. The ones in this set are painted and are designed to enhance grip.
Also worth mentioning is the canvas wrap. This may be different from zippered pouches, but it serves the same purpose.
What we liked: Comes with a canvas wrap for storage and brush organization. There are 38 brushes in total, which are a lot. You are assured of a firm grip when holding the brushes. The brushes are easily washable while they maintain a decent level of durability.
What could be better: There are only two types of brushes in the 38-piece set, which can be a bummer. Some also arrive with a chemical smell just like the Mont Marte Art Paint Brushes Set.
Other features: 1-year warranty, non-toxic materials
The Benicci Complete Acrylic Paint Set directly competes with the Artify 12 Pcs Paint Brush Set as these two are the only 12-piece sets listed. If you have a pros/cons table ready for the set, you should start with the non-toxic material construction as a pro.
Additionally, the warranty would go on the same side as the construction. The types of brushes and the sizes included are top-notch in terms of giving users a variety they can efficiently work with.
Also, buyers luck out since they are given 24 acrylic paint colors to start with. As such, in terms of value, it is hard to beat this set.
What we liked: We liked that you get both a brush set and an acrylic colors set in the same purchase. Further, non-toxic material construction makes this set safer for you. Lastly, the one-year warranty, if it is ever needed, may come in handy.
What could be better: Some have mentioned that the paint tubes are relatively small and hence the paints run out fast.
Other features: ultra-fine brushes, shed-resistant, suitable for all skill levels
The Mont Marte Gallery Series Acrylic Brush Set is the second Mont Marte pick on the list. The first, as you can probably tell, was the Mont Marte Art Paint Brushes Set.
This particular paintbrush set offers six brushes that are of the round, flat, and filbert variations. If that checks your boxes, you can go ahead to scrutinize the construction.
The product has Taklon bristles and wooden handles. As for the ferrules, the construction is unclear. Nonetheless, there are no complaints about said ferrules so far.
Despite being a pick that can be used by painters at different levels, the set is very affordable.
What we liked: The brushes are well made while also maintaining high affordability levels. They also work for buyers at different levels of their painting journey.
What could be better: There are only six brushes in the set. Cleaning acrylics off these brushes seems to be relatively hard for a lot of users.
Other features: durable carry case that transforms into a brush stand, 1-year warranty
Something that kids might enjoy in the MyArtscape Pocket Paint Brush Set is the durable carry case. This component of the purchase can transform into a brush stand when needed.
Remember that beginners can’t get good at painting if they only use one type of brush. This being the case, the manufacturer does well to include round, flat, angle shaper, liner, filbert, bright brushes in the set.
Also, your kids can attempt to face paint with these brushes. Additionally, there shouldn’t be any significant problems with using these brushes with oils and gouache paints.
What we liked: It seems these brushes are versatile and can take on different types of paints. The set is compact, thanks to the short handles. Additionally, the carry case/brush stand is a welcome inclusion.
What could be better: Some buyers seem dissatisfied with the brush set’s performance where watercolors are concerned.
Other features: aluminum crimped ferrules, high-quality wooden handle
As for the Amagic Fan Brush Set, you can expect both pros and cons that may help you decide if the brush set is for you. Out of all beginner and professional acrylic paint brushes our team has listed, this offers the least amount of brushes.
Notably, all the six brushes in the set are of the fan variation. Consequently, you might find this set most useful for blending colors.
Like a few other paintbrush sets that feature on this list, it seems that wooden handles are used in making these brushes. They are complemented by aluminum crimped ferrules and hog bristles.
The length of these brushes falls slightly under the 12” mark. As for maintenance, you need to ensure you clean the brushes with warm water post use. After that, you can reshape them before leaving them out to dry.
In terms of storage, a plastic container can help you keep the brushes well organized. Finally, it seems these brushes can be used with paints that are not acrylics as well.
What we liked: The brushes seem compatible with a few different types of paints. Maintaining these brushes doesn’t seem like a tall order. Also, the durability of the set doesn’t disappoint.
What could be better: A total of six brushes is relatively minimal compared to other brush sets for acrylic paints listed. Also, the set consists of all fan-type brushes, which means the set isn’t versatile.
Other features: anti-shedding hairs, non-toxic and odorless materials
You might have noticed that most paintbrush buyers dislike sets that have an odor. If you feel like you would be disgusted by a chemical factory smell, the Artify 12 Pcs Paint Brush Set is for you. As per the name, this brush set has 12 brushes in the package.
Something that buyers will likely agree on is that the brushes being non-toxic is a benefit for them.
If you added the anti-shedding hairs to the list of positives for the brush set, we would have no issues. This set is additionally one of two brush pick options that has a carry case that doubles as a stand.
What we liked: The dual-purpose carry case is a huge benefit and one that the set’s buyers will like. Users are guaranteed that they won’t have to deal with bad odors and chemical smells from the purchase. The types of brushes included seem to indicate versatility for potential users of the set. Lastly, anti-shedding hairs means this set may last you a while.
What could be better: While the brushes are perfect for acrylics, their record with thick oil paints is not very good. The same is the case if you’re trying to paint the wet on wet style.
Before you end up making any mistakes while choosing that paintbrush set that seems like a dream to purchase, we would recommend going through the buying guide below. You might pick up some useful selection tips as you go along.
If you’re new to painting, you might not be able to tell apart different types of brushes. You also won’t know what each type is for. Thankfully, if you read this section, you will have what it takes to tell the different types apart. Also, you will be able to easily discern whether you need those brush types in your art set.
If you see brushes with a pointed tip, they are most likely of the round variation. These brushes are seemingly some of the most versatile. You can thus use a round brush to sketch or outline something in your painting. Also, you can add detailing and filling in small areas to the round brush’s impressive repertoire.
Notably, the size of the lines you create with a round brush will depend on how much you press it down. For larger lines, press the brush down as much as possible without damaging it.
A pointed round has the same basic design as the round brush. However, a thinner tip is provided. Consequently, you can tackle fine details, delicate areas, and retouching with relative ease.
If you are at a point in your current project where you need some broad strokes to achieve the perfect look, then flat brushes are what you need. They come with a square end, and the only variation may be whether or not the hairs are long or medium in size.
If you look at the Artify Paint Brushes Art Set, you may just be able to tell the flat and round picks apart.
Another category of paintbrushes is the bright pick. At first glance, they might look like flat brushes. However, if you look closer, the edges are curved inwards. With these bright brushes, you can achieve thick heavy colors in your painting. Also, you should use short strokes when handling such brushes for the best results.
The filbert brushes will be distinguishable by the oval-shapes ends of their bristles. They may also look a little flat at the edges. Notably, the sizes of the bristles range from medium to long. When tackling soft rounded edges, this should be your brush of choice.
As for fan brushes, they seem like the easiest to tell apart from the rest of the group. The Amagic Fan Brush Set mentioned above consists of only fan brushes. These are shaped similarly to fans, and they spread out wider the closer you get to the tip. Their shape makes them ideal for smoothing, feathering, and blending.
You may also confuse the flat and angular flat options you come across. Nonetheless, angular flat picks will seem to have a slanting top. They are most useful for filling in corners. If you want, you can also use them in the same way you would typically use a flat brush.
The detail round is the smallest sibling to the round and pointed round picks. Hairs in this pick seem shorter in the brushes spot a shorter handle. As is implied in the name, you can’t go wrong if you use these brushes for detailing.
Remember that for the acrylic paint brushes to get a passing grade, they need to have a mix of features that would be most beneficial to you. This would make them eligible for you to purchase. If you’re still unconvinced by a paintbrush set, use the features list below to eliminate all doubt.
You’ll no doubt paint large and small projects as a painter. Some of your big projects will allow for loose brushwork since a large area of the painting needs to be covered. In such a case you’ll need a big brush.
Details, however, will come out better if you use smaller brushes on them. Smaller brushes should also be your pick when you’re painting smaller areas.
As for the bristles, check the materials to see if they have the right spring quality for your painting style.
Hairs, for instance, offer more absorbency when put in paint. This can also help when you need more control over your brush strokes and how you apply the paint.
Synthetic brushes are non-absorbent, and paint readily drips from them. The brush strokes are thus harder to control in such a scenario. The springiness of bristles can also be an asset where shaping your strokes is concerned. Professionals often prefer hairs and bristles with more springiness as they offer more control.
The handle is a crucial paintbrush component that needs to be in tip-top shape. If it breaks, it might impede your ability to get your painting right. It could even stop you from painting altogether. As such, the handle should be durable.
Rinsing is also necessary once all the paint has been removed. You should follow up by squeezing the brush dry and reshaping it. Finally, position the brush horizontally and let it air dry before putting it back in storage.
As our Pain Brushes list indicates the MyArtscape Detail Paint Brush Set is our top pick. We like Taklon tips, birchwood handles, and rust-free ferrules. Close behind it is the D’Artisan Shoppe Artist Paint Brush Set with a nice carry case, nice variety of brush types and a lifetime warranty.
Our third favorite brush set is the Mont Marte Art Paint Brushes Set. This brush set also doesn’t disappoint in terms of the different brush types in the set. With it, you can get so much artwork done since you have most of the tools you need.
Lastly, we do welcome discourse on the brush preferences from you since you have likely used other brushes before. If you have, comment and tell us of any brushes you can think off that are better than the ones listed above. We also wish you success as you buy your acrylic paint brushes.
