Best Brushes for Acrylic Painting (for Beginners)
When you are first getting started with acrylic painting, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which brushes you really need. I’ve gone through countless brushes over the years, and I’ve finally narrowed it down to the three essentials that every acrylic painter should have. In this article, I’ll expand on the video below and share extra tips so you know exactly what to buy without wasting money. I also have a free Acrylic Painting Supply List you can download to make gathering your materials even easier.
Watch the video
This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why Synthetic Brushes Work Best
There are so many different bristles and hairs used in paintbrushes, but I always reach for synthetic brushes. These include golden taklon or nylon options, which have soft bristles that are perfect for acrylic painting. Unlike stiff bristles that leave harsh marks, synthetic brushes let you create smooth blends and subtle details.
Soft brushes are especially great when you want control over your blending. You can build soft transitions of color, refine details, or layer paint without leaving distracting texture. Over time I’ve tried both natural and synthetic, and I always come back to synthetic because they give me the results I want with less frustration.
If you are new to acrylic painting, investing in a few quality synthetic brushes will save you a lot of headaches. They last, they are easy to clean, and they give you predictable results no matter what size canvas you are working on.
Flat Brushes for Versatility
The first brush I recommend every beginner have is a flat brush. My favorite size is a half inch flat, which works well for both small and large paintings. Flats are incredibly versatile because you can use the wide side for broad strokes or the edge for thinner lines.
They also come in a variety of sizes, so you can pick one based on the size of your paintings. If you are working large scale, you might want a wider brush. If you are working on small canvases, a narrower flat will give you more control. Once you start using a flat brush, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again for backgrounds, blocking in shapes, and even details.
Angled Shader for Control and Detail
The angled shader is hands down my favorite brush of all time. I recommend a three eighths inch angled shader because it gives you so much flexibility. You can use the tip for fine detail work, the flat side for larger strokes, or even pull long flowing lines with ease.
This brush is especially useful for painting animals or portraits where you need to capture details like eyes, whiskers, or noses. I love that it can switch between precision and coverage so seamlessly. If you only add one brush to your collection, this should be it because it will cover so many different painting situations.
Round Brush for Signing and Tiny Details
The last essential brush is a round brush in size zero. This is the smallest size available, and I use it to sign all of my paintings. Over the years I’ve tested many brushes for signing, but nothing compares to the control of a zero round.
It’s also great for those tiny details where precision really matters. You can use it for fine lines like eyelashes, whiskers, or any spot where an angled shader feels too big. It’s a simple brush, but it’s one you’ll be glad to have every time you need to add those finishing touches to your work.
Art Supplies I Recommend
Here are the brushes I discussed in this article and video. I’ll link both the options from Michael’s and Amazon so you can easily find what works best for you.
From Michael’s
Angle Shader
Flat
Round
From Amazon
Flat Brushes
Angled Shader Brushes
Final Thoughts
The right brushes make acrylic painting so much more enjoyable. You don’t need a huge collection when you are just starting out — just a flat, an angled shader, and a round will cover almost everything you need. These brushes are affordable, reliable, and versatile enough to grow with you as your skills improve.
If you want to keep building your skills, I recommend reading my article on How to Use Water When Acrylic Painting. It will give you more practical tips to make your acrylic paintings smoother and easier to control.