Oil paints are heavier or thicker than acrylic paint. To paint with oils you need a thicker bristle brush, usually a natural bristle brush is used. Natural bristle brush are usually harder than synthetic or nylon brushes.
Acrylic paints are lighter and more fluid than oil paints, therefore a softer brush is used. You could use a natural bristle brush, but this will often leave paint strokes on your work. Usually a softer synthetic or nylon brush is when painting with acrylics. Softer brushes are best for laying paint flat and blending.
Base Coat Brush is usually broad and square, good for covering large areas quickly.
Flat Brush has long bristles and a square end. They can be used for bold sweeping strokes and to create a neat edge. When loaded they can hold a lot of paint.
Bright Brush is similar in shape to a flat brush, but the hairs are shorter and it doesn’t hold as much paint. Holding it upright will product thinner lines and pressing sideways will produce bold brush strokes. To create even layers dray the bright brush across the surface.
Angled Brush creates clean lines and edges because the end of the brush is cut at a slant. An angled brush is good to use when painting on an easel because the angle of the brush gives you more control.
Round Brush has a round or pointed tip. They are great for soft blending and adding detail, lines and edges.
Fan Brush has fan shaped bristles. They are great for painting cloudy skies, grasses, water, bushes and adding highlights.Tooth Brush has stubby, hard brittles and is great for adding texture and a splatter effect.
