Understanding brush sizes is a bit like shoe sizing—it varies depending on the manufacturer and the specific brush family (like sable vs. bristle). The number typically refers to the width of the ferrule (the metal band connecting the bristles to the handle) or the diameter of the brush head.
Generally, the scale breaks down into four broad categories:
- Very Small (#20/0 to #2): Best for fine detail work, tiny illustrations, and miniatures. The sizes with slashes (like #20/0) indicate fractions—the larger the denominator, the smaller the brush.
- Small to Medium (#3 to #6): Perfect for general detailing, controlled brushstrokes, and smaller areas.
- Medium to Large (#7 to #12): Your workhorse brushes. Great for blending, adding depth, and mid-sized coverage.
- Very Large (#14 to #24+): Designed for bold strokes, extensive washes, and large background areas on large canvases.
Beyond Numbers: Brush Shapes and Their Uses
While sizing is important, the shape of the brush dictates the marks it leaves on the canvas. A size 12 round brush will behave very differently than a size 12 flat brush.
- Round Brushes: Incredibly versatile; perfect for fine lines, detailing, and filling in areas. When pulled to a fine point, they act like a pencil.
- Flat Brushes: Square-ended with medium to long hairs. Excellent for broad washes, crisp, straight lines, and geometric blocking.
- Filbert Brushes: Features a flat body with a rounded, oval tip. It acts as a hybrid between a round and flat brush, making it the ultimate tool for soft, natural blending and organic forms.
- Fan Brushes: Shaped like a hand fan, this brush is used for blending, smoothing, and feathering, as well as painting natural textures like clouds, hair, or foliage.
Pro-Tip: Don’t Be Afraid of the “Big” Brush!
Many beginner artists fall into the trap of using brushes that are too small. Using tiny brushes for the majority of a painting can cause you to get lost in needless details and miss the overall composition. Try using the largest brush you feel comfortable with for the foundational stages of your painting, as it helps you make bold, meaningful strokes and saves you a ton of time.
A Quick Note on Handles
Brush handle length also impacts your workflow:
- Short Handles: Best for watercolors, gouache, and close-up detail work where you need the control of holding a pencil.
- Long Handles: Ideal for oil and acrylic painting on larger canvases. They allow you to stand back at arm’s length, encouraging looser, more gestural arm movements.
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