Paint-by-numbers kits have made it easier than ever to create beautiful artwork – no formal training required. Whether you’re a first-time painter or a seasoned hobbyist, the brushes you use can make a huge difference in the quality of your finished piece. The brushes included in most kits are functional, but upgrading to a few well-chosen artist brushes can transform your experience, giving you cleaner lines, smoother coverage, and more control.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best types of artist brushes to keep on hand when working with paint-by-numbers projects. You’ll learn what to look for in brush shapes, sizes, and materials, plus practical tips for caring for them so they last for years.
Why Better Brushes Matter
Most paint-by-numbers kits include a few basic nylon brushes. These are fine for beginners, but they’re often stiff, lose their shape quickly, and don’t hold enough paint for larger areas. Higher-quality artist brushes:
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Provide better control for painting tiny numbered spaces.
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Hold more paint, making it easier to cover larger background areas smoothly.
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Maintain their point or edge even after repeated use, so your details stay crisp.
Investing in a few upgraded brushes doesn’t just improve your results – it also makes painting more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Key Brush Shapes for Paint-by-Numbers
Artist brushes come in many shapes, but three are especially useful for paint-by-numbers:
1. Round Brushes
Round brushes have a pointed tip and are versatile enough for both detail work and small fills. Look for sizes 0, 1, and 2 for tiny spaces and fine lines, and size 4 or 6 for medium sections. A good round brush with a sharp point is a must-have for any paint-by-numbers artist.
Best for: Outlining, detail work, small numbered spaces, and thin lines.
2. Flat or Bright Brushes
Flat brushes have a squared-off edge and a wide body that holds plenty of paint. They’re perfect for covering larger areas quickly and evenly. Bright brushes are a variation with slightly shorter bristles that give you more control.
Best for: Backgrounds, wide strokes, and blending large sections.
Recommended sizes: ¼-inch and ½-inch flats to tackle broad colour blocks.
3. Liner (or Script) Brushes
Liner brushes have very long, thin bristles that create smooth, flowing lines. They’re ideal for extremely narrow numbered areas or for adding final outlines if you want to emphasise details once your painting is finished.
Best for: Fine outlines, lettering, and delicate finishing touches.
Synthetic vs. Natural Bristles
When choosing paint-by-numbers brushes, synthetic bristles are the clear winner. Most paint-by-numbers kits use acrylic paints, which can be harsh on natural hair. Synthetic brushes (often nylon or polyester blends) are:
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More durable and less likely to fray in acrylic paint.
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Easier to clean and maintain.
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Better at holding their shape when wet.
Natural bristle brushes – such as hog or sable – are better suited for oils and watercolours and can be damaged by the heavier body of acrylic paints.
Essential Brush Sizes
Brushes are numbered according to size, and having a small range on hand will cover all your needs:
| Brush Type | Small Detail | Medium Areas | Large Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | 0, 1, 2 | 4, 6 | — |
| Flat/Bright | — | ¼ inch | ½–¾ inch |
| Liner | 10/0 or 1 | — | — |
Start with at least three to five brushes: a size 0 round, size 2 round, size 4 round, a ¼-inch flat, and a liner brush. This combination gives you the flexibility to handle anything your kit throws at you.
Handle Length: Short vs. Long
Artist brushes come in both short and long handles. For paint-by-numbers projects, short-handled brushes are ideal. They’re designed for close-up work and give you more control when working on a tabletop or easel. Long-handled brushes are better for large canvases and standing work, where you need to paint from a distance.
Recommended Brush Brands
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get quality brushes. Here are a few dependable brands that are highly rated for acrylic painting and detail work:
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Princeton Select or Princeton Velvetouch – Affordable, durable, and excellent for fine detail.
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Winsor & Newton Cotman – Great synthetic rounds and flats for smooth application.
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Da Vinci Nova – High-quality synthetic bristles that maintain a sharp point.
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Royal & Langnickel Zen – Budget-friendly with good control and variety packs.
Look for multipacks that include a mix of round, flat, and liner brushes to cover all your bases.
Caring for Your Brushes
Good brushes last longer if you take care of them. After each painting session:
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Rinse promptly in lukewarm water. Don’t let acrylic paint dry on the bristles—it’s nearly impossible to remove.
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Use gentle soap or a brush cleaner to remove any residual paint.
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Reshape the tips with your fingers to maintain their natural point or edge.
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Dry flat or upright with the bristles facing up to avoid water seeping into the ferrule (the metal part).
Store brushes in a jar or case to protect them from bending or fraying.
Pro Tips for a Smoother Painting Experience
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Keep multiple brushes ready. Having a few brushes of the same size allows you to switch colours without constantly washing.
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Use a damp cloth to wipe off excess paint instead of scrubbing the brush in water between every colour change.
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Work from larger areas to smaller ones so you can use bigger brushes first, then switch to detail brushes for finishing.
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Test on scrap paper before applying to the canvas to check consistency and flow.
Final Thoughts
A paint-by-numbers kit is designed to be simple, but the right tools can elevate your finished artwork from “nice hobby project” to “frame-worthy masterpiece.” Upgrading from the basic brushes that come in the box to a small selection of quality artist brushes – rounds for detail, flats for coverage, and a liner for fine lines – will give you smoother blends, sharper edges, and a more enjoyable creative process.
Whether you’re painting a vibrant landscape, a serene still life, or a portrait of your favourite pet, the right brushes help you focus on the joy of painting rather than the frustration of inadequate tools. A modest investment in a handful of high-quality brushes pays off in every brushstroke.
