Best Paint Brushes
Professional recommendations from a Cheshire-based illustrator
🎨 Introduction
As a professional illustrator based in Cheshire, I create custom illustrations for books, branding, and digital media. Over the years, I've tested and researched various art supplies to help fellow artists make informed decisions.
This guide covers the top-rated paint brushes available in 2025. Each product has been selected based on detailed research — examining verified customer reviews, technical specifications, bristle quality, spring retention, and value for money. Whether you're working with watercolours, acrylics, or oils, the right brush can transform your artwork.
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⏳ In a Rush? Our Top Picks
Based on detailed research and customer feedback, here are our award winners:
🏆 Recommended Products
1. Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Brushes Gi
Professional-grade brushes crafted with premium natural or synthetic fibres. These brushes offer exceptional spring, precise points, and excellent paint-holding capacity for professional results.
✅ Pros
- Premium fibre quality
- Excellent spring and snap
- Precise points
- Superior paint capacity
❌ Cons
- Premium price
- Requires proper care
- May shed initially
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
Exceptional performance with precise control and excellent paint release. These brushes respond beautifully to pressure variations for expressive mark-making.
🎨 Design & Usability
Expertly crafted with balanced handles and secure ferrules. The brush design optimises control and reduces fatigue during long painting sessions.
💰 Value for Money
Premium investment that delivers years of professional performance. Quality brushes are essential tools worth the investment.
🎯 Verdict
Essential tools for serious artists. These brushes deliver the precision and control that professional work demands.
2. Escoda Versatil Professional Travel Brush Set
Artist-quality brushes featuring carefully selected bristles and balanced handles. Delivers smooth, controlled strokes with excellent durability for regular studio use.
✅ Pros
- Durable construction
- Good shape retention
- Balanced handles
- Smooth application
❌ Cons
- Higher cost
- Some sizes limited
- Needs breaking in
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
Reliable performance for professional work. Good spring and shape retention ensure consistent results across painting sessions.
🎨 Design & Usability
Well-designed with comfortable handles and durable ferrules. Good weight balance for controlled, precise work.
💰 Value for Money
Excellent value for artist-grade brushes. Durability and performance justify the price for regular users.
🎯 Verdict
Excellent brushes for regular studio use. Reliable, durable, and a pleasure to paint with.
3. Princeton Natural Sable Real Value Brush Set
Quality brush set offering good variety for different techniques. Well-made construction provides reliable performance across various painting styles.
✅ Pros
- Good variety of shapes
- Reliable performance
- Decent durability
- Versatile use
❌ Cons
- Not as refined as premium
- May lose shape over time
- Limited sizes
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
Solid performance for regular use. Brushes hold their shape well and provide good control for various techniques.
🎨 Design & Usability
Practical design with clear size markings. Handles are comfortable and ferrules are securely attached.
💰 Value for Money
Good balance of quality and price. Suitable for artists who want reliability without premium costs.
🎯 Verdict
A solid choice for artists building their brush collection. Good quality at a reasonable price.
4. Pro Arte Polar Brush Set
Versatile brush set suitable for multiple mediums. Good spring and shape retention make these practical for everyday painting needs.
✅ Pros
- Multi-medium suitable
- Good value
- Practical selection
- Easy to clean
❌ Cons
- Lower quality fibres
- Less precise points
- Shorter lifespan
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
Good everyday performance. Suitable for practice and finished work with decent paint-holding capacity.
🎨 Design & Usability
Functional design suitable for various uses. Easy to grip and clean with standard ferrule construction.
💰 Value for Money
Strong value for everyday painting needs. Quality exceeds the price point for regular use.
🎯 Verdict
Practical brushes for everyday painting. Good value for artists who paint regularly.
5. H&S Art Paint Brush Set
Value brush set perfect for beginners or practice. Decent quality construction offers good performance at an accessible price point.
✅ Pros
- Affordable price
- Good for practice
- Decent variety
- Beginner-friendly
❌ Cons
- Basic quality
- May shed more
- Less precise control
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
Adequate performance for beginners. Good for learning brush control and basic techniques.
🎨 Design & Usability
Simple, practical design. Adequate for learning with basic but functional construction.
💰 Value for Money
Exceptional value for beginners. Good enough quality to learn proper technique at minimal cost.
🎯 Verdict
Perfect starter brushes for beginners. Good quality for learning without significant investment.
📖 Buying Guide
When choosing paint brushes, consider these key factors:
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Bristle Type: Natural hair (sable, hog) offers superior performance but costs more. Synthetic brushes are affordable and cruelty-free.
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Brush Shape: Round brushes are versatile for detail and washes. Flat brushes cover large areas. Filbert brushes blend edges beautifully.
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Medium Compatibility: Ensure your brushes are suitable for your paint type. Watercolour brushes differ from acrylic or oil brushes.
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Handle Length: Short handles suit detailed work at a desk. Long handles are better for easel painting at arm's length.
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Price vs Quality: Invest in quality brushes for your primary medium. Budget brushes work for practice and experimental techniques.
About the Reviewer
Every Big Red Illustration review is written by illustrator and agent Jamie Conner, drawing on over 30 years of combined professional experience in traditional art, digital tools, and the wider creative industry.
Here's what he has to say…
I'm Jamie Conner, a UK-based illustrator and illustrator agent with a background in character-focused and expressive artwork. My training began at Newcastle-under-Lyme College and continued at Nottingham Trent University, where I developed a strong foundation in illustration.
I now split my time between creating my own work and representing artists, supporting them with commissions, opportunities, and navigating the wider creative industry. I also review digital and traditional art products, offering clear, practical insights to help artists choose tools that suit their workflow.
Whether I'm illustrating, advising artists, or reviewing products, my work is driven by a genuine commitment to the craft of illustration and to the wider creative community.