Brush shape

Watercolor brushes come in a variety of shapes, including round, flat, filbert, fan, and mop. The shape of the brush affects the type of mark it makes and how it can be used. Round brushes are good for detail work and creating thin lines, while flat brushes are useful for broad strokes and washes.

Brush size

Watercolor brushes come in different sizes, usually numbered from 0 to 24 or higher. Smaller brushes are good for detail work, while larger brushes are better for covering large areas.

Bristle type

Watercolor brushes can be made with natural or synthetic bristles. Natural bristles are made from animal hair, such as sable, squirrel, or goat, and are often preferred by professional watercolor artists for their ability to hold water and paint. Synthetic brushes, made from nylon or other synthetic fibers, are more affordable. They are frequently used when you work on details and carry less water than natural brushes.

Brush stiffness

The stiffness of a watercolor brush affects how much paint and water it can hold, as well as the type of mark it makes. Stiff brushes are good for making bold strokes and applying heavy paint, while soft brushes are better for blending and creating subtle washes.

Brush quality

The quality of a watercolor brush depends on the materials used to make it and the manufacturing process. Higher-quality brushes are more durable, hold their shape better, and can last for years with proper care. The brands I use are daVincy, Escoda, Winsor and Newton and also a lot of no-names. I prefer to buy natural brushes from established brands and synthetic ones from not really famous ones. Also I often use Chinese calligraphy brushes. They can hold a lot of water and be a perfect alternative for expensive squirrel brushes.