Which is the best watercolour brush? The answer depends on who you are and what you’re painting. There’s no single brush that suits everyone, but there is one that’s right for you. Are you looking for perfect control for fine details? A brush that holds lots of water? Or an affordable set to get started? In this guide, we’ll do our best to help you find the right one.


Best sable hair watercolour brushes
Sable hair is the most classic choice among watercolour artists. The natural hairs have a unique ability to hold water and pigment while maintaining a sharp point. The result? Smooth transitions, controlled lines and a flowing painting experience.
- Winsor & Newton Series 7 Watercolour Brushes
- Raphaël 8404 Watercolour Brushes
- ZIG Kuretake Cartoonist Menso
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Best synthetic watercolour brushes
Synthetic brushes have come a long way in recent years. They are durable, affordable, and available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Plus, they’re easy to clean – perfect if you want to focus on your painting.
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Brushes
- Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour Brushes
- Aquafine Watercolour Brushes
- KUM Watercolour Brushes
- Pen Store Arts Watercolour Brushes
- Princeton Neptune Watercolour Brushes
- Princeton Velvetouch Watercolour Brushes
- Raphaël Symbiose Watercolour Brushes
- Raphaël Precision 8504 Watercolour Brushes
- Raphaël SoftAqua Watercolour Brushes
- Raphaël 8404
- Daler-Rowney Graduate
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Best Kolinsky watercolour brushes
Kolinsky sable is the finest type of sable hair and often the most exclusive. These brushes offer exceptional spring, precision, and water-holding capacity. They’re more expensive, but for many, they’re a long-term investment that lasts for years.
- Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Brush
- Raphaël 8404 Kolinsky Sable Brush
- ZIG Kuretake Cartoonist Menso
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Best vegan watercolour brushes
Want to paint without animal-based products? No problem. Today, synthetic alternatives can mimic sable hair impressively well. Vegan brushes hold their shape nicely and are excellent for both beginners and experienced artists.
- Pen Store Arts Watercolour Brushes
- Princeton Neptune Watercolour Brushes
- Princeton Velvetouch Watercolour Brushes
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Best watercolour brushes for beginners
For beginners, it’s common to choose brushes that are easy to control and budget-friendly. Synthetic or mixed-material brushes are a smart choice. They handle frequent use well and are less delicate, while still giving you a good feel for technique.
- Pen Store Arts Watercolour Brushes
- Raphaël Campus Watercolour Brushes
- Daler-Rowney Graduate Watercolour Brushes
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Brushes
- Primo Watercolour Brushes
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Best luxury watercolour brushes
If you're looking for the very best, we offer brushes with handcrafted details, the finest hair, and a truly luxurious feel. They provide maximum control and sensitivity with every brushstroke.
- Raphaël 803 Watercolour Brushes
- Winsor & Newton Series 7 Watercolour Brushes
- Raphaël 8404 Watercolour Brushes
- Princeton Neptune Watercolour Brushes
- Princeton Velvetouch Watercolour Brushes
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Best watercolour brush sets
A brush set is a great way to explore different sizes and shapes. It’s also a fantastic gift for a creative friend or a convenient starter kit for yourself.
- Raphaël Campus Watercolour Brushes
- Pen Store Arts Watercolour Brushes
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Brushes
- Princeton Neptune Watercolour Brushes
- Princeton Velvetouch Watercolour Brushes
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Most affordable watercolour brushes
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get great brushes. Here are our top budget-friendly options – carefully selected for their quality at a really good price.
- Raphaël Campus Watercolour Brushes
- Pen Store Arts Watercolour Brushes
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Brushes
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Best storage for watercolour brushes
Great brushes deserve great storage. With the right case, you can protect the tip, stay organised, and extend the life of your tools.
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