Paint Brush Secrets Every Artist Should Know But No One Talks About

Over the years of building Craftamo, our team has had countless conversations with artists.

Some were beginners just picking up their first brush. Others were seasoned pros who’ve made art their full-time life.

And here’s what we’ve learned from them: The brush you use makes a massive difference.  

It changes how your paint flows, how much control you have, and how enjoyable your painting session feels.

So in this post, we want to share three common brush mistakes we’ve heard from artists.  Plus, the simple shifts that helped them paint better, with more confidence.

1. Size Does Matter

Most beginners reach for the smallest brush. It feels safe. Easier to control.

But that tiny brush can make painting harder, not easier. Especially when you’re trying to cover a large area.

Smaller brushes slow you down.  They can even make your strokes feel tense or tight.

Larger brushes, on the other hand, speed things up.  They help you cover more ground—and encourage a looser, more expressive style.

Pro Tip:
Use the largest brush you comfortably can for the space you’re painting.  It’ll make the process smoother and a lot more fun.

2. Shape = Control

Every brush shape is designed with a purpose. 

If you’ve ever felt like your brush isn’t doing what you want—it might not be you.  It could just be the wrong shape for the job.

Here’s a quick breakdown based on what our artist community uses:

• Flat brushes give you crisp lines and sharp edges.

• Filbert brushes are great for blending and soft curves.

• Round brushes offer versatility but can feel unpredictable when you want precision.
  

Each shape gives a different kind of control.

Pro Tip:
Before you start, ask yourself what kind of strokes you need.  Then choose a shape that supports that style.

3. Bristles Matter More Than You Think

The feel of a brush changes how you paint. And yes, not all bristles are created equal.

Brushes with stiff bristles are great for thick paint and texture. So, they’re perfect for acrylics and oils.

Softer bristles work better for blending and delicate details. That’s why watercolour and gouache artists love them.

Using the wrong bristle type makes painting feel harder than it should.

Pro Tip:
Match your brush’s bristles to the paint you’re using.  Let the brush support your technique—don’t fight against it.

The Brushes Artists Asked Us to Create

Every time we created Craftamo brushes for our artists, we never guessed what they needed.  We asked.

Then we built brushes based on what real artists told us they wanted.  For example: Better feel. Better quality. Better performance.

We designed each set to make painting easier—not more complicated.  Whether you work with watercolour, acrylics, or oils, there’s a curated set crafted for you.

Yes!  They’re cruelty-free, beautifully made, and crafted to last.

👉 Explore our brush collections here

Want to See These Tips in Action?

For visual learners, see our video tutorial we’ve created for you.

You’ll see side-by-side brush comparisons, real paint demonstrations, and quick tricks that make a big difference.

🎥 Watch the full video:

While you're there, make sure to subscribe to the Craftamo channel.

We post weekly tips, tutorials, and real stories from artists just like you.  It’s our way of helping you grow—with the right tools and a little less guesswork.

Let’s Talk Brushes

Got a funny (or frustrating) brush story? 😄

We’ve heard a lot—and it would be fun to hear yours, too.

Drop your story in the comments below. We might even feature a few in our next post.

And yes, if this helped you rethink your brush game, share it with an art buddy who might need it!

See you again next week—with more tips, tools, and stories to support your creative journey.