Upgrade Your Paint by Numbers: Professional Brushes & Tools
Table of contents
- Quick picks (TL;DR)
- Brush anatomy 101
- Brush shapes & what they’re for
- Sizes: how small is “small”?
- Bristles & handles: what to buy
- Essential tools beyond brushes
- Brush care: cleaning, storage & lifespan
- Starter kits vs. add-on sets
- Which bundle should you choose?
- Why choose Paintby.ai
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Quick picks (TL;DR)
If you just want the fast answer:
- Best all-round trio: Small round (0–2), flat (4–6), liner (5/0–10/0).
- Detail monsters: Add an extra-fine liner (10/0) and a spotter (3/0–5/0).
- Smooth gradients: Add a filbert (4–6) for soft edges and blending.
- Upgrade first: Get a wet palette, task light, and brush soap—these boost results more than buying 20 random brushes.
Brush anatomy 101
Know the parts so you know what you’re paying for:
- Tip/point: Precision here is everything for tiny numbered cells.
- Belly: Holds paint; a fuller belly feeds smoother lines.
- Ferrule: The metal sleeve; a tight, rust-resistant ferrule keeps bristles from splaying.
- Crimp: Where ferrule grips the handle; clean here to avoid gunk buildup.
- Handle: Short handles give better control for table-top work (most paint by numbers).
Brush shapes & what they’re for
Use these for 95% of paint by numbers tasks:
- Round: Your daily driver. From fills to controlled lines depending on pressure.
- Flat (or shader): Blocks in larger areas and paints crisp edges.
- Liner/Rigger: Ultra-thin lines, numbering edges, fur, whiskers, window panes.
- Spotter: Micro-dots and teeny cells without overloading paint.
- Filbert: Rounded flat; blends gradients and softens transitions.
- Angle (dagger/angled shader): Corners, tight edges, and cutting along borders.
Sizes: how small is “small”?
Sizing isn’t standardized across brands, but this mapping helps:
- Micro detail: 10/0–5/0 liner or spotter
- Fine detail: 0–2 round or liner
- General work: 3–6 round; 4–6 flat/filbert
- Broad areas: 8+ flat/filbert
Tip: If the point’s perfect and the belly holds paint, a size 1–2 round can handle surprising detail without constant reloads.
Bristles & handles: what to buy
- Bristles: Choose synthetic (nylon/taklon) for acrylics in paint by numbers—springy, durable, easy to clean, and cruelty-free.
- Stiffness: Medium spring is ideal; too soft = mushy edges; too stiff = tracks and scratching.
- Handle length: Short handles (table height) = control and less fatigue. Long handles are for standing easel work.
- Finish & balance: A smooth, slightly matte handle prevents slips; balanced weight reduces hand strain on longer sessions.
Essential tools beyond brushes
Small upgrades that make a big difference:
- Wet palette: Keeps acrylics workable longer and improves blending.
- Task light or magnifying lamp: Crisp edges and accurate color—especially at night.
- Painter’s tape & board: Tape your canvas (if unframed) to keep it taut and prevent buckling.
- Brush soap/conditioner: Restores points and extends lifespan.
- Micro-swabs & toothpicks: Clean edges, fix tiny bleeds, or nudge paint into corners.
- Palette knife or silicone spatula: Mix colors cleanly without chewing up brush tips.
- Water cup x2 + microfiber cloth: One cup to rinse, one to refresh; cloth for quick, lint-free wipes.
Brush care: cleaning, storage & lifespan
- During painting: Rinse when switching colors; blot—don’t scrub—the bristles on a cloth to keep points sharp.
- After each session: Lukewarm water + a dab of brush soap. Gently shape the tip with fingers.
- Never: Soak above the ferrule, crush tips into the bottom of the jar, or use hot water.
- Drying: Flat or bristles-down so water doesn’t seep into the ferrule glue.
- Storage: Brush roll or cup, bristles up; cap liners if they came with protectors.
Starter kits vs. add-on sets
-
In-kit brushes (what most kits include): A versatile trio—small round, medium round, fine liner—enough to finish your painting.
-
When to upgrade:
- You’re tackling hair/fur, cityscapes, or micro-text → add liners/spotters.
- You want smoother gradients → add a filbert and a wet palette.
- Your tips are fraying → pick up a quality round 1–2 and brush soap.
Which bundle should you choose?
- Beginner / first kit: Small round 2, round 1, liner 5/0, plus wet palette and task light.
- Pet portraits / hair & fur: Round 1, liner 10/0, spotter 3/0, filbert 4.
- Landscapes & skies: Flat 6–8, filbert 6, round 2, liner 5/0.
- Architectural / crisp edges: Angle 1/4", flat 6, round 1, liner 3/0.
Why choose Paintby.ai
- All-in-one convenience: Your kit includes a pre-printed canvas, numbered acrylics, and quality paint by numbers brushes—open the box and start.
- Made-for-you designs: Generate a custom artwork from a prompt or photo, preview variations, and order the exact piece you want to paint.
- Right tools for the job: Choose your canvas size and color complexity, and add brush upgrades or accessories at checkout to match your project.
FAQs
Do I need natural hair brushes for the best results?
No. For paint by numbers (acrylic), good synthetic brushes are ideal—durable, springy, and easy to clean.
What’s the one extra tool that helps the most?
A wet palette—it prevents paint from drying out and improves flow for tight lines and blends.
My brushes are fraying. Can I rescue them?
Often. Clean with brush soap, reshape the tip, and let dry. Reserve any permanently frayed brush for textured effects.
What size brush should a beginner start with?
A round size 1–2 handles most areas; keep a liner 5/0–10/0 for tiny cells and a flat 4–6 for larger blocks.
How often should I clean while painting?
Rinse whenever switching colors and do a quick reshape. After the session, wash thoroughly with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Conclusion
Picking the right paint by numbers brushes comes down to shape, size, and bristle quality—then pairing them with smart add-ons like a wet palette and good lighting. Start with a solid trio (round, flat, liner), add a filbert for blends, and take care of your tools so they last. When you’re ready to paint a design that’s uniquely yours, explore our best paint by numbers kits for adults to find the perfect project that matches your upgraded tools, or build a custom kit with Paintby.ai and enjoy an easier, better painting experience.