Natural and Synthetic Bristles: What is the Difference?
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you know that having the right tools makes all the difference. When it comes to paint brushes, there are two main types: synthetic and natural. But which one is better?
It depends on what you’re looking for! If you want a brush that will give you more control and precision, then synthetic is the way to go. If you’re looking for a brush that will give your paintings more texture and depth, then natural is the way to go.
Natural bristles are made from some sort of animal hair, such as hog or badger. Synthetic bristles are often made from nylon, polyester, or a combination of both.
Natural bristle brushes are best for applying oil-based alkyd paints, and synthetic-bristle brushes are recommended for water-based latex paints.
Interesting Fact: The oldest brushes that have been found, were made of feathers and animal hair tied to branches and animal hair stuck into hollow bones.
Synthetics are made to act like natural fibers without all the special care involved and are easily mass-produced, less expensive and require a lot less special care than their natural counterparts.
The ultimate soft brush is made from the hairs on the tail of a sable marten; these taper naturally, so when they're put into a brush they form a point.
Sable brushes are expensive, but are renowned for their softness, flexibility, and fine point.
Natural bristle brushes are easy to spot because they have split ends, just like your own hair. These split ends aren't a bad thing. They are actually the advantage of natural brushes. They maintain paint at the tip of the brush.
Natural bristles should never be used with water based (latex) paints. The water is absorbed by the natural bristle and causes the brush to swell up.
So, still not sure which type of brush is right for you?
Try both!
We recommend the professional brushes by D'Artisan Shoppe!
This set includes 15 paint brushes. A mix of 4 natural hog hair bristle brushes and 11 synthetic bristle brushes to create the brush strokes you need, includes 4 flat paint brushes, 1 fan brush, 3 round brushes, 4 filbert brushes, 1 angle brush, 1 rigger brush, and 1 wide brush so you can paint in every style you want. This brush set can be used for oil paints, acrylic paints and even water color paints.
No loose hairs or paint flaking off of these art brushes, so you enjoy being in the painting zone with these paint brushes instead of picking paint brush hairs or flakes out of your work.
These professional high quality paint brushes are custom designed to last longer with better components, therefore you don't have to pick out debris from your paintings and your brushes don't fall apart.
You will spend less time washing these brushes, the paint brushes will not peel or shed, and that gives you more time to paint
BONUS - it comes with lightweight, compact carrying case to make going to your studio or art class easier.
Look no further than D'Artisan Shoppe for the perfect set of brushes!
D'Artisan Shoppe Professional Paint Brushes 15 pcs
4 natural hog hair bristle brushes and 11 synthetic bristle brushes
