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However, choosing the wrong airbrush at the start of your endeavors can be a disaster and can put you off airbrushing for life. 

A top-quality airbrush can cost hundreds of dollars but if you spend that amount and then find that airbrushing is not the hobby for you, you have wasted a lot of money.

On the other hand, if you get a cheaper model that’s low in quality you will find it lacks precision and you’ll also find that you spend more time cleaning it than actually practicing your spraying.

However, there is a happy medium to be found. A mid-range airbrush will give you the performance and features you need as an airbrush beginner, but it won’t break the bank.

Try to start with a known and trusted brand name and it’s generally best to ensure you use an internal mix airbrush that has a dual action and employs a gravity feed.

Below is a selection of the best airbrushes for beginners along with a buyer’s guide to ensure you know everything you need to know before spending your hard-earned cash.

The Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP CS is one of the most popular airbrushes around and is ideal for newbies and veteran artists alike.

The airbrush features dual action control, which allows for better control over the amount of paint you use and gives you better precision with the spray. 

The 0.35mm self-centering needle is ideal for both fine lines and for wide spray patterns and by moving your airbrush further away, you can get a pattern of up to around 5cm (2 inches) in diameter.

The gravity fed airbrush has a funnel-shaped cup that is mounted on top that can hold up to 0.30-ounces of paint and has a stylish stainless-steel exterior with a polished chrome finish that not only looks the part but is also easy to keep clean.

It comes with a single cut-away handle which allows you to remove clogs by simply moving the chuck forward and back a few times and the rest of the airbrush can be very easily disassembled for cleaning. 

Pros

• Versatile – Is equally useful for spraying fine lines and wide spray patterns
• Easy to keep clean – Easy to dismantle for cleaning the inner components and the exterior can be kept clean with regular wipe downs
• Easy to use – For those just starting out, it’s easy to get to grips with and will also become a favorite airbrush as you gain experience
• Great brand – Iwata has a reputation in the business for producing quality goods and this is seen by many as the best airbrush they make

Cons

• Expensive – Costs a little more than most of the other items on the list so those on a budget may be put off

The Badger Patriot 105 is a great airbrush for beginners and is ideal for everything from fine art, customizing your automobile, illustrations, and miniatures.

This double action, gravity feed airbrush is extremely easy to use and comes with a 0.30-ounce cup with a tight-fitting lid that allows you to adjust your angle without the risk of spillages.

The 0.50mm needle can handle thin lines, as well as being able to get a generous spray pattern of around 7.5cm (3 inches) in diameter. 

A simple design with fewer parts makes it less likely that you will lose pieces and means less can go wrong in the long run. What’s more, a knob at the rear of the airbrush along with a large needle makes it very easy to operate.

The cut-away handle allows for easy trigger tension adjustment and makes clog removal very quick and easy. However, as the needle needs to be removed through the back of the brush, cleaning your product will be a little complicated at first.

Pros

• Extra tight lid – Reduces the risk of spillages while using the airbrush
• Generous spray diameter – With up to 7.5cm in diameter available, it’s ideal for larger projects while still being able to handle fine lines
• Simple design – With fewer moving parts, there is less that can go wrong with this airbrush

Cons

• Awkward to clean – The cleaning process can be a little difficult and take some time to get used to

The Paasche TG-3F Talon is a double action gravity feed airbrush that’s made from durable stainless steel in an attractive chrome finish with a gold tinted aluminum back handle and cup lid.

It comes with a generous 0.40-ounce paint capacity but manages to stay well-balanced and easy to hold while spraying. 

The 0.35mm needle is ideal for fine lines as well as wide spray patterns of up to around 4 cm (1.5 inches) which can be achieved by holding the airbrush further away from the project.

It also comes with 3 head sizes and the fan air cap can be adjusted to 0.25mm, 0.38mm, and 0.66mm. 

The TG-3F is generally easy enough to clean with the cut-away handle allowing for fast clog removal though as the needle needs to be taken from the back of the brush, the cleaning process can be a little complicated for airbrush beginners.

One problem with Paasche airbrushes is that the air hose is uniquely fitting to their products which can be inconvenient down the road but as it comes with 2 meters (6 feet) of braided hose, this shouldn’t be a problem.

It also comes with a hanger that allows you to put the airbrush down when not in use, has full instructions, and includes a useful booklet complete with airbrushing lessons.

Pros

• Large capacity – With a 0.40-ounce cup, you can keep spraying for longer though it remains lightweight and easy to hold and use
• Versatile – Ideal for use on both larger and smaller projects
• Fully adjustable – Allows for more versatility when spraying with 3 separate head sizes and a fan air cap that can be adjusted to 0.25mm, 0.38mm, and 0.66mm
• Fast clog removal – The cut-away handle lets you clear away clogs swiftly so you can get on with your painting with a minimum of fuss
• Handy extras – The TG-3F comes with useful extras such as a beginner’s guide, instructions for use, and a convenient hanger

Cons

• Expensive – A little more expensive than most on the list, this airbrush is worth the extra cash but not ideal for those on a tight budget
• Awkward to clean – The cleaning process for the interior can be a little fiddly and awkward for a novice airbrush user
• Uniquely fitting hose – Standard air hoses won’t fit Paasche products so when you need a replacement, you have to go through them (though the product does come with a substantial amount to get you going)

The Iwata-Medea Revolution CR is a very versatile airbrush that comes with a 0.30-ounce gravity feed cup and a 0.50mm needle which is designed for using thicker or heavier paints. 

It has a dual action, internal mix design which is easy to use, though it can struggle with the finest of details. That said, for finer control, you can remove the tip guard though care must be taken as the needle is easily damaged. 

For larger projects such as t-shirts, makeup, camouflage, and bigger models, the Revolution CR is ideal and can produce a spray pattern of up to around 4cm (1.6 inches).

It comes with an ergonomically designed handle, and the trigger mechanism and large needle-chucking nut makes it easy to dismantle and clean.

Pros

• Easy to use – Ergonomically designed and very light and easy to handle
• Easy to clean – Designed to be easy to take apart and cleaned, and even beginners should have no problems reassembling this airbrush
• Great for large items – Ideal for use on a variety of projects involving larger items including t-shirts, makeup, camouflage, and accents on vehicles 

Cons

• Finer items – Struggles with the thinnest of details so not ideal for all airbrushing projects, such as models that require fine details painted

Unlike the other items on this list, the Paasche H-Card Airbrush Set is single action which makes it easy to use, less likely to clog, and useful when you have a substantial amount of repetitive work to get done. 

This means that, while not ideal for more detailed projects, it is perfect for people on a budget who have larger spraying needs such as small pieces of furniture, basic accents on vehicles, and special effect prosthetics.

It is built to last and again it differs from the other items on the list as instead of being a gravity feed airbrush, it’s siphon fed meaning that the 1-ounce bottle it comes with can hold a large amount of paint.

It can produce a spray pattern up to around 4cm (1.6 inches) and cleaning it is relatively easy and just a matter of spraying paint cleaner through the airbrush. 

That said, as it will have more parts than a gravity feed model, cleaning can take a little longer when dismantling is involved. 

Pros

• Easy to use – As a single action airbrush, it’s easy for beginners to get to grips with this product in very little time
• Great for larger jobs – Ideal for spraying larger jobs and repetitive projects undertaken by airbrush beginners
• Cost effective – Tends to be a lower price than most on the list so ideal for airbrush beginners on a budget

Cons

• Not so great for smaller jobs – Smaller, more detailed projects can be problematic with the H-Card
• Harder to clean – Many artists find gravity feed airbrushes easier to clean than siphon fed ones due to the latter having more parts to clean when dismantled.

Before buying your first airbrush, it’s important to understand the various different types that are available and what advantages and disadvantages they all have.

Control Type

The way the trigger on an airbrush operates determines the control type of a particular model which can be divided into 4 categories.

Let’s take a look at each of them in more detail below.

Dual Action

Dual action airbrushes (also known as a double action or dual independent control) get their name from the fact that the trigger does two things. By pressing down on it, you allow the air to pass through the brush, and by pulling backward on the trigger, the paint starts flowing.

The trigger is very sensitive and the more you pull it back, the higher the amount of paint that gets delivered. This allows for adjustments of paint flow while spraying giving the user the maximum amount of control.

Although doing the two actions at once does take a little getting used to, many experts agree that this is the best airbrush control for beginners as well as being the most frequently used control type amongst professionals. 

Single Action

When squeezing the trigger of a single action airbrush you control the airflow and the paint is automatically pushed through, making it feel much like using an aerosol spray can.

While many people do prefer the extra control of a dual action airbrush, others like the simplicity of the single action version and the fact that it’s so easy to use.

Pistol Grip

With a pistol grip airbrush, the clue is in the name as the trigger is situated under the body of the airbrush and looks like the trigger on a pistol.

When activated, an air valve opens which is followed by the paint flow, which can be controlled by the amount of force used to pull the trigger.

Automatic

An automatic (or double dependent) type of control uses a trigger that is designed to automatically start the airflow when the trigger is activated to release the paint.

Feed Type

The feed type is concerned with how paint gets into the airbrush and there are three types to consider.

Again, we’ll take a more detailed look at these below.

Gravity Feed

An airbrush that uses a gravity feed has a paint cup positioned on top of the airbrush. It gets its name as the paint is pulled into the mixing chamber via gravity after which, atomization occurs.

A gravity feed airbrush will continue to feed paint into the mixing chamber regardless of the amount of air pressure, meaning that, unlike a siphon fed model, it can work at low pressure levels. This is particularly important when fine lines are being painted as it will mean less overspray occurs.

Siphon Feed

Siphon feed airbrushes have a cup or bottle on the bottom of the airbrush with a tube running through it. As the air gets pulled to the top of the tube, the paint is siphoned into the mixing chamber and atomized.

The paint bottles on siphon feed airbrushes tend to be larger and therefore can hold more paint, which is especially beneficial when painting larger projects as it reduces the amount of time you need to stop to refill your paint bottle.

Side Feed

Side feed airbrushes are something in between the other two. They can use a cup or a bottle to either siphon or use the gravity method to get the paint into the mixing chamber.

While it seems that side feeder airbrushes have the best of both worlds, they tend to be unpopular as they are difficult to clean and are prone to paint leakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best airbrush for beginners?

For a dual action, gravity feed airbrush, you can’t go wrong with the Iwata-Medea Eclipse HP CS.

However, if you want a single action, siphon feed airbrush, then the Paasche H-Card Airbrush Set would make a great choice for beginners.

What should I look for when buying an airbrush?

While there is no one correct answer to this question, there are some guidelines that can help. The best airbrushes tend to use an internal mix, have a dual action trigger and use a gravity feed, especially if finer spraying is needed.

However, if ease of use is your priority and you only have larger areas to cover a single action, siphon feed airbrush may be the option for you. 

Is airbrushing hard to learn?

Like most forms of artistic endeavor, airbrushing will take a very short time to learn, but a lifetime to master. The basic principles are simple and with a little time and effort, you will be channeling your creative side in no time.

However, if you want to develop further and continue to improve, you will need to be willing to be constantly learning new things.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon  salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Buttercream or Cream Cheese Frosting
• 2 Cups Shredded Coconut (sweetened or unsweetened depending on your preference)
• 6 regular sized marshmallows
• Pink sugar

Directions:

Make the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 F and line one 12-cup standard muffin tin with cupcake liners. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy about 2 minutes. Add the melted butter and vanilla and mix until combined. Add half the dry ingredients and continue to mix until just combined. Then add the milk and the rest of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not over mix). Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake tins. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool the cupcakes completely on a wire rack. Once cupcakes have cooled, frost using a piping bag or small offset spatula/knife.

Place the shredded coconut in a shallow dish. Lightly roll the top of each cupcake in the coconut.

Using a sharp knife, cut each marshmallow in half at a diagonal. These will be the bunny ears.

Dip the flat side of each marshmallow half into the pink sugar.

Now, just press two marshmallow “ears” into the top of the cupcake. This is your cute bunny cupcake! Super simple, right?

Blending with colored pencils can be fun and enhance your work, creating lots of depth. However, it can feel a little daunting. Usually, it is oil pastels we think of for our dreamy blending skills, but no more! 

The colored pencil is here to reclaim its position, and here is how to blend colored pencils. 

How to blend

As with most things in this world, there is more than one method! There are a few ways you can blend colored pencils, with each offering a different look. An excellent way to find the best way for you is trial and error. 

We will now look at these in closer detail. Why not make the most of a rainy Sunday and give them all a whirl? 

Layering Pencils

Let’s start with the easiest method: layering pencils. You can add a colorless blending pencil to your art supplies to make this method more manageable, or simply use your existing colored pencils. 

The colors can be blended by layering light layers of each color over one another. The key to success here is light layers; a heavy layer will make it challenging to blend the color; it is better to start slow with a very light hand. 

When you want to change, start with a slight overlap in the middle and progressively overlap each layer a little further. This should result in a gradual change of color. 

Colorless blending pencils can be a useful tool to have. They will blend your colors without adding any more color to work. To use a colorless blending pencil, create a light layer as the base of your work. Next, add a thin layer of your lightest color. You can continue with your colors as usual then. 

Dark colors can be difficult to blend, so the blending pencil and light color should help with this issue. This method requires little additional tools and is easy to get to grips with. 

Smudging

For those after a different outcome, you can use paper and tortillons to smudge the colored pencils. The paper does not have to be costly; soft tissue or a paper towel can work well for this method. 

Tortillons, or blending stumps, are traditionally used for charcoal but work well for smudging colored pencils. The result is fine-tuned blending, although it can be costly for some budgets. A similar effect can be achieved with cotton swabs. 

These dry blending tools work best with a heavy layer of colored pencil. You can then use your smudgers over the color to blend them. They do lift the color from the paper, giving grainier results than other methods.  

It may take some time to get the pencil’s layer right before the smudging, depending on how many colors the paper can hold. Remember, trial and error is all part of the fun and creative process; just enjoy yourself! 

Blending with solvents 

Perhaps the more advanced option is using solvents to help blend your colored pencils. Generally, this method should only be used on sturdy paper. The best way to ascertain this is to test a small patch and let it dry. If there is any damage or warping, then the paper is not suitable. 

There are a few options within solvents you can try to achieve your desired blend. Colorless solvent markers are great for softening and blending colored pencils, creating a watercolor-like effect. You may want to consider using watercolor pencils, as they can be blended with water and provide a more saturated color on the paper. 

Turpenoid or other oil-based solvents dissolve the wax allowing colored pencils to blend. It creates one of the strongest blends but is toxic. It is essential to be careful and follow all the necessary safety precautions when using an oil-based solvent. 

Rubbing alcohol can be used to create a lighter blend. It needs to be 70% or less so that you don’t lose any pigment. If you want a stronger blend, rubber cement thinner can be used. 

When using a solvent on colored pencils, gentle is the best approach. Use a paintbrush, cotton swab, or cotton ball, and take your time. It is easy to disturb the paper surface or rub off the pigment. Thicker layers of the colored pencil are less likely to damage the drawing and will blend better.  

It is worth testing the pencils and solvents before beginning, as they all react slightly differently to one another. Samples are a good idea, making a note of the combinations to save time on future pieces. 

Factors to consider 

When it comes to blending colored pencils, the materials you use can impact your outcome. 

The paper you use will make a massive difference depending on your method of choice. Cheaper wood pulp-based paper is made with short fibers that break off easily and do not hold pigment well. 

They can struggle with the pressure of a layered pencil, causing the paper to distort and tear. Be sure to look for good quality paper which is designed for colored pencils. 

The pencils you use are also important. Each brand of colored pencils will produce different results. Some can look chalky when blended and are difficult to blend. Pencils with a softer wax base tend to blend better and are worth keeping an eye out for. 

The colors of these pencils will blend differently, too. Some colors are driers than others, while some can be granular or more opaque. They can all blend differently again, depending on the amount of pigment in them. These can vary from manufacturers and also colors within the same brand.

Usually, it is a trial and error to find the combination of paper and pencils that works best for you. The best way to do this is often with some scrap paper and a spare afternoon or two.

Final word

As you can see, there are a few different ways you can blend colored pencils. The simplest is to use the pencils themselves in layers or with a colorless blending pencil.

Solvent-based blending or smudging are also excellent methods, depending on your preference. 

It is worth experimenting and seeing what style you like best, you never know, you might be surprised at the answer! 

What is a Sport-Brella?

You know how a beach umbrella is not really stable–they tend to fly off with the ocean breeze. And, those sun tents–they work great, but they are huge and heavy and a pain to lug around. Well, the Sport-Brella is basically the opposite. It is basically an umbrella that combines the best features from a beach umbrella and a weather or sun tent.

The Sport-Brella opens just like an umbrella. It is compact just like an umbrella. However, once open–the Sport-Brella has side flaps that you stake down to the ground. What you have is basically a sun tent like structure, which provides the best in both sun and weather protection.

Sport Brella Size

The Sport-Brella comes in two sizes–the original {8 feet wide} and the larger XL {9 feet wide}. Both sizes have a UPF 50+ sun protection rating, side flaps, wind vents, and take seconds to set up. Literally seconds.

I know Summer is winding down and naturally so will trips to the beach and pool. However, sun protection is important year round. Plus, this is perfect for sporting events. Just keep the Sport-Brella in the car and take it out whenever you need protection from the rain or the sun!

Sport-Brella Premiere XL UPF 50+ Umbrella Shelter for Sun and Rain Protection (9-Foot, Blue)

• 9-foot umbrella canopy features UPF 50 plus sun and weather protection for the beach, camping, sporting events, concerts and festivals
• Oversized umbrella provides privacy and maximum protection from the sun’s rays and rain with two patented side panels; stow-away clips store the flaps when not in use
• A heavy-duty 1.25” center pole for maximum durability; zippered windows allow for airflow and prevent the umbrella from blowing away
• The oversized auger bit with an integrated twist handle easily and securely anchors the umbrella in sand, grass, and dirt; included stakes offer extra security
• Internal pockets store a phone, snacks, or other gear; carry bag, stakes, and guy lines are included; packed umbrella measures 61×4.4×2.8 inches and weighs 9 pounds

Buy the Sport-Brella at select retailers across the country or online.

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How to for Kids, Recipes / By Sanita

Super Cute, Super Simple Easter Bunny Cupcakes Ingredients 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon  salt 2 large eggs 2/3 cup sugar 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup whole milk Buttercream or Cream Cheese Frosting 2 Cups Shredded Coconut (sweetened or unsweetened depending on …

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This Valentine’s Day recipe is quick and easyl. This is a big hit at my son’s birthday party. To keep it simple and cute, we are making these adorable cookie pops. These are super easy to make and make such a big impact. Plus, kids love them! Easy & Quick Cookie Pops for Valentine’s Day …

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Simple & Cute Ways to Package Goods for a Bake Sale Now that it’s officially fall and schools are in full swing, there will surely be a bake sale or two in your near future! We actually had one right at the beginning of the school year and it was such a great way to …

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Years ago, I learned the easiest, most foolproof method of cooking bacon. In the oven. There’s no mess, no splatters, no fuss, and you can cook up a huge batch of bacon all at one time without even breaking a sweat. Best of all, oven baked bacon always turns out perfectly crispy–just like bacon should …

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Easy No Bake Christmas Cookies: ‘NILLA Holiday Cookie Bites Recipe One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is make cookies! Unfortunately, I (along with every other mom) am also so busy around this time of the year. That’s why I love when I discover an simple treats to serve at holiday …

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If you’re a complete beginner and don’t know this, we’re telling you now: having a good set of paintbrushes is the key to achieving your desired painting style and application.

Paintbrushes can be one of those products where amateurs fail to understand the difference between the cheapest brushes and the ones of a higher quality.

However, paintbrushes can differ dramatically depending on their brand, the materials they’re made of, their brush shape, and bristle quality. 

In this article, not only have we put together a list of the best acrylic brushes out there, but we’ve also made a Buyer’s Guide, containing everything you need to know about brush shape, quality, and brands, so you can make an informed decision before you buy. 

Short on time? Let’s take a look at our top pick…

If you’re new to acrylics, or to painting in general, you might be wondering about the different brush shapes and the purpose of each. Here’s a quick breakdown of the standard brush shapes every amateur artist should have…

The two main brush types are flat and round, but they can be broken down into further subcategories like angular, filbert, round, fan, and comb.

Flat or rectangular brushes have square ends and flexible bristles that can hold a lot of paint. When used flat, they can make long, thick strokes and are well suited to filling in large areas of color. You can also use the tip and sides for more delicate lines and small touches.

Round and pointed brushes are characterized by their large belly that tapers to a fine point. These create bold strokes and smooth curves and can also render fine lines and details. They’re also widely used in watercolors.

Brush Size

For each brush shape, there are different sizes. These range from 0000 right up to size 24. Generally, mid-size brushes are the most versatile, small would be used for detail work, and large-size brushes are best for painting large areas. 

If you’re new to acrylics, start with mid-sized brushes (sizes 6 to 8) and then branch out according to your painting style and ambitions. 

Handle length

You may also notice that different brands of paintbrushes can have different length handles.

Long-handled brushes are great for easel work as they allow you to paint from a distance and see all of your work at once, while those with shorter handles are best for detailed work as they provide better control. 

Bristle type

Paintbrushes usually have natural bristles or synthetic bristles. While natural bristles can be great for the heavy texture of oil paint, these aren’t best suited to acrylic paints as the natural hairs can be damaged by acrylic paint over time. Plus, natural bristles don’t fare well if they’re left sitting in water. 

While Synthetic bristles are often cheaper, they’re actually better suited to acrylics and are a lot more versatile. Synthetic bristles come in a range of stiff and soft varieties – usually made from nylon or polyester – and are made to mimic the feel and performance of natural-hair bristles. 

Synthetic bristles work well with acrylics because they aren’t damaged by the acrylic resin, are easy to clean, and can be left sitting in water.

While they don’t hold their shape quite as successfully as natural-hair brushes, high-quality synthetic bristle brushes are pretty durable if cared for correctly, and usually cost less.

If you prefer natural bristles, you can still use these with acrylics, but they need a more thorough cleaning to remove oils or turpentine, as these repel acrylic paint, and they shouldn’t be left sitting in water for very long. 

Brush quality

You don’t exactly need to splash out on the most expensive brushes on the web, but quality is definitely something to consider, as cheap brushes often shed their bristles easily and this can be problematic and frustrating if these start coming off in your paint.

Look out for brushes that have double-crimped metal ferrules that won’t rust. Also, ensure the handles are coated and that the brushes won’t split when left sitting in water. 

Price point

How much you spend on brushes is entirely up to you, and you should adjust your budget according to your experience in painting.

It’s likely that $5 brushes just aren’t going to cut it for an artist with relative experience, but for a kid or a beginner, these will probably do the job and won’t break the bank. 

As you gain experience and start to understand more about different brush types and techniques, then you can branch out and spend a little more, if you wish.

It’s also worth shopping around the middle price point (around $10-$35) as this is where you’ll usually find that the brushes that come with a carry case, and perhaps a paint knife or watercolor sponge, too. 

Cleaning

When painting with fast-drying acrylics you should clean your brushes quickly after using them, as it’s possible to destroy your brushes if you allow the paint to dry on the bristles. You can avoid your acrylic paint drying on the brush by only using one brush at a time.

Once you’re done using that one brush, you can clean it and move onto the next brush. Avoid getting paint on the ferrule and don’t rest your paintbrush in a cup of water with the bristles facing downwards, as you’ll end up with wonky bristles. 

Before heading to the sink to rinse your paintbrush, squeeze out the excess paint from the bristles using a paper towel. Then swish the brush around in a cup of water to clean off any excess paint, and dry the brush using the paper towel.

Rinse your brush in lukewarm water and squeeze the bristles to get rid of any leftover paint. You can also use special artist’s soap to clean the bristles thoroughly. Once you’ve removed all of the paint, dry the bristles once more and store your paintbrush horizontally allowing it to dry thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need special brushes for acrylic paint?

No, you don’t. However, it’s best not to use brushes with natural bristles, as these are best suited to oil paints and don’t cope well with acrylics.

Because of this, the best brushes for acrylic paints tend to be those with synthetic bristles, and these are usually easier to clean and cheaper, too.

Can you use makeup brushes for acrylic painting?

Yes, you can. Make-up brushes tend to have synthetic bristles which makes them ideal for acrylic paints. Another reason why they’re well-suited to acrylics is that they have short bristles, which means you can have better control when painting. 

Generally, makeup brushes have smooth, flexible bristles and come in as many variations as paintbrushes do: from fan styles to round, thin to thick. They’re also easy to clean and are pretty affordable when compared to the cost of high-end paintbrushes. 

Some people also suggest that makeup brushes don’t shed as easily as cheap paintbrushes do. 

How do you avoid brush strokes in acrylics?

If you want to achieve solid blocks of acrylic color without visible brush strokes, there are several ways to achieve this effect. You can start with a pre-gessoed smooth panel or apply your own gesso and wet sand between coats. You could also use a soft brush and use thinner paint with it, or alternatively, swap your brush for a spray, roller, or even a squeegee.

It’s also a good idea to select colors carefully – go for colors that are opaque, not transparent, as otherwise, it’s very difficult to avoid brush strokes. You could also try golden fluid acrylics rather than heavy body paints, or even house paints, as these have a “flatter” color.