Choosing the right paintbrush can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re just starting out. With so many shapes, sizes, and materials available, it’s easy to end up with brushes that don’t suit your style or medium.

To help you avoid wasting time (and money), here are five common mistakes beginners make when buying brushes — and how to choose the right ones for your creative journey.

1. Buying the Wrong Type of Bristle.

Not all bristles are created equal. Different fibers behave very differently depending on the paint you use.

  • Synthetic bristles are best for acrylics and watercolor, because they don’t absorb too much water and are easier to clean.
  • Natural bristles (like hog hair) are ideal for oil painting, since they hold thicker paint better.
Pro Tip: If you use mixed media or switch between acrylic and watercolor, choose a versatile synthetic set — it’ll give you the best balance between control and flexibility.

 


2. Ignoring Brush Shapes

Every brush shape has a different purpose. Beginners often buy one or two flat brushes and try to use them for everything — which makes painting harder than it needs to be.

Pro Tip: Start with a set that includes multiple shapes — you’ll quickly discover which ones match your style.
  • Round brushes are great for detail and line work.
  • Flat brushes cover large areas and create sharp edges.
  • Filbert brushes blend colors smoothly.
  • Fan brushes add texture and soft transitions.
Check out 15 PCS ARTIFY Oil Paint Brushes Set Versatile Brush Set for reference — it’s featured in the video below showing how different brush tips work in real time.


3. Choosing Quantity Over Quality

It’s tempting to grab the biggest, cheapest brush pack you can find, but low-quality brushes shed, lose shape, and can ruin your painting experience.

 You don’t need hundreds of brushes — you just need the right variety and reliable quality.

    Pro Tip: Look for brushes with secure ferrules, soft but springy bristles, and comfortable handles. They’ll last longer and perform much better.


    4. Forgetting About Brush Size Variety

    Beginners often stick to one or two sizes — usually medium — and struggle with both detail and coverage. In reality, having a range from fine liners to large flats gives you flexibility for different subjects and techniques.

    Pro Tip: Think of brush sizes as tools for scale:
    • Small = detail and outlines
    • Medium = shapes and blending
    • Large = backgrounds and washes

     

    5. Not Testing Before Buying (or Buying Without Guidance)

    Without trying the brushes or reading reviews, it’s easy to end up with stiff, uneven, or poorly balanced tools.

    If possible, test a few strokes before committing to a full set — or start with a curated beginner-friendly set designed for multiple media.

    The Easy Fix: Start with a Well-Rounded Set.

    If you’re new to painting and want to skip the guesswork, try a set that’s already designed for beginners — like the ARTIFY 24 pcs Enhanced Synthetic Brush Set, it includes: 

    • 24 different brushes covering all major shapes and sizes — perfect for watercolor, acrylic, and gouache.

    • Soft synthetic bristles that hold paint beautifully while being easy to clean.

    • Durable, non-slip handles for comfortable grip during long sessions.

    • A portable, foldable case that keeps everything organized and travel-ready.

    See how it performs:

    Watch how Milena Guberinic reviews and test ARTIFY 24 pcs Enhanced Synthetic Brush Set with watercolor paints in real time. Watch the full Instagram review here. Whether you’re exploring your first canvas or refining your technique, the Artify 24 Pcs Brush Set gives you the freedom to experiment — without worrying about the tools.