Artist Brushes

Brushes for Watercolor

Watercolor paint brushes typically feature long, absorbent natural hairs, synthetic filaments, or a blend of the two. These brushes traditionally have short handles so artists can work close to the surface and have more control over fine details. High-end watercolor brushes, such as Kolinsky sable pointed rounds, are prized for their ability to hold a fine point, which is useful for detail work. The best watercolor brushes are known for their water-holding and paint-holding abilities, plus their resiliency and spring (the ability to return to their original shape).

The high cost and scarcity of high-quality natural fibers in recent years have encouraged the development of high-performing, lower-cost synthetic alternatives that perform as well or better than natural hair brushes in many cases. Another benefit of synthetic watercolor brushes is that they can also be used with other media.

Da Vinci

I use DaVinci brushes for most of my paintings, along with a few other brands.

Their craftsmanship is second to none! Each brush pays particular attention to detail and precision. Their reputation for excellence speaks for itself. Their choice of sizes and styles is remarkable.

When I am working on fine details, like the eyes of an animal, delicate fur, or a wash of color, I know I can find the perfect brush in my stash of brushes.

The bristles hold the perfect amount of paint and water making your painting effortless with impeccable blending and smoothing application. The quality of their brushes is unparalleled to many. Their bristles hold up to frequent use and maintain their shape, with dedication to cleaning and drying procedures which ensure that they will be some of my cherished brushes in my artistic journey.

About DaVinci

For three generations, Da Vinci has created the highest quality artist and specialty brushes. Today, the business offers the largest selection of artist brushes in the world. Each brush is crafted with pride to Da Vinci's exacting standards. Using the finest raw materials available, skilled brushmakers draw on centuries-old wisdom and input from contemporary professional artists. Utilizing the latest technical innovations, they create brushes of unsurpassed beauty, quality, and endurance.

Hans-Friedrich Defet was well-educated in the traditions of brushmaking, learning from both his grandfather and father the history of brushmaking in Nuremberg, Germany. Until the end of the 17th century, each artist had to make his painting tools. During the 18th century, an ambitious crafts guild started to master the art of brush binding, relieving the artist of this burden. As this guild increased its expertise through experience and experimentation, the young trade was soon booming in the commercial town of Nuremberg. The city soon gained a worldwide reputation for brush-making.

As time progressed, Da Vinci Brushes gained a reputation as the leader in quality brushmaking. Mr. Defet had an idea for his brushes - properly made, a natural hair brush should have excellent colour holding capacity, a lively elasticity, and should quickly regain the original shape the brushmaker formed when new paint is absorbed. These features result in a highly precise, elastic instrument. This performance has made Da Vinci the first choice among accomplished artists. By selecting only the finest quality hair, the brush can be used delicately or aggressively and gives the artist optimum results whether he is a realist painter or an abstractionist. Selecting the right hair is of the utmost importance for this flexibility.

At the beginning of the new millennium, Da Vinci began building a new factory from the ground up. It is the most modern brush factory in the world today.

Princeton Velvet Touch

More than a brush, Princeton Velvetouch is next-generation technology!
Containing a blend of luxurious NextGen synthetic filaments, Princeton Velvetouch Synthetic Brushes are the ultimate mixed media tool for watercolors, acrylics, and oil paints. The Velvetouch line includes a full range of traditional shapes, plus specialty brushes such as long rounds with exceptionally sharp points, oval mops, script liners, and spotters for precise painting and maximum color control.

The NextGen synthetic filament in Velvetouch brushes is the result of seven years of research and development by Naohide Takamoto, a fifth-generation brushmaker and the grandson of the inventor of Taklon, the first artist-grade synthetic brush fiber. Takamoto continues to dedicate himself to the development of synthetics that outperform their natural hair equivalents.

Princeton Velvetouch Synthetic Brush has a soft-finish wood handle to complement the enhanced performance and experience of the Velvetouch filaments, resulting in a brush that feels as good in the hand as it does when applying paint to paper, canvas, and other surfaces.

Princeton Aqua Elite

Designed specifically for watercolor, Princeton Aqua Elite Series 4850 Brushes deliver pro-level performance at an affordable price. Crafted with NextGen synthetic fibers that closely mimic the look, performance, and durability of natural Kolinsky brushes, these brushes offer maximum color-holding capacity, excellent shape retention, and fine points with tapered edges for precise detail work. The comfortable matte black handles make them perfect for extended painting sessions.

About Princeton

More than 25 years ago, Howard Kaufman began a small brush business in the basement of his home in Princeton, New Jersey.

Previously the president of one of the world’s largest art supply manufacturers, Kaufman had gained a vast knowledge of brush making and an understanding of the needs and desires of artists. He believed that by focusing on innovation, value, and the best service, he would always have an appreciative audience for his products. 

Enter Naohide Takamoto, a third-generation member of Japan’s revered Takamoto brushmaking family. The two worked tirelessly to create the best synthetic sable, beginning with Princeton’s flagship Series 4050 Heritage Synthetic Sable brushes.

Over the years, Kaufman and his team have continued to innovate and set the industry standard for hair and handle technology, producing the Neptune, Catalyst Polytip, and Velvetouch range of brushes and tools.

Today, Princeton Artist Brush Company is one of the largest suppliers of artist brushes in North America and continues to offer innovative brushes for all types of media that extend beyond the artist’s basic arsenal of shapes. Natural and synthetic brushes for oil and acrylic paints are joined by Princeton watercolor brushes. Available in budget-friendly brush value packs, Princeton RealValue Brush Sets bring together the most popular shapes and sizes for use with a variety of media. True to the Princeton tradition, every Princeton brush is handcrafted and tested to ensure beautifully consistent performance. 

Although Princeton Artist Brush Company has expanded, it is still located near its roots in Princeton, New Jersey. Today Kaufman, his family, and a team of expert craftsmen continue to invent tools that move paint, with a passion for both the tools themselves and the artists that use them.