Natural hair paintbrushes can be made from a variety of hair types—badger hair, camel hair, hog bristle, mongoose hair, sable, ox hair, pony hair, sabeline, or squirrel. Paintbrushes made from natural hair can be used for watercolor, oil painting, or acrylic, depending on the strength and texture of the hair. Stronger hairs are needed for thick-bodied paints like oil and acrylic. Course hairs can be ideal for blending oil paint. Otherwise, natural hair is ideal for thin-bodied watercolors.
Natural hair paintbrushes that are best for watercolor include:
- Camel hair;
- Sable (Kolinsky or red);
- Ox hair;
- Pony hair;
- Sabeline; and
- Squirrel hair.
Natural hair paintbrushes that are best for oil painting include:
- Badger hair;
- Hog bristle;
- Mongoose hair; and
- Sable (Kolinsky, red, or black).
Natural hair paintbrushes that are best for acrylic include:
- Hog bristle;
- Mongoose hair; and
- Pony hair.
EXPERT TIP: Synthetic hair paintbrushes are a versatile option that can be used for all media, including gouache. Remember that gouache is an opaque watercolor. The chalky component that gives it its opaque quality also makes it a thicker medium that requires a stronger brush.
It’s also important to select a brush that can hold a fine point over time. The higher quality the brush, the easier it is to control and paint small details. It’s worth investing in higher-quality brushes, as the quality can affect the outcome of the painting.