10 Best Watercolor Brushes 2025 in the UK

The Winsor & Newton Foundation Water Colour Short Handle 6 Pack offers a versatile selection of brushes designed for watercolor artists of all levels. This set includes a variety of brush shapes—round, flat, filbert, splatter, and mop—each serving different painting techniques. Round brushes are great for fine lines and details, while filberts handle broader, softer strokes well. Flat brushes excel at bold, sweeping marks and can also create sharp lines. The included splatter brush is useful for even washes and blending larger areas, and the mop brush helps with applying or lifting water and color efficiently.

These brushes feature synthetic bristles, which are durable and easier to clean compared to natural hair, making them a practical choice for beginners or casual painters. Their short handles provide good control, especially for close work, though some artists might prefer longer handles for more relaxed hand positioning and varied grip. The set is lightweight and well-rated, reflecting quality and user satisfaction. However, if you require highly specialized brushes or natural hair for specific textures, this synthetic set might feel limiting.

This brush pack is a solid, well-rounded option for anyone looking to explore watercolor painting with reliable tools that cover a wide range of brush strokes and techniques.

The Princeton Neptune Fine Art Watercolours Brushes Pro Set features a collection of four synthetic squirrel brushes, designed for both professionals and students in watercolor painting. The set includes varied brush shapes such as Aquarelle 3/4", Round 4, Round 12, and Oval Wash 1/2", catering to different painting styles ranging from broad strokes to fine details. The brushes are praised for their soft and supple synthetic bristles that closely mimic natural squirrel hair, providing impressive water retention and smooth pigment delivery, essential for vibrant watercolor art. This characteristic makes them notably 'thirsty,' enabling artists to paint fluidly without constantly reloading the brush with paint or water.

The brushes come with short handles, suitable for detailed work and closer control, which is particularly beneficial for artists who prefer precision in their work. The synthetic material promises durability and an animal-friendly option, appealing to those conscious about ethical sourcing. This set also stands out due to its affordability compared to natural squirrel brushes, offering excellent value for its quality.

Despite these strengths, users looking for long, full-sized handles might find these less comfortable for broader, sweeping gestures. While synthetic bristles offer a commendable alternative, some purists might still prefer natural hair for the subtle differences in feel and performance. These brushes have been well-received, indicating satisfaction with their performance and value. This set is ideally suited for artists seeking versatile, high-quality brushes that can efficiently handle various watercolor techniques without the premium cost of natural hair brushes.

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Synthetic Brushes Pack of 7 offers a variety of brush shapes and sizes that cater well to different watercolor painting techniques. The set includes round brushes for fine details, a rigger brush for lines and scroll work, a one stroke brush for broad strokes, a filbert brush for soft edges, and an angled brush for detailed or curved strokes.

This variety makes the set versatile, supporting various artistic needs effectively. The synthetic fibers used in these brushes are mixed in thickness, giving them excellent spring and superior paint loading capacity. This blend enhances the brushes' ability to carry and release watercolors efficiently.

Additionally, the nickel-plated brass ferrules help prevent corrosion and clogging, making the brushes easy to clean and durable. The short handles are designed to provide balance and comfort during use, which can be especially beneficial during long painting sessions. However, as synthetic brushes, they may not offer the same performance as natural hair brushes in certain techniques that require extra finesse. For amateur and professional artists alike, these brushes offer a reliable and balanced choice, though some might prefer natural bristle options for specific applications.