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  3. 10 Best Brush Sets for Artists UK 2023 | Daler, Rowney, Winsor & Newton and More
  • 10 Best Brush Sets for Artists UK 2023 | Daler, Rowney, Winsor & Newton and More 1
  • 10 Best Brush Sets for Artists UK 2023 | Daler, Rowney, Winsor & Newton and More 2
  • 10 Best Brush Sets for Artists UK 2023 | Daler, Rowney, Winsor & Newton and More 3
  • 10 Best Brush Sets for Artists UK 2023 | Daler, Rowney, Winsor & Newton and More 4
  • 10 Best Brush Sets for Artists UK 2023 | Daler, Rowney, Winsor & Newton and More 5

10 Best Brush Sets for Artists UK 2023 | Daler, Rowney, Winsor & Newton and More

No matter your skill level when it comes to painting, taking the time to nurture your creative side is hugely rewarding. If you're looking to take your art to the next level, or perhaps your old set of paintbrushes are beginning to look past their best, it might be time to invest in a new brush set.


Whether you're a professional, hobbyist, beginner or student, in this article, we share our tips on finding the best brush sets for artists. From watercolours to oils, the cheap to the expensive, we've ranked the top 10 natural and synthetic paintbrush selections in the UK on Amazon and John Lewis to help you add to the canvas in a way that will complete your artistic vision!

Last updated 27/01/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Brush Set for Artists in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose a Set With a Wide Range of Brushes
  2. Check the Brush’s Features Are Compatible With the Type of Art You’re Doing 
  3. Select a Set With a Case to Keep Your Tools Safe

① Make Sure You Choose a Set That Includes Differently-Shaped Brushes So That You Always Have What You Need

Make Sure You Choose a Set That Includes Differently-Shaped Brushes So That You Always Have What You Need

Look For Sets With 10 or More Brushes Included So That You Always Have a Clean One to Hand

To stop the need for constant washing up and replacing of brushes, find a set that comes with a large selection. This means you'll have more clean options ready to go and is especially good if multiple people are using the set. Sets with 10 or more brushes are a great place to start, although you can find some as large as 60 pieces or more. 

Choose a Set That Offers a Range of Brush Heads Such as Pointed Ones for Detailing and Rounded Ones for Filling in Large Spaces

As the saying goes, you can't paint everything with the same brush. To stay in control while painting, you want to be able to reach for a paintbrush that is precisely the right size and shape for what you need. For example, a small, pointed head is great for adding details, whereas a large rounded or rectangular head will allow for more canvas coverage to fill large gaps. 


Check that a set has the brushes you think you'll need the most. Not every brush in every set will be different, and some will have multiple brushes with heads of the same shape. Be aware that some less complicated sets, such as those designed for children, will generally have less choice. 


Tend to work in a sketchbook before hitting the canvas? Take a look at our list of the best ones to buy in the UK!

② Decide on the Right Bristles and Handles Depending on Whether You’re Working With Oil or Water-Based Paints

Decide on the Right Bristles and Handles Depending on Whether You’re Working With Oil or Water-Based Paints

Opt For Wooden Handles for a Sturdy Feel and an Attractive Brush, or Choose Plastic for a Lighter, Cheaper Option

Wood is by far the most commonly used material for paintbrush handles. It not only looks lovely but feels good to hold. However, these will degrade quicker, and you may find that the paint or varnish begins to chip away over time.


Some paintbrush handles are made from plastic, especially those created for children. Plastic is a lighter material than wood, making them easy to hold. But, unfortunately, a plastic handle often signifies a lower quality brush.

Go For Bristles Made From Natural Hair for Painting With Oil-Based Paints, or Synthetic Bristles for Water-Based Paints

Traditionally, paintbrushes were always made using natural hair from animals like hogs, horses and badgers. These days, it's far more common to see bristles made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, but natural brushes haven't disappeared completely. 


Natural bristles work well with oil-based alkyd paints as they are stiffer. On the other hand, soft synthetic bristles are better for water-based latex paint, including acrylics, watercolours and gouache. This being said, there is a lot of crossover, and plenty of synthetic brushes are just as suitable for use with oil paints. So if you want to avoid animal products, you can!


Need a new set of watercolour paints?

③ Select a Set That Comes With a Case to Keep Your Brushes Tidy and Safe

Select a Set That Comes With a Case to Keep Your Brushes Tidy and Safe

Set will often come with a case to make it easier to store your brushes and keep track of them all. These cases provide slots for each brush, keeping them separate and meaning you'll be ready to go the next time you feel compelled to the canvas. 


Look to see whether the case has a roll or zip-up design. Rolls lay out flat, clearly displaying all of the brushes, and can be tied together into a log shape for easy storage and transportation. Zip cases fold open like a book and are made using a harder outer material to keep your brushes better protected against knocks. 

10 Best Brush Set for Artists

Now to introduce the ranking for the most popular Brush Sets for Artistss. Ranking based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide, independent of the editorial department (updated 16-01-2023).
Products
Image
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Points
1

Artify

Paint Brushes Art Set

Artify Paint Brushes Art Set 1枚目

The Complete Set of 36 Brushes With an Ergonomic Design That Every Artist Should Own

2

Art Supply Central

14 Piece Artist Brush Set

Art Supply Central 14 Piece Artist Brush Set 1枚目

14 Beautiful Hand-Crafted Brushes in a Lovely Case From a UK-Based Company

3

Rock Ninja

Paint Brush Set

Rock Ninja Paint Brush Set 1枚目

A Stylish Set of Hard-Wearing, Waterproof Brushes With Tight Metal Ferrules

4

Snow Cooler

Art Paint Brushes Set

Snow Cooler Art Paint Brushes Set 1枚目

A Set of Artists Brushes Complete With a Sponge, Palette Knife and a Tidy Case

5

Mont Marte

Premium Brush Wallet Set

Mont Marte Premium Brush Wallet Set 1枚目

A Huge Selection of Brushes Available With Both Natural or Synthetic Heads

6

Daler Rowney

Gold Taklon Brush Zip Case

Daler Rowney Gold Taklon Brush Zip Case 1枚目

10 Brushes in a Range of Shapes and Sizes Complete With a Zip-up Case

7

Amazon Basics

Detail Paint Brush Set

Amazon Basics Detail Paint Brush Set 1枚目

A Basic Set of Brushes With Ultra-Fine Tips for Achieving a Precise Level of Detail

8

Kanoson

Children's Artist Paint Brushes Set

Kanoson Children's Artist Paint Brushes Set 1枚目

Artists Brushes Specifically Designed for Kids With Light but Hard-Wearing Plastic Handles

9

Winsor & Newton

Watercolour Brushes

Winsor & Newton Watercolour Brushes 1枚目

A Great Set of 5 Affordable Brushes for Creating a Watercolour Masterpiece

10

TyrKuiy

Watercolour Brushes Set

TyrKuiy Watercolour Brushes Set 1枚目

Flat Brushes With High-Quality Bristles for Creating Masterpieces With Watercolour Paints

Product details
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No.1

The Complete Set of 36 Brushes With an Ergonomic Design That Every Artist Should Own

Whether you're applying minor details or large strokes, with this set of 36 brushes, you'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for. The natural-haired brushes are extremely elastic and resistant to fraying, preventing them from flaring and falling out.


The ergonomic wrap-around design means that all the brushes disappear into one easy-to-carry case. This makes it an ideal buy for students and artists who like to travel from place to place with their art supplies. We adore this brush selection, and we're sure you will too!

 

No.2

Art Supply Central14 Piece Artist Brush Set

£29.95

14 Beautiful Hand-Crafted Brushes in a Lovely Case From a UK-Based Company

Forget about the canvas, these brushes are works of art all by themselves! The UK-based company behind this set know what goes into creating quality art supplies, and it shows. All 14 are beautifully hand-crafted, helping you become the next Picasso or Van Gough in no time. 


This set includes all the brush heads you'd expect and, thanks to the choice of natural and synthetic brushes, they work with most types of paint. To top it all off, the wallet for storing them is easy to use and looks great.

No.3

Rock NinjaPaint Brush Set

£17.99

A Stylish Set of Hard-Wearing, Waterproof Brushes With Tight Metal Ferrules

Every style of brush you could want is contained within this set. The tight metal ferrules ensure that no bristles will fall out, so you can guarantee that these brushes will last! In addition to this, they are highly waterproof, only improving their longevity and durability. 


Being short-handled makes them easier to use, which will appeal to painting newbies. And, once you're done painting and have washed up all your brushes, you can use the clever case as a drying stand.

No.4

Snow CoolerArt Paint Brushes Set

£19.99

A Set of Artists Brushes Complete With a Sponge, Palette Knife and a Tidy Case

This neat case isn't just filled with brushes to help you improve your art. The set includes a sponge that you can use for a range of techniques and a palette knife to get your paint ready.


Everyone from beginners to professional artists can enjoy this comprehensive kit. You can even use the case as a stand, so you can rest your brushes at an angle and have them ready for you when you need them. 

No.5

Mont MartePremium Brush Wallet Set

£28.99

A Huge Selection of Brushes Available With Both Natural or Synthetic Heads

This set has a huge selection when it comes to the size and style of brush head. You also get the choice of using natural or synthetic fibres, so you can pick according to the paint you're using. 


These brushes specify they can be used with tempera paint, a paint that's similar to acrylic but with better opacity. There are fewer small brushes, but this set will still work for more detail-oriented artists. 

No.6

Daler RowneyGold Taklon Brush Zip Case

£9.90

10 Brushes in a Range of Shapes and Sizes Complete With a Zip-up Case

Considering this set only includes ten brushes, it manages to cover a wide range of shapes and sizes. The largest is just what you need for washes and backgrounds, whereas the smallest is precise enough to add the most minute of details. 


The brushes come with a good, sturdy case that securely zips up to keep everything protected until you're next ready to use it. The only thing that pushes this set further down the list is that there aren't as many brushes as in other sets.

No.7

Amazon BasicsDetail Paint Brush Set

£7.78

A Basic Set of Brushes With Ultra-Fine Tips for Achieving a Precise Level of Detail

For some works of art, you need to be incredibly precise. Even with the thinnest standard brushes, it can be challenging to achieve this level of detail. This set of brushes has ultra-fine tips, giving you the precise point you want. 


We love the fancy look of these paintbrushes, although it should be said that this set is not the most versatile. While great for adding exquisite detail, you won't be able to apply broader strokes. 

No.8

KanosonChildren's Artist Paint Brushes Set

£4.29

Artists Brushes Specifically Designed for Kids With Light but Hard-Wearing Plastic Handles

These brushes are designed specifically for kids, introducing them to the fun of paints. Even though the range is not hugely extensive, there is a decent selection of brushes, including a sponge-tipped brush for some creative experimentation. 


The brush handles are made from plastic to ensure they are light to hold and hard-wearing enough for kids. This isn't the set for an artist wanting to create masterpieces, and it probably won't last forever, but it's a great place to start for young painters. 

No.9

Winsor & NewtonWatercolour Brushes

£5.59

A Great Set of 5 Affordable Brushes for Creating a Watercolour Masterpiece

If watercolours are your paints of choice, this set is a must-have! It's an excellent purchase for students as they are affordable, whilst still giving you some different shapes to choose from.  


Although you get five brushes in the set, these may not be quite enough. It's also likely that you'll need additional brushes if you're an experienced artist or wish to work with other mediums aside from watercolours.

No.10

TyrKuiyWatercolour Brushes Set

£18.99

Flat Brushes With High-Quality Bristles for Creating Masterpieces With Watercolour Paints

This beautiful set of 6 professional brushes is made with high-quality animal hair and what looks like wooden handles (however, we can't be sure!). If your preferred medium is watercolours, this could be the set for you.


The fibres are of high quality, and with the heads all being round, you can achieve as much control as your talent allows! Unfortunately, you only get 6 brushes in the set, which is quite expensive compared to some of the other options on our list.

How to Clean Your Brushes

How to Clean Your Brushes
  1. Wipe off any solidified paint from the brush on an old cloth
  2. Rinse the brush in a bucket of water
  3. Rub the brush across a bar of artist's soap a few times
  4. Swirl the brush in the bucket of water a few times
  5. Rinse the brush in another clean bucket of water
  6. Lay your brush on a clean paper towel or cloth

Written and researched by Emma Cramp

Top 5 Brush Sets for Artists

No. 1ArtifyPaint Brushes Art Set

No. 2Art Supply Central14 Piece Artist Brush Set

No. 3Rock NinjaPaint Brush Set

No. 4Snow CoolerArt Paint Brushes Set

No. 5Mont MartePremium Brush Wallet Set

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The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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