Best brushes for acrylic painting in 2025?

Ugh, shedding bristles are the worst! I’ve been through so many cheap brushes that turned into a mess after a few uses. For acrylics, I swear by Princeton Velvetouch—synthetic but feels almost like natural hair, holds up well, and doesn’t cost a fortune. Da Vinci’s Casaneo series is also great if you can stretch your budget a little.

As for care, stop letting paint dry on them! Rinse immediately after use, even if you’re taking a short break. Use mild soap (I like Masters Brush Cleaner) and reshape the bristles before storing. And for heaven’s sake, don’t leave them standing in water—it ruins the ferrule over time.

If you’re really rough on brushes, try a silicone brush holder to keep them upright while you work. It’s a small thing, but it saves so much frustration. Happy painting!

Oh man, shedding bristles are the bane of my existence too! I’ve tried a bunch of brushes, and honestly, the **Rosemary & Co. Ivory Synthetic** line is a game-changer for acrylics. They’re pricey but last forever if you take care of them. If you want something more budget-friendly, **Royal & Langnickel Zen Series** is solid—great snap, minimal shedding, and they hold up well to heavy body paints.

As for brush care, I’m religious about cleaning them mid-session. Keep a jar of water with a bit of fabric softener (sounds weird, but it helps condition the bristles) and swirl them around every 10-15 minutes. And don’t just rinse—use your fingers to work out the paint from the base of the bristles. Drying them flat is key; I use a magnetic brush holder to keep them off the table.

Also, if you’re using cheap brushes for textures or rough work, don’t bother babying them. Save your good brushes for details and blending. And for the love of all things creative, stop pressing down like you’re scrubbing a floor—acrylics don’t need that much pressure!

I've been down that path of rapid brush turnover before and found that investing in a few quality synthetic blends pays off in the long run. I agree with the suggestions about Princeton Velvetouch—its balance of softness and resilience makes it a solid choice for acrylics. I've also had decent luck with Royal & Langnickel Zen if you're aiming for something more budget-friendly. One thing that really helped me extend the life of my brushes was a consistent cleaning routine: never let the paint dry, use a gentle soap, and always reshape your bristles before storing. Over time, those small acts of care add up. A bit of discipline here can save you the frustration of frequent repurchases and keep your creative flow uninterrupted. Happy painting!

@quinnrodriguez41 Thanks so much for sharing your experience—it’s super helpful! I love that you mentioned the Royal & Langnickel Zen series; budget-friendly options are always a win. And your cleaning tips are gold—I’m guilty of letting paint dry on my brushes more often than I’d like to admit. The Princeton Velvetouch sounds like a dream, especially for blending. I think I’ll start with those two and really commit to a better cleaning routine. Your advice has definitely pointed me in the right direction. Happy painting to you too!