(This is a guide only, it is up to you to do your research and decide what is best for you).

There are lots of questions about which brushes to use for various tasks. Please find a below a guide to the styles of brush we stock. Remember for face painting you do need a reasonable quality brush just as any other artist, although it is always down to personal preference as to what make you use and whether you choose a synthetic brush or natural hair brush such as sable.

BRUSH TYPES

	Round	A good round brush should come with a fine tip and hold its shape. Use on point for outlining or detailed work. Can apply pressure to make thick-to-thin strokes. The strokes become wider the more the brush is pressed down. Also good for dots.
	Comb	The Comb paint brush (sometimes called a wave brush) is similar in shape to a flat brush. Instead of an even outer edge, the outer edge has a fine wave shape to it resembling the teeth of a comb. Can be used to feather the edges of butterfly outlines or make a tigers nose look like it has hair overlaying it. Can also be used to give a fur effect.
	Dagger	The Dagger paint brush is best used for thin lines and teardrop shape lines. Useful for flower shapes with tear drop petals or grasses and leaves.
	Flat	Square ended brush with medium to long hair. Used for bold strokes, filling wide spaces. The edge an be used for fine lines, straight edges and stripes.

CLEANING YOUR BRUSHES

Brushes can be cleaned with shampoo or soap and water. After washing, mould the wet hairs into their right shape by hand and leave the brush to dry on a tea-towel.

Do not leave your brushes upright during drying, because the water will then be absorbed into the shaft. Also brushes should not be left standing in water for long periods as this is bad for the hairs.

If looked after carefully they should last a long time.

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