Flat vs Round vs Mop Brush for Watercolor: What's the Difference?
A flat brush makes flat edges, a round brush is the all-rounder, and a mop brush holds the most water. Round brushes are usually called the most versatile, but brushes are a personal choice, and I find the most versatility in my mop brushes.
Why This Matters
When you start shopping for watercolor brushes, you'll see three shapes over and over: flat, round and mop. They do different jobs.
Flat brush: it does exactly what it says and makes flat edges. There isn't much versatility there.
Round brush: it's typically thought of as the most versatile and widely used watercolor brush. Its shape suits small details and delicate lines, but it also handles big washes and broader strokes.
Mop brush: it's designed to hold a lot of water and is commonly used to cover large areas. Because it holds more water, a mop brush can also help you control your water to pigment ratio.
Round brushes get most of the credit, but paintbrushes are a personal choice. Since I started using round and mop brushes, I've found the most versatility in the mop brushes.
Try This
You may not need a full set of brushes. If you're getting started, one round brush and one mop brush in the size you paint most can be plenty, with a larger size of each for big pieces. Paint with both and see which one feels more natural in your hand. The best brush is the one that feels right to you.
Want to Go Deeper?
Once you’ve picked your brushes, it helps to know how to care for it. If you’re about to buy or have just bought new brushes, you may find this related Quick Tip helpful, since it covers three things to do with your new brushes:
3 Things to Do to Your New Watercolor Brushes
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