One water brush can do both! The trick is how much water you squeeze out and how much pressure you put on the bristles.
How do I paint fine details?
- Squeeze very lightly, or not at all. A damp tip gives you the most control. Dab extra water on your wristband or a tissue.
- Use only the very tip. Hold the brush more upright and touch just the point of the bristles to the paper.
- Keep a light hand. Light pressure makes thin lines, and pressing down makes them thicker.
- Use creamier paint. Pick up more paint and less water, so details stay crisp and don't spread.
- Wait for dry paper. Details painted on a dry layer stay sharp. On damp paper, they blur.
How do I paint large areas?
- Mix your color first. Prepare enough paint in the white mixing area so you don't run out halfway.
- Squeeze a little more water. A wetter brush covers more paper in each stroke.
- Use the side of the bristles. Lower the brush and press gently, so more of the bristles touch the paper.
- Work in rows and keep the edge wet. Overlap each stroke with the still-wet edge of the last one to avoid streaks.
Good to know
- After cleaning the brush, gently reshape the tip into a point with a tissue.
- Practice lines on a scrap page: thin to thick, waves and dots.
- If you'd like extra brushes for different jobs, see "Can I buy paints, brushes, or refills on their own?"
Having trouble filling it? See "I Can't Open or Fill My Waterbrush".