A Guide to Ceramic Brushes: Which Brush for Which Job

The right brush makes glazing and painting easier, smoother, and more forgiving. With dozens of shapes and sizes available, it helps to know what each one does. Here is a practical guide.

Round brushes

Round brushes have a full belly and a pointed tip. They hold a lot of glaze or paint, make thick-to-thin strokes, and work for outlines, small shapes, and filling in. A #6 or #8 round is a good all-purpose size. Browse our brush collection for sizes from fine to large.

Liner and script brushes

Liners have long, thin bristles that hold paint and draw a continuous line. Use them for outlines, lettering, thin details, and fine lines. Script liners hold more and give longer unbroken strokes; detail liners (sizes like 10/0 or #0) are for tiny work.

Shader (flat) brushes

Flat shaders have a straight edge and cover broad areas evenly. They're great for filling large flat shapes, edging, and laying down smooth base coats. A larger shader is a good choice for glazing flat surfaces such as plates.

Wash and mop brushes

These are soft, wide, and full. They hold plenty of liquid and lay glaze or paint down quickly with few streaks. Wash brushes are a favorite for glazing bowls, plates, and mugs. Mop brushes are also used to blend and soften color.

Fan brushes

Fan brushes spread bristles into a fan shape. Use them for blending, feathering, textures such as grass, fur, or clouds, and soft effects.

Sponges and dabbers

Sponge stipplers, dabbers, and rollers create texture and pattern that brushes can't. See our sponges for stippling, stamping, and backgrounds. Foam brushes are inexpensive and good for quick, even coverage.

Natural vs. synthetic bristles

Natural hair such as sable or squirrel holds a lot of liquid and gives very smooth results, which many people like for glaze. Synthetic fibers such as taklon are durable, easier to clean, and often a better choice for acrylic paint. Either can work for both jobs, but it's best to keep separate brushes for glaze and for acrylic.

Which brush for which job?

• Glazing a full piece: wide wash, mop, or large shader
• Outlines and lettering: liner or script
• Detail work: detail round or detail liner
• Blending and texture: fan, mop, or sponge
• Acrylic painting on bisque: synthetic rounds and shaders
• Luster and metallic accents: a small dedicated round or liner, used only for luster

Care tips

Rinse brushes right after use, reshape the bristles, and store them flat or bristles up. Don't let glaze or paint dry in the brush. See acrylic vs. glaze for how to choose your finish.