Waterbrushes vs normal brushes for watercolor

[@caldevera]

Just sharing my experience but I started out with normal brushes and was happy with them but then when i started using my first waterbrush (the one that came with my Sakura Koi kit), i never went back to normal brushes. The convenience of it all just outweighed everything else for me, plus i actually don't get any problems such as leakages or too much water with my brush. Plus, it kind of tested my abilities by limiting myself to one brush only, and really encouraged me to paint anywhere and everywhere. And I actually like how it's always wet. It gives me more consistent washes and helps me fade out my shadows better. But it does make adding details more difficult, but i take it as part of the challenge haha. Great video nonetheless though!

[@teohyc]

+caldevera Thanks! Yeah, many people like waterbrushes for the convenience. I use them sometimes when I want to pack light.

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

+caldevera What water brush do you have?

[@lateeshpatil447]

3:35 I ain't seeing any difference

[@mjawad6072]

Me too,caldevera,everyone says the water leaks but mine does'nt

[@mjawad6072]

I even use them for acrylics!

[@joannegrrl]

Waterbrushes are also really handy when working with watercolour pencils where you're really just looking to blend the dry pigment on the paper.

[@finchgould6538]

This was just the advice I was looking for......

[@creativegorilla8530]

agreed!

[@iveedoodle]

Holy shit, I never thought of that. I have watercolor pencils, and I dont even use them because it's so much work to set everything up and changing the water all the time, it takes the I ispiration away. With the waterbrush, it would be so much easier

[@forpurposes3168]

Omg! finally my watercolor pencils will be useful!!!! 😊😊

[@amisha217]

you can cut pieces of straws which will help keep the brush safe!😊

[@fish7719]

Thank you !

[@hmkp1588]

Omg thanks dident think of that, youre the real dailly hero here

[@fei1798]

Amisha Das omg nice idea you're so creative thank youu😍😍👌

[@xenoncs2141]

GENIUS

[@niamhy5941]

Mine came with that!

[@Yorky222]

I use the Pentel waterbrush just like a normal brush, I take paint from the palette as required. I don't have the problem of excess water in the brush. You have to replenish the paint just the same as with a normal brush. If you carried on with a normal brush until the paint ran out you would get a graduated wash too.

[@teohyc]

+Douglas Elliot Thanks 😀

[@utkarshkumar4759]

He doesn't know how to use it

[@kittytriestoanimate8881]

Water brushes are great for traveling by car. Just fill it up before you leave and bring normal brushes to use after the car. This works good for me

[@BlazarAzul]

As usual, enjoyable, instructive and entertaining comparison. I love this channel. As Teoh has said many times, at the end of the day what kind of brush is "better" depends completely on the nature of the work that each artist wants to achieve.

[@xiaofayee4528]

I, too, started with normal brushes. But when I learnt about waterbrushes, it's just amazing. It's far more convenient than anything else. I don't know about the problem with the leaking stuff cause for some reason (I don't know if it's only me) my waterbrush just won't get dry even if I want to 😂 So I never tried squeezing my waterbrushes like that 😕😕 And when I want to put more water in my panel, I would use water in a cup, I dunno why I just started doing that. But, yea, I think you'll get a better result doing that than repeatedly squeezing your brush. I think the convenience of waterbrush is that it never dries. Other than that, work it out yourself. 😂

[@imissmypencils]

I find the combination of the Pentel 4 pack aquabrush set and 1 larger size Silver Brush Black Velvet travel brush to be my favorite on the go watercolor set. I use the water inside the water brushes to clean the pigment off the black Velvet so I don't have to carry around extra water bottles. Great video Teoh. Love everything you do and all you do for the art community.

[@teohyc]

Thanks :-)

[@chammikaiser7740]

I use Rosemary travelling brushes (which I love) and also waterbrushes. The waterbrushes are great for airport sketching whilst you are waiting for your aircraft. You can just trot off to the 'ladies', fill it with water and way to go!!! It goes through the security check empty without any hassles. A couple of water colour pencils and my waterbrush are invaluable for quick colour sketches. However, I do agree with you that in larger sketch books, nice natural hair brushes are great for skies , large buildings etc. Another well-constructed video Teoh. Thanks.

[@teohyc]

+Chammi Kaiser Thanks for your comments. :-)

[@onzkicg]

I have a feeling that water brushes are targeted to market of Urban sketchers /compact quick & convenient as well as those artist using watercolour pencil as medium.

[@lettuce6321]

For years I’ve used the normal brush time to time and I didn’t have any problem with it. When I tried Water Colour brush, it blew my mind. Water inside?! That’s everything! I could bring a WaterColour travel kit and use a Water Colour Brush anytime! Not that normal brushes can’t be used for traveling I just think it’s much more easier since you don’t have to have a container of water.

[@Donna_G]

I use my waterbrushes all the time when I am working with paints in my bedroom. I don't have a desk so I lay my watercolor block on the bed and don't have to worry about having a jar of water handy. My regular watercolor brushes are all synthetics. I only have one natural hair brush. I think it's sable; but, I don't like it. I prefer synthetic brushes. Maybe that's why I like the waterbrushes.

[@elizatan1124]

Yipes!! I respect the fact that you dare to put yr water colour on your bed, I’d give my sheets a makeover

[@debsllewelyn230]

Sable brushes are not ethical. Lots of cruelty involved, basically you have a tiny fur coat on a stick. Such great synthetic alternatives now. Thanks for your videos though Teoh, I love them.

[@nataliegardner3908]

For me I really enjoy water brushes. I really enjoy a regular brush as well, I just use very cheap brushes with synthetic hair because I'm not good at brush care. For the type of illustration I do a water brush is great for me, I think the type of brush you use is very personal.

[@teohyc]

+Natalie Gardner Yes, brush choice is definitely very personal. Brands too. 😁

[@barbaramcclure824]

Water rush info how to use

[@sandrishaffiya477]

If u want to make a patchy colors then use waterbrush its very useful but if u dont but only have water brush instead of regular brush is easy.. Just dont fill the water in the filler then u'll have regular brush :D

[@yvonnasun]

I love your videos! I put them on loop in the back group when I practice painting. I'm a newbie at painting but decent at drawing, your sketch book videos are so encouraging that I don't have to be as good at painting to create nice paintings! :D

[@teohyc]

+Yvonne Sun You have better paintings when you have better drawings. "Drawing is the basis of art. A bad painter cannot draw. But one who draws well can always paint". Arshile Gorky (1904- 1948) Armenian-American painter

[@MyNguyen-gv2ip]

Since the first time I used a water brush I never use a normally brush ever again, I really love water brushes but you need to know what to buy, I have a koi watercolor brush and hate it since it's hard to control the water, but I've been trying out others brushes like pentel etc and the water is pretty good to control

[@Lyn-rv3vl]

I need to make a choice between waterbrushe and normal brush and this video (and commentary) help me so much. Thanks you :)

[@movealong3491]

Lynshen well, you can always combine the two. No one says you have to pick only one ☺

[@Punki80]

The waterbrush is more comfortable to hold than a normal brush. Those are so much thinner and when holding one for too long, I get problems with my hand. I find the thicker stalk of the waterbrush more comfortable to hold.

[@Drstrange3000]

I think so as well.

[@juditharowland3461]

Thanks for this. I can see where I went wrong. Appreciate the variety of information. You're on the top of my list.

[@Cernunnnos]

They're great for mobile sketching. Wouldn't use them for anything with a large amount of area to cover though.

[@celestialjunipers6829]

I actually find it easier to hold waterbrushes. Not only can you clean on the go, it's fatter (my hand is pretty big, thin brushes roll around in my palm.

[@alfredojuillet7562]

If you fill the waterbrush with Parker ink (black) you could really learn how to draw wonderful easy one stroke drawings. When I bought a waterbrush for the first time, the advertisement said I could use watercolor, so I diluted some watercolor with water and I fill the waterbrush container with it, but of course, it didn´t work too long. So I stick to black ink until now I learn that the waterbrush is being used with only tap water and watercolor tablets . Really weird. Next thing I want to say, I am using a waterbrush that did not have a squeezable part, so I have no problem with the excess of ink. I think a waterbrush with ink in the reservoir is far better than a common brush and the inkwell. Thanks and have a better.

[@teohyc]

+Alfredo Juillet You can also try using liquid watercolour such as those from Ecoline.

[@barbrajoan2554]

Teoh , thanks for the demo. I find that water brush is alright for quick sketches, but for serious work nothing beats a good watercolor brush.

[@meganwhite1180]

this video was very helpful although I noticed it was a bit biased towards the natural brush

[@teohyc]

+Megan White Just my personal preference. I find natural brushes easier to control, but waterbrush the is more convenient

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

that's the point of the video - to hear his opinion.

[@awesam0184]

Ikr

[@muskndusk]

I don't like natural brushes. Can't help thinking of a poor sable running around with bald patches!

[@lexacessde]

@@muskndusk Sables are actually breed and killed for these brushes, it's not this merciful that anyone lets them running around with bald patches.

[@callistf]

Thank you for the review Teoh! Your reviews are always well conceived and very unbiased

[@zakhoskins6404]

A very honest review of the two. I bought 3 different size water brushes because a couple of KZbinrs made the false claim that "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING WITH THEM!". Yeah, except make decent flat washes as you truthfully point out here. Wish I'd watched this first. Oh well, live and learn.

[@teohyc]

Thanks. Check out other art product reviews that I have at kzbin.info/aero/PLucoL_7WoAgCezEi88D1I0KYmMJ6-khAl

[@KoshkaErd]

I think there is no difference. Difference depends on what u can draw I think.

[@xfuzzyyyy]

I love natural brushes way more because it's not as patchy (like you said)

[@xfuzzyyyy]

+tigerfanman All I did was agree with him. What are you doing? Sticking your nose into other people's business?

[@kayaeki]

tigerfanman Dafuq?

[@almak9231]

Fuzzykeys y

[@madisonxyz9887]

tigerfanman Thanks Captain Obvious

[@chubbyjaydraws]

Tiger seems like an angry person

[@seohtu]

Most waterbrushes actually have a rubber diaphragm behind the bristles that remains closed unless the reservoir is under pressure, so "water is flowing all the time" would not be accurate. If your brush has water flowing all the time, it is likely worn out and in need of replacement. I can hold mine bristles down all day long and not a drop of water comes out. With that said, they are not as controllable, in my experience, as a small collection of "normal" brushes.

[@cinnamonbeardstud]

Waterbrushes ftw. I actually like that they don't hold more water, they keep your colors diluted evenly. Plus the always wet bristles means they never dry out during breaks and you csn get right back to work without introducing more water/moisture and rebalancing your colors again. I haven't had problems with splotchiness, they seem to be the same to me in that regard.

[@mechgear5974]

I want to like water brushes, but with the lack of water control, I end up wasting paint or it takes longer to get the desired value or too much water ends up on the paper even after wiping the brush on a towel. Normal brush all the way.

[@jessepancho2262]

If your painting at home you can use normal brushes. Its best to have a complete set. If you went out for "urban sketching", an activity wherein you go out with other artist to paint anywhere then its best to use waterbrush because its handy.

[@1erickf50]

That's an interesting review. I'm more of a waterbrush man due to versatility. There's also one more pro for it: it's really good for fading/blending colors on small areas. Due to the continuous waterflow, you get patchy zones with slow strokes, something evened with normal brushes. The opposite happens when you do quick strokes: faded with waterbrushes due to the water gradually replacing the ink and the closeness between each stroke, also helped if you use circled movements if you wanna cover a bit more area; while, with normal brushes, you just get a flat zone.

[@1erickf50]

There's also orthodox and unorthodox stuff you can work with waterbrushes: -Watercolors/Acrilic/Gouache -Watercolor pencils/Charcoal -Chalk (its wash is kinda unique) -Gelatos/Silk crayons -Most Gel-ink pens such as the Pilot G1 -Crayola's window markers (believe it or not)

[@ginabocsa7082]

for some reason my sakura waterbrush doesnt let the water go down by itself unless i squeeze the water out. i like it a lot because of that

[@cavellarmstrong5455]

I am new to your tutorials and have shared with my senior art class the ones on water soluble graphite. I think I'm the only one in the class who LOVES to draw even though I do paint. I went thru my pencil supplies and found only the Graphitone. so you instilled projects for this week. love your instructions.

[@teohyc]

Thanks \ (•◡•) /

[@cavellarmstrong5455]

I subscribed to your KZbin site. Looking forward to further insight. I do have many watersoluable products, especially graphite. Aint technology wonderful!

[@datenhamster]

most useful video about waterbrushes i found so far. Thanks!

[@firecloud6503]

I started with normal brushes and then tried out waterbrushes and I don`t get along with them at all. I only use them for fast sketches.

[@teohyc]

+firecloud I started with those free brushes that come from the box set. Those were really lousy. LOL.

[@firecloud6503]

+Teoh Yi Chie Oh yes, they are!

[@Keallei]

I finally tried water brushes after a lifetime of using bamboo, boar hair, horse hair, human hair, and synthetic bristle brushes. I really am enjoying the water brush.

[@mibelloaleman]

Beautiful video! Very, very informative and love your gorgeous sketch! Thanks for uploading it!

[@teohyc]

+mibello aleman Thanks 😊

[@mibelloaleman]

You're very welcome!

[@trevorgustavgreen8148]

I managed to buy a waterbrush that only flows water when you press on the reservoir, it can get dry enough to be able to dry brush just like a regular hair brush, but it's only synthetic.

[@margessw]

Thanks for this great clear comparison. Love from France, Marjorie

[@teohyc]

Thanks, Marjorie. :-)

[@user-ug9vd5or2s]

HAi, l am constantly using waterbrushes but l just bought the silver red velvet 3 pack online and l also bought the da vinci coseana synthetic brush.....l watched bunch of views comparing videos etc. although l realllly enjoy drawing w/ waterbrushes l feell like normal brushes are better cuz u actually can feel the brush control the water and work free w/ em So yeah .....They can be expensive but l don’t regret (btw l am Turkish l live in Turkey so these brushes are pretty expensive here)

[@michelef3339]

Thanks for this detailed discussion with practical demos of each point. Very helpful. I find myself using water brushes too much actually, paying more attention to the subject than the tool; they really are not suited to all types of work or effects. Have spoiled a couple of paintings as a result.

[@lisathaviu1154]

One thing I have found that water brushes are great for is when using watercolor pencils since the synthetic bristles move the color around better than even a sable brush. I have a life drawing class and having a couple of water brushes helps me work very quickly. Also, I have seen people who use diluted ink in their water brushes. I thought I might try this with Dr. Ph Martin watercolor for quick on-site sketches.

[@teohyc]

+Lisa Thaviu Waterbrushes are convenient if you do not need large areas of flat wash.

[@channeloutofcommission4963]

thanks for the advice (btw i really like the patchy look)

[@skyy1818]

This actually helps a lot I was thinking of getting the water brush

[@nanm2398]

Thank you for this helpful video!

[@hino4717]

This video is satisfying

[@teohyc]

+CANDYMARSH BORN Thanks 🤣

[@hino4717]

Teoh Yi Chie OMG you replied!

[@hino4717]

Teoh Yi Chie

[@Anasyub]

im ngl when i got my furst water brush i barely use any natural brush....unless i need a diff size which is an advantage for normal brushes coz there many sizes but water brushes also have diff types but i think water brushes r so much easier to use and fun and very efficient

[@IHaveNoLaifu]

I use waterbrushes but I've never actually used the water in them on my paintings. I pretty much just use it either as a quick way to get my paints wet or to help get rid of any left over paint on my brush before swapping colors-- especially since I paint on my bed and constantly stretching towards my headboard for the water cups is a hassle.

[@buzzi2k]

I find the waterbrush helpful when out and about, even if I take regular brushes since I can use the water brush to drip on and clean off the regular brushes too!

[@MagicXarko]

I did prefer waterbrushes until I bought my first good paintbrush.

[@enyarim]

I'm using water brush with watercolor pencils only. It's very handy. You can have them with you whenever you go

[@chloesartsycreation7623]

I was goung to buy a waterbrush right now and a bormal brush for watercolor thank you for the guide!

[@LauraRossflyswatter]

I don't use natural hair brushes as I'm a vegan. Can you recommend a good synthetic travel brush?

[@teohyc]

Maybe Escoda Versatile.

[@yurinaka99]

Da Vinci Casaneo brushes are awesome and also come in travel versions. :)

[@jasperthehuman6726]

Love your videos! They have taught me a lot, thank you!

[@user-im3vi6dd2z]

Oh, you use nevskaya palitra brushes, it's wery sudennly for me :) I think only russians use them. :)

[@teohyc]

+Мареха Дмитрий ಠ‿↼

[@joaniemiller8286]

Мареха Дмитрий @

[@ART-DESTROYED]

Nice comparison! Traditional is still best in my opinion

[@seahorse5689]

Excellent tutorial, thank you!

[@teohyc]

+Judy Mason Thanks :-)

[@cuteconure3208]

In my opinion, I use mostly water brushes because I feel like they’re more practical, I also travel a lot so it’s really inconvenient to take a jar of water me, but I used to use normal brushes a while ago and they’re just as good, I just prefer the practicality of water brushes

[@CL-ue2tu]

Very helpful, thank you for this video

[@teberikpala7570]

Synthetic are better bruuuuh, i have faux-squirrel brushes, they're amazing. In france they mostly sell synthetic brushes, natural is rare, only little shops sell them, and they sell less and less of them because they get people to try the synthetic ones, and most people like them better. OwO but cool video thank you

[@sassysassy4716]

i prefer water brush because you can hand letter and paint 2 in 1 and they dont requir extra water bottle if you r travelling

[@elizatan1124]

I don’t know bout you but the brushes were different sizes so you can’t compare it,the water brush had a slightly smaller head so it got patchy, it’s dry, duh

[@MustachioDango]

love ur videos so much, they’re so thorough, thank you for the coNTENT

[@jimcordle993]

Thanks..good clear demo!

[@nurbahiyah1419]

Which one do you prefer? Waterbrush or normal brush?

[@teohyc]

Normal brush

[@bumbeetown]

He isnt cleaning his water cup out :[

[@OneTrueWord1988]

I have tried numerous water brushes, and they are all "ok," but I just never feel as comfortable with them - and I am never as pleased with my paintings. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned. :)

[@rufancedufance]

I never tried water brush pens before but I think I'd probably prefer regular paintbrushes

[@theponderingpilgrim4342]

Thanks for uploading the video Teoh, very helpful.

[@Unveiledtheblog]

I love this Channel because the detail you put into these things really helps 🙌🏽

[@teohyc]

+Laura Thanks 😁

[@giaonguyen3799]

I use traditional brushes all the time, (I also use synthetic fiber brush) I felt quite exited when I got the waterbrush, but I don't really care for it, I just grab my handy everyday brush :')))

[@teohyc]

+Giao Nguyen I prefer normal brushes to waterbrushes too.

[@shashwathx6571]

CAN YOU DO A REVIEW FOR SAKURA KOI WATERBRUSHES

[@teohyc]

You can check out the review at www.parkablogs.com/content/waterbrush-comparison-which-best

[@IlSinistero]

I like mixed hair brushes, synthetic hair on the outside and sable hair on the inside, for me they work the best but I also have to admit I'm pretty new to watercolors and painting at all.....

[@teohyc]

+Il Sinistero I like the Da Vinci Cosmotop Mixed B brush.

[@IlSinistero]

Teoh Yi Chie ^^ :D the same I use. greetings from austria! :)

[@taeilstrony6361]

another wonderful video! thank you for the amazing information

[@teohyc]

+erica f Thanks 😁 Check out other videos from my playlists too.

[@DesignerSurajitAdhikari]

Thanks for making this video

[@RealWerecat]

Thank you so much! Very informative

[@nilakshidhazarika1452]

Can we use tube water colours with water brush???

[@teohyc]

Yes

[@Adeline9418]

I think water brushes won't saturate the paper how a regular brush might.

[@Natalie-Ellis]

Another great video : )

[@TheLaysie]

I'm going to be filling my water brushes with thinned acrylic paint. Should be smooth full opacity painting.

[@282828lisa]

How about just using the water brush without the water in it

[@teohyc]

You can. It works like a normal synthetic brush

[@yanca6830]

i love your videos! very helpful

[@nvrrungji]

I use waterbrushes cos its better quality than brushes sold here , if u want to buy normal brushes then get good quality ones so u wont waste ur money on cheap ones but waterbrushes are cheap but have really good quality hairs so yas

[@bostonblackie9503]

This video was done five years ago, new innovations could have changed since then!

[@teohyc]

Waterbrushes are still the same

[@pinkcowbluedolphin]

I have a question, what types of natural brushes are there and which are the best? I'm a beginner, so I'm looking for something cost-efficient but pretty durable and works fairly well.

[@teohyc]

+Christi For beginners, you may want to look for mixed hair brushes, a mix of natural and synthetic. Choose one that can hold a sharp point.

[@VoaArt]

Wow! Thank you for the review👍🌸

[@KnoelsNook]

I have so much trouble with my water brushes leaking! I actually ended up breaking one of them, too!

[@teohyc]

+Knoel's Nook That’s the one thing I fear about water brushes. They can leak. I usually put them in outside pockets so that if they leak, at least they don’t wet the interior of my bags.

[@erzascarlet47]

Hi can you please make a video on best cruelty free (synthetic) paint brush brand? I've heard Da vinci are amazing. For me art has to be cruelty free.

[@teohyc]

You can check out Da Vinci Casaneo which is synthetic

[@erzascarlet47]

@@teohyc thankyou so much. If you don't mind my suggestion as your fan please do encourage people to go for artist quality synthetic brushes instead of animal hair brushes. For making animal hair brushes animals are farmed in very cruel and inhumane ways and their hair is ripped out. As artists who get inspired by nature it's important that our art and passion doesn't cause pain and suffering to others. Someone like you with many subscribers has influence. Sorry for the long post. Love your videos. Please consider my suggestion. Namaste 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ShinyArjunSingh]

wow man, made my life... nice one, subscribed...keep'em comin...

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Hi Teoh! I’m watching this again after a couple of years, and I have a question: In your observation, do most Urban Sketchers use regular brushes or water brushes?

[@teohyc]

More probably use normal brushes, or collapsible normal brushes

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Teoh Yi Chie: Thanks so much for your answer. I also prefer regular, collapsible brushes for plein air. I live in a very beautiful, rural area with small cities over an hour drive away, so I can’t really call myself an urban sketcher. 😊

[@samdeacon7910]

great video, as a newbie do you have any tips on using waterproof BLACK ink, which beginner set to buy what type of ink, how to apply etc?

[@snezanatodorovic628]

I really like your little watercolor set, where did you buy it? :)

[@buzzi2k]

Are there natural or mixed fibre water brushes?

[@PacoElMapache]

i would like to see a comparison video like this but with one of the blue heron arts Water brush. (its a water brush with natural hairs and a piston water system)

[@teohyc]

The last time I tried it, it leaked for me. Also, the hairs are easy to dislodge. You can check out more reviews on Amazon www.amazon.com/Piston-Filler-Waterbrush-Water-Fountain/dp/B002QRYUDI?tag=ttmus-20

[@GGlovescj]

Do you have any tips on how to store regular brushes . I haven’t found anything that works for me . I already have my favorite natural hair brushes that I want to take on the go. I’ve damaged one of by brushes already 😞 any advice please ???

[@teohyc]

How was your brush damaged?

[@justm720]

Can you do the comparison with similar bristle sizes please?

[@BrianMarcWhittaker]

Do you ever load a water brush with liquid watercolor?

[@teohyc]

I've not done it but you can definitely do so. I'm just afraid of it leaking.

[@geokorf]

Haha cool Nevskaya Politra! cool that you have Russian brushes, where did you get it!?