The round watercolor brush is the most common style and also the most versatile. Its sharp, tapered point can trace the finest line, while the full body can carry a large amount of color to the painting surface for general brush work. It is manufactured under rigorous standards, using only hand-selected premium grade sable hair. Flat wash brushes are generally used for covering broad areas and for applying fluid washes. They are available in sizes up to three inches wide with the brush head built in a flat, square style.
Smaller sizes are useful for cutting a hard line of color.
Aquarelle flat wash brushes are a variation on traditional flat wash brushes, but have a plastic handle with a beveled tip which is used to scrape away color for highlighting effects. They are commonly used to moisten paper prior to painting. One-stroke brushes are designed for lettering and poster work, but are also useful for painting in tempera, gouache and casein. Shape is similar to the flat wash brush, but the hair is longer out of the ferrule, allowing for excellent color-holding capacity. To care for watercolor brushes, rinse off paint residue under clear running water.