Artists use a wide range of paintbrushes depending on the type of paint and desired effect. For example, you'll choose different bristle types depending on the kind of paint you're using: Acrylic brushes: These are almost completely nylon or synthetic. Oil painting brushes: These are typically made from bristle or sable. Watercolor brushes: These are typically made from nylon, sable, or synthetic sable. You'll also get to choose the shape of brush you want. Some commonly used brush shapes include: Bright: Use bright brushes to drive paint into a canvas' weave thanks to short and stiff bristles. Fan: Use these brushes to blend broad paint areas. Filbert: Use these flat brushes with domed ends for good paint coverage or to create some detail work. Flat: Use flat brushes to spread paint evenly and quickly. Round: Use round brushes with pointed tips and long, closely arranged bristles for detail.