If you’re struggling to find the best paint brushes for miniatures and model kits, check out these expert picks for painting Warhammer, tabletop games, and more!
Let’s not pretend your paint brushes don’t matter. Slapping acrylics on a tiny Warhammer warrior with a crusty old brush isn’t “adding texture”—it’s butchering your detail work. Picking the best miniature paint brushes is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this hobby.
Does the brush make you a great painter? Not at all. But the wrong one will surely slow you down.
We’ve tried dozens over the years, from Kolinsky sable royalty to dollar-store survivors. Some were stellar. Some were sad.
So here’s a no-fluff breakdown of what actually works for miniature painting, from the perspective of someone who’s painted more eyes and pauldrons than meals in a week.
Quick Picks – Best Brushes for Miniature Painting in 2025
Want answers fast? Here’s the shortlist of brushes that punch way above their weight:
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- Winsor & Newton Series 7 – Precise, reliable, and holds paint like a champ. A long-time favorite for a reason.
- Games Workshop Artificer – Tailor-made for Warhammer fans, designed to match Citadel paints and models.
- Monument Hobbies Sable Series – A solid balance of performance and price, great for painters who want quality without going all-in on cost.
- Artis Opus (Series S, M, D) – Specialized tools for detail work, drybrushing, and everything in between. Built for miniature painters from the ground up.
- Game Envy (Phalanx & Artist’s Arsenal) – The best hybrid of synthetic and sable brushes around. Good grip, great control.
- Army Painter Wargamer Series – Especially strong in the dry brushes category, and easy on the wallet.
These aren’t gimmicky tools. These are the brushes that do the work day in and day out. Let’s get into the why.
Why the Brush You Use Actually Matters
Painting miniatures is a game of control. The best brushes for painting miniatures don’t just “apply paint”—they hold the right amount, put it where you want it, and keep their shape while you pull off that perfect edge highlight.
Cheap brushes tend to misbehave. Frayed tips, low capacity, bristles splaying at just the wrong moment. You don’t need that.
If you’re painting with any regularity, you’ll want tools that respect your time and effort (or maybe check out an airbrush).
1. Winsor & Newton Series 7 – Still King of the Hill
This is the brush that everyone mentions, and yeah, for good reason.
Series 7 uses Kolinsky sable hair, which basically means it’s springy, uses natural hair, holds paint beautifully, and lasts if you treat it right. The size 2 is the go-to workhorse—good for layering, edge highlights, even basecoats on small models. Size 1 or 0 comes out for finer details.
Are they pricey? Yep. Are they worth it? Absolutely.
2. Games Workshop Artificer – Fancy But Familiar
GW’s Artificer brushes are rumored to be made by Winsor & Newton, which explains why they’re actually pretty decent. They’re built with Citadel paints in mind and meant to handle the detail on Warhammer models.
But the real win here? They’re easy to find and work great with Citadel’s painting guides. If you’re knee-deep in Space Marines, this brush will feel like an extension of your hand.
Pro tip: Skip the standard GW black-handle brushes. These Artificers are on another level.
3. Monument Hobbies Sable Series – Reliable Workhorses
If W&N feels a bit fancy for your budget, Monument Hobbies has stepped in to offer serious performance at a more reasonable price.
Their sable brushes have great tip retention, a nice belly to hold enough paint, and feel built for miniature work, not just adapted from watercolor. A size two here is all you need to crush 90% of tasks.
Solid choice for painters who want performance without the premium price tag.
4. Artis Opus (Series S, M, D) – Built for Purpose
Now this is where it gets interesting.
Artis Opus brushes are made for miniature painters. They’re not repurposed art brushes—they’re engineered with specific painting styles in mind:
- Series S: General detail work
- Series M: Fine lines, controlled strokes
- Series D: Drybrushes—easily the best on the market
The Series S #3 is a fantastic daily brush. The #1 and M-series get you through trickier spots like eyes and facial lines. Yes, they’re more expensive. But you’re paying for something built around your hobby.
5. Game Envy – Phalanx (Synthetic) & Artist’s Arsenal (Sable)
If you’re on the fence about going full sable, Game Envy’s Phalanx series makes synthetic brushes that hold their shape better than most. They also have a triangular ergonomic grip that feels great in the hand, especially if you’re having long painting sessions. They also hold a good amount of paint.
Their Artist’s Arsenal series, on the other hand, gives you the sable performance you’d expect, but at a price that’s far more forgiving. You’ll notice the precision jump when layering or highlighting.
Best part? They look cool and feel solid. Rare combo in this price range.
6. Army Painter – Budget Drybrush Champions
Army Painter might not be the highest end you can get, but their Wargamer Series has some seriously strong points, especially their drybrushes.
Their “Masterclass” and “The Psycho” are favorites for fast texture work and small-area drybrushing. Affordable enough to replace when needed, but strong enough to hold their own during serious sessions.
This is where you save money without feeling punished for it.
Worth the Hunt – Fringe Brushes That Deserve Attention
These might be harder to find, but they’re all well-loved by pros:
- Raphael 8404 – Huge paint capacity, red sable hair, sharp tips
- Da Vinci Maestro Series 10 – High-quality Kolinsky
- Squidmar Mk2 – Built by a miniature painter, for miniature painters
- Broken Toad Mk3 – If they’re in stock, grab them
- Rosemary & Co Series 33 – Incredible value
Don’t be afraid to try a few different brands and see what works for you.
Brush Anatomy—What You’re Paying For
A good brush has a sharp tip that holds its shape, a belly that carries enough paint to get through a stroke, a ferrule that keeps the bristles locked in, and a handle that feels right in your grip.
Skip any of those, and you’re fighting your tools instead of painting.
Brush Care – Make Them Last
TUTORIAL: Saving and preserving your miniature paintbrushes
Let’s talk maintenance. A high-quality brush will absolutely walk off the job if you treat it like a disposable one.
At the end of your painting time, clean them properly with something like Master’s Brush Soap—not dish soap, not spit, but actual brush cleaner. Store them upright, bristles facing the sky, not down in the murky swamp water of your rinse cup. And for mixing paint or pulling it from a pot, use a sacrificial brush (or dropper bottle paints)—not the nice one you just dropped $20 on.
Miniature Painting FAQs & Quick Answers
What Size Brushes Should You Actually Use?
If you’re wondering what size paint brush I should use for miniatures, let’s clear up the type of brush and size confusion. Bigger isn’t better, but smaller isn’t always smarter, either.
Here’s what works:
- Size 2: Covers most tasks—layering, base coating, medium detail
- Size 1–0: Good for detail, fine points, edge highlights, facial features
- Size 00–000: Eyes, fine detail work, tiny highlights, freehand patterns (if you’re feeling brave)
And no, you don’t need a 10/0 brush unless you’re painting eyebrows on a gnat. Luckily, you can usually grab a paint brush set and get most brush shapes and sizes.
What brush do you use first when painting miniatures?
For base coats, use a size 2 or “flat brush”. Get the big areas done before picking up your detail brush.
Are synthetic brushes okay for miniature painting?
Yes—for basecoats, drybrushing, or even detail work if you’re on a budget. Just don’t expect them to match the longevity or precision of sable.
However, if you’re just starting out, they are perfect! Once you get more into the hobby, you can start upgrading your tools. Getting paint on the minis is the most important thing.
Final Thoughts From Us
The best brushes for miniatures don’t come in a one-size-fits-all pack. It depends on what you paint, how often, and how much you’re willing to invest.
Here’s our shortcut:
- Get a W&N Series 7 or Monument Sable Size 2
- Add a drybrush from Army Painter or Artis Opus
- Toss in a fine detail brush from Game Envy or GW
- Now you’re set.
Brushes won’t make you a better painter. But they will stop getting in your way. And that’s all we really want—tools that work as hard as we do.
Oh, and treat your brushes like tools, not toys. A solid Kolinsky sable can last you years with proper care. A cheap synthetic will barely survive the weekend if you abuse it.
See All of Our Favorite Hobby Tools Here!
