Our Picks
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Essential Needs from Oil Brushes
When it comes to oil painting, the quality and construction of your paintbrushes can make all the difference between a frustrating experience and a fluid, expressive creative process. At Art and Gear, our testing has shown that a great oil paint brush must balance durability, flexibility, and control. Since oil paints are thicker and slower-drying than other mediums, brushes need to have resilient bristles that can hold their shape under heavy use and retain paint without clumping. Natural hog bristles are a classic choice, offering firm stiffness and split ends that grab pigment well, while high-quality synthetic fibers have become excellent alternatives for artists who prefer smoother, more controlled strokes. The ferrule—the metal band connecting the bristles to the handle—should be seamless and rust-resistant to prevent shedding or loosening over time. A comfortable, balanced handle is also essential, particularly for long painting sessions; many artists favor longer handles for better reach and gestural work. Shape variety is another key factor—flats and filberts are versatile for blending and coverage, while rounds and brights allow for detail and texture. Whether you’re layering thick impasto or refining subtle glazes, the right brush should respond to your technique effortlessly. Ultimately, investing in a reliable set of oil brushes not only improves your precision and control but also enhances your ability to express texture, depth, and emotion in your work. At Art and Gear, we believe every brush should feel like an extension of the artist’s hand—durable enough to endure heavy oils, sensitive enough for fine details, and crafted to inspire confidence with every stroke.
Product Review
At Art and Gear, we spent several sessions testing the Hamburg Premier Handmade Brush Set, and we came away genuinely impressed by how well these brushes bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern materials. Designed as a substitute for the now-banned mongoose hair brushes, the Hamburg Premier line successfully captures that sought-after balance between firmness and fluidity. The proprietary blend of natural and synthetic filaments delivers a spring and snap reminiscent of mongoose, yet feels smoother and more responsive during blending and fine detail work.
From the moment you hold them, the triple-lacquered birch handles stand out—comfortable, well-balanced, and durable enough for long sessions without fatigue. The nickel-plated brass ferrules are flawlessly crimped and glued, giving each brush a reassuring sturdiness that feels built to last. We especially appreciated how easy these brushes were to clean after working with heavy-bodied oils and alkyds—something that’s often a challenge with natural bristles alone.
In practice, the #6 Round and #12 Bright provided crisp control for linework and tighter areas, while the #24 Filbertexcelled at broad, painterly strokes and blending transitions. The texture sits nicely between hog and sable, giving you the muscle to push paint around but still enough finesse for subtle edges. These brushes also performed surprisingly well with acrylics, holding their shape through multiple rinses and drying cycles.
Pros:
Excellent balance of snap, softness, and control
Premium build and craftsmanship from Germany
Cleans easily and resists wear
Versatile for oil, acrylic use
Cons:
Slightly pricey compared to standard synthetic sets
Limited assortment (would love to see a fan or larger flat included)
Verdict:
The Hamburg Premier Handmade Brushes earn a strong 9/10 from our Art and Gear testing team. They deliver a professional-level experience that feels natural, durable, and precise—an ideal upgrade for serious oil painters who demand reliability and refined handling without relying on banned natural hairs.
At Art and Gear, we tested the ZenART 14-Piece Brush Set over several studio sessions using both oil and acrylic paints, and we were immediately struck by how purposefully this set is designed for serious artists. Every brush in the lineup feels thoughtfully chosen and meticulously crafted. From the chunking hog bristles that pack pigment and glide smoothly across canvas, to the badger-blend brushes that deliver buttery blending and natural textures, this kit hits the sweet spot between power and precision.
The assortment is generous and well-rounded—Filberts (4–12) for soft edges and coverage, Flats and Brights for structure, a Rigger and Detail Round for fine lines, a Fan for feathering and blending, and even a 1” Wide Flat for washes or background work. The included palette knife is a practical touch, great for mixing or impasto work. During our oil tests, the hog-hair brushes proved strong and springy, maintaining their shape through repeated heavy use and cleaning. The badger/synthetic blend offered a beautiful softness for glazing and blending transitions that’s rare at this price point.
The long birch handles—coated with seven layers of UV-resistant lacquer—not only feel luxurious but also provide excellent grip and durability. We especially liked how balanced they felt when working at an easel, allowing expressive, gestural strokes without strain. Even after hours of use, none of our testers experienced shedding or warping, a testament to the craftsmanship.
Pros:
Comprehensive and versatile brush selection
Excellent control and paint retention
Durable, ergonomically designed handles
Great value for professional-level performance
Supports charitable causes through B1G1
Cons:
Brushes may feel slightly firm for artists who prefer ultra-soft synthetics
Palette knife quality is decent but not studio-grade
Verdict:
The ZenART 14-Piece Oil & Acrylic Brush Set earns a 9.5/10 from our Art and Gear testing team. It’s a beautifully balanced collection that performs well beyond its price, offering both expressive versatility and fine control. With professional quality, ethical craftsmanship, and charitable impact, this set is a standout choice for artists ready to elevate their toolkit.
At Art and Gear, we recently tested the Black Swan Brush Set from Jerry’s Artarama, and it’s safe to say this line delivers exceptional performance for artists who want the luxurious feel of sable without compromising on ethics or durability. The Black Swan brushes are a prime example of how far synthetic technology has come—these are not your typical “plastic-feeling” synthetics. Instead, they feature silky, responsive bristles that mimic natural sable beautifully, offering superb paint control, spring, and color retention across multiple mediums.
From the first stroke, we noticed how smoothly these brushes glide over canvas and panels, especially with oil and acrylic paints. The bristles load evenly and release pigment with control, allowing for both delicate blending and precise edges. During extended use with heavy-bodied oils and water-mixable mediums, the bristles held their shape perfectly, showing impressive resilience even after rigorous cleaning. For glazing and thin layers, they offered a buttery softness that rivaled high-end natural hair brushes.
The handles deserve praise too—lightweight, well-balanced wood finished in matte black with a glossy dip that feels elegant and professional. Combined with the nickel-plated brass ferrules, each brush feels sturdy and refined in hand. The long handles make them ideal for easel work, giving artists full control over both gesture and detail.
Pros:
Outstanding sable-like softness and control
Versatile across oil, acrylic, and even watercolor
Excellent paint retention and easy cleaning
Elegant, ergonomic design
100% cruelty-free and animal-friendly
Cons:
Softer bristles may not push very thick paint as easily as hog or hybrid types
Matte handles can show paint smudges easily
Verdict:
The Black Swan Synthetic Sable Brushes earn a solid 8.5/10 from our Art and Gear testing team. They offer a refined, animal-friendly alternative to traditional sable, blending luxury, precision, and performance into one sleek package. Ideal for artists who prioritize sensitivity and flow in their work, these brushes prove that modern synthetics can truly rival the classics.
Overview
After testing the Hamburg Premier, ZenART 14-Piece, and Black Swan Brush Sets, we can confidently say all three are excellent choices for oil and acrylic painters. Each set stands out for its quality, comfort, and performance—Hamburg Premier for its strength and balance, ZenART for its versatility, and Black Swan for its soft, animal-friendly bristles. unfortunately we weren’t able to get our hands on the other three products listed in this article. all three others are excellent choices that offer a great bang for your buck!
Steven Miner
Chief writer and Artist for ArtandGear