AdurArt

Brushes and Palette Knives for Oil Paints — Review & Buying Guide

Brushes and Palette Knives for Oil Paints

When painting with oils, your brushes and palette knives are every bit as important as your paints. They influence texture, control, and the overall quality of your mark-making. Whether you’re working alla prima, glazing in layers, or using thick impasto, choosing the right tools makes a world of difference.

Overview

Oil painting demands tools that can handle thicker paint and solvents. Hog bristle brushes, stiff synthetics, and high-quality steel palette knives are the mainstays of most oil artists’ kits. Below, we look at some of the best brush and knife sets currently available — and what to look for depending on your painting style and budget.

Table of Contents

Recommended Brush Sets for Oil Painting

 

1. ARTIFY Expert Series 25-Piece Paint Brush Set

Best for: All levels of artists seeking a reliable all-rounder
Approx. price: £23.99

This well-balanced collection includes all the key brush shapes (flats, rounds, filberts, fans) in sizes suited to both fine detail and bold strokes. The bristles are firm yet flexible enough for oil paints, offering consistent control for both heavy and delicate applications.

Pros:

  • Excellent value for mid-range quality

  • Smooth lacquered handles resist swelling from oil mediums

  • Synthetic-natural blend bristles hold their shape well

Cons:

  • Doesn’t quite match the feel or paint-holding power of pure hog bristle

  • Lacks a storage case or roll-up pouch

Verdict:
A dependable, long-lasting set for serious students and professionals who want reliable performance without a huge investment.

 

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2. Da Vinci Series Hog Bristle Brushes

Best for: Traditional oil painters who like thick impasto and natural spring
Approx. price: £45–£65 (depending on set size)

Da Vinci’s handmade hog brushes are densely packed and durable, ideal for moving large quantities of paint around the canvas. They handle rough, textured painting beautifully and clean up well if maintained properly.

Pros:

  • Genuine interlocked Chungking hog bristle

  • Retains stiffness even with heavy oils

  • Excellent control for textured work

Cons:

  • Natural bristles can splay if left in solvent

  • More expensive than synthetic alternatives

Verdict:
Professional quality brushes that will last years if cared for — ideal for painters who value traditional materials and a firm brush feel.

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3. Winsor & Newton Winton Hog Brush Set

Best for: Beginners or painters on a budget
Approx. price: £20–£25

A reliable entry-level choice that’s often bundled with oil starter kits. The Winton line offers decent stiffness and durability at a low price, making it perfect for artists who are learning brush control before upgrading to higher-end options.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive but durable

  • Good variety of sizes and shapes

  • Widely available and easy to replace individually

Cons:

  • Not as densely packed as premium brands

  • May lose bristles after repeated solvent cleaning

Verdict:
An affordable, practical set to get started with oils. Great for students, workshops, or underpainting work.

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Recommended Palette Knife Sets

 

1. RGM Classic Palette Knife Set

Best for: Professionals and advanced painters
Approx. price: £12–£18

RGM’s Italian-made knives are sturdy, flexible, and beautifully balanced. The blades glide smoothly through thick oil paint, perfect for impasto, scraping, or mixing. Available in multiple shapes for varied effects.

Pros:

  • Tempered stainless steel won’t rust or warp

  • Excellent ergonomic wooden handles

  • Precise flexibility for expressive texture

Cons:

  • Slightly pricier than budget sets

  • Sharp edges require careful handling

Verdict:
Industry standard for a reason — ideal for artists who love texture and precision.

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2. Pebeo Studio Palette Knife Set (Plastic)

Best for: Beginners and classroom use
Approx. price: £5–£8

These lightweight plastic knives are surprisingly versatile. They’re not as durable as metal ones, but they’re great for learning impasto techniques, mixing on disposable palettes, or for anyone hesitant to invest heavily at first.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive and easy to clean

  • Lightweight and safe for younger artists

  • Great starter choice

Cons:

  • Limited flexibility and control

  • Can snap if used with heavy paints

Verdict:
Perfect for experimentation or teaching environments, but serious oil painters will quickly want to upgrade to metal.

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Buying Tips

  • Choose natural hog bristle for texture and stiffness, or synthetic fibres for smoother blending and solvent resistance.

  • Use long-handled brushes for oils — they give you better control at an easel distance.

  • Invest in a few quality palette knives — even one or two shapes can dramatically expand your expressive range.

  • Clean tools properly: Wipe off excess paint first, then use solvent or dedicated brush cleaner.

 

Final Thoughts

Good brushes and palette knives are an investment in your painting experience. For oil painters, the ARTIFY Expert and Da Vinci Hog Bristle brushes provide long-term value and professional feel, while RGM knives remain the gold standard for texture and mixing.

If you’re just starting, the Winton set and Pebeo knives will give you everything you need to learn without overspending.

“The best brushes and knives don’t just apply paint — they shape the way you think and move on canvas.”