Brushes and Palette Knives for Acrylic Painting — Review & Buying Guide

by Maya Brooks

Brushes and Palette Knives for Acrylic Painting

Acrylics are one of the most versatile painting mediums — fast-drying, water-soluble, and suitable for a huge range of techniques. Because they can be used thin like watercolour or thick like oil paint, choosing the right brushes and palette knives is key to controlling texture and blending before the paint dries.

This guide covers the best brushes and knives for acrylic artists — from beginners to professionals — plus essential tips for getting the most from your tools.

Brushes for Acrylics

Acrylic paint is slightly abrasive and dries quickly, so your brushes need to be durable, flexible, and easy to clean. Synthetic fibres are usually the best choice: they’re springy, resistant to wear, and won’t absorb too much water or medium.

Palette Knives for Acrylics

Acrylics lend themselves beautifully to palette knife techniques — from smooth impasto and scraping effects to clean, graphic marks. Palette knives are also invaluable for mixing colours without damaging brushes.

Table of Contents

Princeton Velvetouch Mixed Media Brush Set

Best for: Artists who want precision and versatility
Approx. price: £30–£40

A beautifully balanced set of synthetic brushes designed for acrylics, oils, and gouache. The bristles hold their shape, deliver smooth strokes, and clean up easily — ideal for both fine detail and expressive work.

Pros:
  • Premium synthetic bristles mimic natural hair feel
  • Excellent for controlled layering and glazing
  • Ergonomic handle for long painting sessions
Cons:
  • Mid-range price
  • Doesn’t include large area brushes
Verdict:

A professional-quality set that transitions beautifully between styles — great for both studio and plein air acrylic work.

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 Daler-Rowney System 3 Acrylic Brush Set

Best for: Students and beginners
Approx. price: £15–£25

Designed for heavy-bodied acrylic paints, these brushes are affordable yet surprisingly durable. The synthetic filaments spring back well, even after vigorous scrubbing on textured surfaces.

Pros:
  • Budget-friendly and long-lasting
  • Firm bristles handle thick paint easily
  • Widely available and easy to replace
Cons:
  • Bristles can stiffen if not cleaned immediately
  • Not ideal for ultra-fine detail
Verdict:

An excellent introduction to acrylic painting tools — dependable and affordable.

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Da Vinci NOVA Synthetic Brushes

Best for: Artists who need control for detail and glazing
Approx. price: £30–£45

Da Vinci’s NOVA range is crafted for acrylics and water-based paints, offering superb control for thin layers, fine detail, and blending. The bristles are firm yet responsive — perfect for smoother techniques and varnish applications.

Pros:
  • Even paint release
  • High precision and durability
  • Easy to clean
Cons:
  • Not as stiff as hog bristle alternatives
  • Smaller handles than typical acrylic brushes
Verdict:

A superb choice for controlled techniques and layered, luminous acrylic work.

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RGM Italian Palette Knife Set

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

The gold standard of palette knives. RGM’s tempered steel blades offer the perfect blend of flexibility and strength, ideal for working with heavy-body acrylics.

Pros:
  • Excellent spring and balance
  • Variety of shapes available
  • Rust-resistant stainless steel
Cons:
  • Slightly higher price point
  • Sharp edges require care
Verdict:

A long-lasting, precise set that’s perfect for professional acrylic artists and texture lovers alike.

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Liquitex Freestyle Painting Knife Set

Best for: Acrylic painters experimenting with texture
Approx. price: £10–£15

Designed by one of the leading acrylic brands, these knives are durable, flexible, and purpose-built for heavy-bodied paint. The unique handle design allows great control during bold, gestural applications.

Pros:
  • Excellent balance and grip
  • Ideal for large-scale work
  • Designed for acrylic viscosity
Cons:
  • Larger shapes can be awkward for small canvases
Verdict:

A perfect partner for acrylic painters who enjoy working boldly and expressively.

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Pebeo Plastic Knife Set

Best for: Beginners and experimental work
Approx. price: £5–£8

Lightweight and safe, these plastic knives are ideal for classroom use or for anyone new to impasto techniques.

Pros:
  • Inexpensive and easy to clean
  • Great for colour mixing and experimentation
Cons:
  • Can snap under pressure
  • Limited flexibility
Verdict:

A fun, low-cost entry into palette knife painting before investing in metal tools.

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Buying Tips

  • Synthetic bristles are best for acrylics — they resist damage from fast-drying paint and water.
  • Always clean brushes immediately after use with mild soap and warm water to avoid dried paint build-up.
  • Use different brushes for different mediums — never use your oil brushes for acrylics.
  • Palette knives are excellent for both colour mixing and applying thick layers of paint directly to the canvas.

 

Final Thoughts

Acrylic painting offers incredible flexibility, and with the right brushes and knives, you can take full advantage of its expressive potential.

For beginners, the Daler-Rowney System 3 set and Pebeo knives are excellent starting points. Intermediate to advanced painters will appreciate the precision and longevity of Princeton Velvetouch brushes and RGM knives.

“Acrylics dry fast — your tools should keep up. Choose brushes and knives that match your pace and your personality.”

 

 

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