By The ARTnews Recommends Editors

Detail paint brushes are a handy tool for creating fine lines and tiny brushstrokes. Suitable for use with acrylics, watercolors, gouache, enamel, and oil paints, detail brushes can be used to paint miniatures, models, figurines, nail art, or any other painting project where precision is key. Which detail brush is right for you can depend on a variety of factors such as brush shape, durability, and how it feels in your hand. Detail brushes are available in a range of sizes, starting with the superfine 0000 (less than 1/64 inch). Most sets will be a selection of all-purpose round brushes, while some may include flat, liner, filbert, or angular brushes for a greater variability in your brushstrokes. To find the right detail brush set for all your project needs, see our top picks below.

This is an excellent set of detail brushes with a wide variety of shapes. Its 15 micro brushes include 7 round, 3 liner, 2 flat, 1 angular, 1 filbert, and 1 angular spot detailer, ranging in size from 0000 to 4 (less than 1/64 inch to 3/32 inch). These nylon brushes have an ergonomic grip for superior control, and their triangular shape will keep them from rolling off your work surface. The variety in brush shapes makes this set an ideal choice for anyone wanting versatility in their brushstrokes. 

This set from Artbrush Tower includes seven assorted detail brushes ranging in size from 000 to 4, making this a great starter set for detail painting work. The short wood handles and nylon bristles will give you a balanced grip and controlled brushstroke, and the durable double-crimped ferrules prevent brushes from wobbling. These precision-point brushes are a great option for painting miniatures and models, and with proper care they will maintain their shape against a variety of painting surfaces.

This set from Aiex is suitable for beginners, providing an introductory collection of detail brushes for fine art, craft, and hobby projects. Ranging in size from 000 to 6 (1/64 inch to 4/32 inch), all brushes in this set have a round tip––considered to be the most versatile brush shape––and their durable nylon bristles come to a fine point, allowing for greater flexibility in your brushstroke. A triangular bulblike handle provides an ergonomic grip for focused detail work.

For a versatile selection of brush shapes in superfine sizes, choose this set. The 15 brushes includes 5 round, 5 liner, 3 flat, and 2 spot brushes ranging in size from 0000 to 1 (less than 1/64 inch to less than 2/32 inch). With nylon bristles, you’ll get a durable brush that is suitable for use with a variety of painting media. As a bonus, this brush set comes with a zippered storage pouch to protect the delicate fine tips, keeping the brushes in pristine shape. 

Sometimes you need only one detail brush size. This four-pack of size 000 (1/64 inch) round brushes from D’Artisan Shoppe is an excellent choice for anyone who works on models and wants to have a stock of fine-tip detail brushes on hand. Multiple brushes in the same size allow you to work in more than one color at a time; they’re also a great choice for anyone whose fine-tip brushes wear out quickly due to heavy use. The triangular handle offers a steady hold that’s ideal for precision detail work, and the ergonomic grip will let you comfortably paint for long periods. 

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