From a fine leaf vein to a broader area of colour, these four Staedtler Design Journey water brushes offer different strokes for watercolour paint and pencils. Water is held in the handle. Light pressure on the reservoir releases it through the tip, helping you dilute colour as you paint.
Three round tips and one chisel tip
The set contains four refillable water brushes with nylon tips and protective caps: fine round (S), medium round (M), large round (L) and chisel. The squeezable reservoirs use a valve system to control water flow. S, M and L indicate relative tip sizes; stroke width also depends on pressure and brush angle.
Choose a tip for your subject
Use S for small details and thin outlines, M for general sketching and L for broader strokes. Use the broad face of the chisel tip for a band of colour; turn to its narrow side for a thinner mark or an angular line. Make a few trial strokes on the same paper to compare a round tip with a chisel tip.
Control water for colour and blends
Fill the reservoirs with clean water and close them securely. Remove the cap and gently press the reservoir to moisten the tip. Pick up watercolour paint with the tip or work watercolour pencil marks on paper. Add water gradually for a lighter tint or a softer transition. Allow for the paper’s water absorption. Use your own paint or watercolour pencils, watercolour paper and water.
Clean after painting
Rinse the tip between colours to reduce unwanted mixing. Clean the tip and reservoir with water after use, gently reshape the hairs and let the parts dry. Replace the protective cap without folding the hairs and check that the reservoir is closed securely before carrying.
Compare round and flat brushes for your watercolour work
