Buying guide
Brush Care Station
Updated How we research
Make good brushes last for years. The page is split into four sections (Clean and condition bristles; Store brushes the right way; Detail brushes worth protecting; Dedicated drybrushes save your good ones), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 16 picks. Our scores range from 6.5 to 8.3 out of 10.
- Best overall:GENERAL'S The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver - Non-Toxic - Cleans & Restores Art Paint Brushes - 2.5 oz. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.3/10.
- Also great value:The Masters Paint Brush Cleaner and Preserver - 24 Ounce Tub - Lemon Scented. Value score of 9/10, overall 7.7/10.
- Solid build:The Masters Non-Toxic Paint Brush Cleaner and Preserver, 1 Ounce - Artist Brush Soap Removes Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache and Tempera Paints. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 7.9/10.
- Feature-rich:Golden Maple Detail Paint Brushes Set 10pcs Miniature Brushes for Fine Detailing & Art Painting. Features score of 8/10, overall 7.8/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Clean and condition bristles
- GENERAL'S The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver - Non-Toxic - Cleans & Restores Art Paint Brushes - 2.5 ozOur score8.3/10
- The Masters Non-Toxic Paint Brush Cleaner and Preserver, 1 Ounce - Artist Brush Soap Removes Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache and Tempera PaintsOur score7.9/10
- The Masters Paint Brush Cleaner and Preserver - 24 Ounce Tub - Lemon ScentedOur score7.7/10
- The Masters Mini Clean-Up Artist Survival KitOur score6.8/10
Store brushes the right way
- DUGATO Wooden Brush Holder, 59 Hole Desk Organizer with Rest Groove | Tabletop Stand for Paint Brushes, Pencils, Pens & Art Supplies, Built-In Drying Rest, Studio Desktop RackOur score7.8/10
- Lovskoo Brush Holder Paintbrush Holder 67 Holes, Wall Mount or Freestanding Desk Organizer StandOur score7.6/10
- PROSCALE Tool & Brush Organizer for Miniatures & Modeling, Versatile Tabletop or Wall Holder with Multi-Size Holes for Hobby Tools, Files and AccessoriesOur score7.0/10
- Feadily 49 Hole Pencil Holder Organize, Desk Organizer for Paint Brushes, Makeup Brush, Colored Pencils, Markers (White)Our score6.6/10
Detail brushes worth protecting
- Golden Maple Detail Paint Brushes Set 10pcs Miniature Brushes for Fine Detailing & Art PaintingOur score7.8/10
- AIEX Detail Paint Brush, 9pcs Mini Fine Tip Detailing Brushes, Miniature Paint Brush SetOur score7.4/10
- Fine Detail Paint Brush Set - 7 Pieces Miniature Brushes for Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic Painting, Airplane KitsOur score6.8/10
- 10Pcs Detail Paint Brushes, Fine Tip Paint Brush Set, Miniature Model Painting BrushOur score6.5/10
Dedicated drybrushes save your good ones
- 6PC Dry Brush Set for Miniature Painting,Drybrush for Models | Acrylic, OilOur score7.6/10
- YFLLN Dry Brush Miniature Painting Drybrush Set, 5 Sizes (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5) Animal Hair Brushes for Advanced & Professional Art, BlackOur score7.6/10
- PANDAFLY Miniature Paint Brushes Drybrush Set, 12 SizesOur score7.5/10
- Games Workshop Citadel Brush: Large Dry BrushOur score7.1/10
All 16 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1GENERAL'S The Masters brush cleaner and preserver in 2.5 oz, a non-toxic soap that cleans and restores paint brushes.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Cleans dried acrylic from bristles and conditions the hairs
- + Non-toxic formula is safe for everyday home desk use
- + Preserver reshapes tips so detail brushes keep their point
- - Solid soap tin can get messy without drying between uses
- - Soap residue must be rinsed well before painting again
#2The Masters non-toxic paint brush cleaner and preserver in 1 ounce, a small artist brush soap for acrylic and oils.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Small size is ideal to try the classic brush soap cheaply
- + Removes oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache and tempera paints
- + Helps keep sable and synthetic tips shaped between sessions
- - 1 ounce tin will run out quickly with daily brush cleaning
- - Heavily dried acrylic may need several washes to lift
#3DUGATO wooden brush holder carved from one block of beech with 59 holes in two sizes and a groove for resting a wet brush.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 59 holes in two sizes store brushes upright so bristles are not bent in a drawer.
- + Solid one piece beech block with no assembly, and the listing describes it as resistant to warping.
- + Top groove works as a brush rest, and the low 2.4 inch height gives a stable, compact 5.1 x 4.5 inch footprint.
- - Holds fewer brushes than the 73 hole holder it replaces and has no brush cleaner included.
- - Stationary block with no rotating base, so tall brush handles must be reached over.
#4Golden Maple detail paint brush set of 10pcs for fine detailing on miniatures, models and art painting.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 10 detail brushes give a spread of fine tips for small work
- + Golden Maple is a known name in budget hobby brushes
- + Suits layering, lining and highlighting with acrylic paints
- - Synthetic set does not hold points as long as their sable range
- - Many brushes but no drybrush or larger flat brush
#5The Masters paint brush cleaner and preserver in a 24 ounce lemon scented tub, a bulk supply for heavy brush users.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 24 ounce tub lasts far longer than small tins for clubs or studios
- + Lemon scent is pleasant compared with unscented soaps
- + Same trusted cleaning and conditioning formula in bulk
- - Large tub is overkill for a single hobbyist with few brushes
- - Open tub is harder to keep clean than smaller containers
#6Lovskoo brush holder with 67 holes, a wall mount or freestanding desk organizer stand for paintbrushes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 67 holes store a large brush collection upright
- + Wall mount or freestanding options adapt to your space
- + Upright storage protects brush tips from bending
- - Hole sizes may not fit thick-handled brushes
- - Upright storage lets water run into ferrules if brushes are wet
#7Fampery's 6 piece drybrush set in six sizes, from tiny brushes for faces and trim up to larger heads for cloaks, terrain and vehicles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Six sizes mean you can drybrush anything from a face to a tank hull with the right head
- + Brushes are shaped for the drybrush technique instead of being worn-out detail brushes
- + Very low price for a full set of dedicated drybrushes
- - Unknown brand, so bristle density and shedding may vary
- - The listing does not say what the bristles are made of
#8YFLLN drybrush set in 5 sizes numbered #1 to #5, natural animal hair brushes for advanced drybrushing work.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Numbered sizes #1 through #5 make choosing the right brush simple
- + Animal hair holds pigment well and gives softer drybrush gradients
- + Graduated sizes suit small characters as well as larger kits
- - Natural hair needs gentle cleaning to avoid splitting
- - Lesser-known brand, so longevity is harder to judge upfront
#9PANDAFLY's 12 piece set that pairs nine nylon detail brushes with drybrushes, a budget bundle that covers basecoats, details and highlights.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Nine detail brushes (rounds, a flat, an angular and a filbert) plus drybrushes in one pack
- + Soft synthetic nylon bristles with chrome plated copper ferrules
- + Protective tubes are included to keep the tips in shape
- - Only a few of the twelve brushes are drybrushes, so it is not a dedicated drybrush set
- - Budget nylon tips will lose their point faster than premium brushes
#10AIEX detail paint brush set of 9pcs mini fine tip brushes for detailing miniatures, models and small artwork.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 9 fine tip brushes provide a range of small sizes for detail work
- + Short handles give control for eyes, lenses and insignia
- + Budget pack means worn brushes can be retired without regret
- - Synthetic tips may fish-hook after heavy use with metallics
- - No larger brush for basecoats or washes in the set
#11Games Workshop Citadel Large Dry Brush, a big official drybrush for vehicles, monsters, terrain and bases.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10
- + Large head covers tanks, monster hides and terrain very quickly
- + Matches Citadel Dry paints used in Warhammer painting guides
- + Sturdy handle and ferrule stand up to vigorous scrubbing
- - Too large for fine drybrushing on infantry faces or small detail
- - Costs more than generic drybrushes of similar size
#12PROSCALE tool and brush organizer for miniatures and modeling, with multi size holes. Use it on the table or mount it on the wall.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Multi size holes hold brushes, cutters, files, tweezers and scissors, so a whole paint station set fits in one place.
- + Made for miniatures and modeling, and it works on a table or on the wall.
- + Finger handle cutout lets the daily tool set be carried without tearing down the station.
- - DIY kit that should be assembled with wood glue, and tools and glue are not included.
- - Extra thick handles such as some spatulas or palettes may not fit, and capacity is not stated.
#13The Masters Mini Clean-Up Artist Survival Kit, a compact brush cleaning kit bundling soap with useful clean-up extras.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Kit format gives cleaning essentials in one travel-ready package
- + Useful for painting at conventions, clubs or on the go
- + Brand soap is well known for restoring brush tips
- - Check exactly what is included in this survival kit
- - Mini sizes run out quickly for home painting routines
#14Fine detail paint brush set of 7 pieces for watercolor, oil, acrylic and airplane kit painting.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 7 small brushes suit decals, cockpit details and figure faces
- + Multi-media design works with acrylics and oils alike
- + Handy for scale model builders who also paint pilots and crews
- - General art listing, so brush sizes are not clearly specified
- - Quality of generic synthetic bristles is inconsistent
#15Feadily 49 hole round desk organizer in white plastic, 5.7 inch diameter. Holds paint brushes, pencils and small tools.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + 49 holes hold brushes, pencils and small tools upright in a round footprint.
- + Light, portable and easy to assemble, so it can move around the paint desk.
- + Low cost option that matches the 49 hole size of the holder it replaces.
- - Plastic build and small holes may not fit brushes with thick handles.
- - General desk organizer, not designed specifically for painting brushes, with brief detail in the listing.
#16A 10Pcs fine tip detail brush set for miniature model painting, a low-cost pack of small round brushes.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 5/10 · Value 8/10
- + 10 small brushes make spares available when tips wear out
- + Fine tips handle small insignia, eyes and edge lines
- + Very cheap pack is ideal for experimenting with techniques
- - Budget bristle quality can be inconsistent between packs
- - Tips may shed hairs into paint during first uses
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Mini Paint Lab curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.