Published November 1, 2026. Last updated November 1, 2026. By Andrew M. Tan.
Looking for the best drybrush for painting miniatures? A brush that makes stone look like stone, catches the edges of armor, and leaves a little dignity in your paint job? I have used drybrushing on hundreds of models. It remains one of the techniques I recommend most often to new painters.
For a versatile three-brush set, I would start with The Army Painter Masterclass. For a complete setup, I like Notts Hobbies. And if you want one dependable brush, my Citadel Medium has done a lot of work. The Transon set has also impressed me since my original first-look article.
Below are ten options, including brushes I have used, products I have previously mentioned, and four additional sets or single brushes selected from current listings. I explain my experience with each. The list covers different jobs and budgets; the order follows how I would shop for those needs.
The satisfying part comes when you learn how little paint and pressure it takes to bring out a sculpt. You make a pass, look at the result, and adjust. That small cycle of attention is one of the reasons I enjoy painting miniatures.
This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Notts Hobbies supplied the set for my original sponsored review; the opinions here reflect my experience.
In this guide
- My top three picks
- Quick buyer’s guide
- The ten drybrushes
- Side-by-side comparison
- Technique and care
In a hurry? My top three picks
- The Army Painter Masterclass — My all-around starting point for a three-brush set.
- Notts Hobbies Complete Drybrush Set — My pick for brushes with the preparation and cleaning tools.
- Citadel Medium Drybrush — My choice if you want a single proven workhorse.
Quick buyer’s guide
- Start with the models you paint. A medium drybrush handles a lot of ordinary tabletop work. Add a smaller brush for confined areas or a larger one when scenery and big creatures become regular projects.
- Choose the shape deliberately. Rounded heads are useful when changing stroke direction and working over curved surfaces. A flat edge gives you a more directional contact area.
- Feel matters as much as the label. Stiffer bristles give strong feedback over texture. Softer brushes need a different touch. The amount of paint in the brush and the pressure you use change the result with either type.
- Count the drybrushes. A set advertised as eight pieces may include three detail brushes. Useful, perhaps, but that leaves five drybrushes.
- Buy the extras you will use. A texture palette, dampening sponge, and soap can be helpful. Check what is already sitting on your desk before buying it again.
My ten drybrush picks
1. The Army Painter Masterclass Drybrush Set — My all-around starting point
Used in my painting rotation
Three goat-hair drybrushes; 7, 12, and 15 mm heads.
For a straightforward set of dedicated drybrushes, I would start here. The Army Painter Masterclass brushes have been in my painting rotation for years, and the three sizes cover a useful range of miniature painting jobs. Small raised details, a larger creature, a piece of terrain. You have some room to work.
The rounded heads let me change the angle of my strokes without constantly finding the edge of a flat brush. In my comparison with Notts, the Army Painter brushes felt stiffer. A light touch helps, especially when I want a gradual highlight across a surface.
They do wear with use. In my experience, the Masterclass brushes wore faster than my Notts brushes, so I would treat them as working tools that will eventually need replacing. That is drybrushing for you. The bristles are doing a fairly rough job.
The current set is listed as goat hair. My experience comes from the Masterclass brushes I already own; the link below points to the current package. For an example of where I use this kind of brush, see my Slapchop and zenithal drybrushing guide.
Pros
Useful size range; rounded heads; a familiar, versatile set for everyday drybrushing.
Cons
Mine wore faster than Notts; the stiffer feel calls for gentle pressure on delicate highlights.
Who I would recommend it for
My first choice if you want a compact set of dedicated drybrushes and already have the rest of your painting supplies.
2. Notts Hobbies Complete Drybrush Set — My pick for a complete setup
Reviewed on miniatures
Three natural-hair drybrushes, texture palette, dampening sponge, brush soap, and dice bag.
This is the kit I would choose if I wanted the brushes and the supporting tools in one place. Notts sent me the set for my original sponsored review, and I tested it on miniatures including a rock golem from Descent. That textured stone surface gave the brushes plenty to catch.
I found a useful balance of firmness and softness in the bristles. Compared with my Army Painter brushes, the Notts brushes felt a little softer, with longer bristles that helped me build smoother gradients. The larger brush handled the broad gray layers, and the medium and small brushes brought out the brighter raised areas.
The texture palette also earned its space on my desk. I could work excess paint out of the brush without collecting paper fibers in the bristles. And, yes, I used the wooden board as a little hobby tray to move things around. A glamorous life.
If you already own a texture palette, soap, and a dampening sponge, some of this kit will duplicate your supplies. For a fresh setup, though, it is a thoughtful package. You can see the painting steps and comparisons in my full Notts Hobbies review.
Pros
Brushes performed well in my tests; useful preparation and cleaning tools; comfortable handles.
Cons
The complete kit takes more desk space and duplicates tools you may already own; check delivery costs for your location.
Who I would recommend it for
My favorite complete setup here, especially if you want to learn how brush preparation affects the result.
3. Citadel Medium Drybrush — My single-brush workhorse
Used on hundreds of models
One medium drybrush with a relatively flat working edge.
If you only want one dedicated drybrush, this is an easy recommendation for me. I have used the Citadel Medium Drybrush on hundreds of models, including units of miniatures, medium-sized vehicles, and terrain. It has been a dependable little brush.
The bristles are stiff enough to hold pigment and stand up to the scrubbing motion of drybrushing. That firmer feel is useful for picking out rough stone, fur, and other pronounced textures. I can turn the flat edge to change how much of the surface I contact.
There is a tradeoff in that shape. I need to pay more attention to the brush angle than I do with a rounded head. If I want a soft, broad transition, I reach for a rounded brush. For straightforward highlights over texture, the Citadel Medium remains a tool I trust.
You can see it in use in my drybrushing tutorial. There is plenty you can learn with one brush before a whole set becomes useful.
Pros
Durable in my use; holds pigment well; versatile size for common tabletop models.
Cons
Only one size; the flat head makes stroke direction more noticeable.
Who I would recommend it for
The one I would suggest to a painter who wants a proven brush for textured models and minimal fuss.
4. Transon Miniature Drybrush Set — Responsive brushes with a useful size range
Tested after my first-look article
Five drybrushes labeled Mini, S, M, L, and XL, plus three detail brushes.
When I wrote my first look at the Transon set, I had not tested these brushes. I have used them since then, and the dry bristle feel and feedback were excellent. Responsive is the word I would use. They held pigment well and gave me good control.
The rounded shape also gave me nuanced control over smaller surfaces. I could see the result of a stroke immediately, which made the next stroke feel more confident. That kind of feedback matters when I am trying to build a highlight without covering everything around it.
I would rate them similarly to my Army Painter drybrushes. The medium size, labeled M in the set, was the workhorse I reached for most. The larger selection is useful, but that middle brush did a lot of the practical work for me.
A small counting detail before you buy: this is an eight-piece brush set with five drybrushes and three detail brushes. Those extra pointed brushes have a different job. The drybrushes are the reason I would consider this kit.
Pros
Excellent bristle feedback in my use; good pigment holding and control; useful rounded shape on smaller surfaces.
Cons
Only five of the eight brushes are drybrushes; the included detail brushes may duplicate tools you already own.
Who I would recommend it for
A strong alternative to the Army Painter set, with the medium M brush as my standout for regular use.
5. Princeton Select Artiste Oval Mop — An art-store alternative I have used
Recommended in my drybrushing tutorial
One 1/4-inch synthetic oval mop; model P3750OM025.
Some useful miniature painting tools arrive without a picture of a Space Marine on the package. This Princeton synthetic mop is one of them. I included it in my drybrushing tutorial because it is a simple, effective option for the job.
I like the working edge for the kinds of 28–35 mm miniatures many of us paint. You have enough brush to contact raised detail, with a compact head that is easier to place around smaller surfaces than a large face brush.
Pay attention to the shape and size when ordering. Princeton makes a lot of brushes, and the one linked here is the Select Artiste 1/4-inch oval mop. A pointed round from the same range will behave differently.
This would be my choice for someone who enjoys trying ordinary art supplies at the hobby desk. One brush, a little paint, and a spare base are enough to find out whether you like the feel.
Pros
Simple single-brush option; synthetic bristles; a useful size for smaller tabletop miniatures.
Cons
No range of sizes in this purchase; the oval shape has a different feel from a domed hobby drybrush.
Who I would recommend it for
A practical alternative if you want to experiment with a compact art brush I have already recommended for drybrushing.
6. EcoTools Enhancing Eye Brush Set — A compact makeup-brush option
Previously linked; exact set not reviewed
Two double-ended brushes with four synthetic heads and bamboo handles.
Makeup brushes have a useful place in miniature painting. I have recommended cosmetic brushes for drybrushing and linked this EcoTools set in my Slapchop guide. The smaller blending heads are the part of this set I would look at for miniature work.
Soft bristles can help spread a light application over raised surfaces. They also feel different from a stiff Citadel drybrush, so expect to adjust the pressure and the amount of paint left in the brush. A test on a spare model is time well spent.
I have not published a hands-on review of this exact EcoTools set. My recommendation here comes from my experience with cosmetic brushes as a category and the shapes in this set. The angled and defining ends will have different uses from the fluffy blending ends.
The double-ended handles are compact, though storage needs a little thought. Laying them flat keeps you from standing one end on its bristles. Small detail. Annoying if you forget it.
Pros
Compact set; soft synthetic heads; an accessible way to explore cosmetic brushes for painting.
Cons
Some heads are more useful for drybrushing than others; exact-set durability is untested by me; double-ended storage needs care.
Who I would recommend it for
A reasonable experimental option if you want to try softer brushes before buying a larger dedicated set.
7. ARTIFY Drybrush Set — A kit with preparation and cleaning extras
Researched option; not tested by me
Five goat-hair drybrushes, dampening pad, and brush soap, according to the linked listing.
ARTIFY caught my attention because this kit includes a dampening pad and brush soap alongside five drybrushes. Those accessories fit the preparation and cleanup routine that I use with dedicated drybrushes.
I have not tested this set, so I cannot tell you whether its brushes match the feel or durability of Notts or Army Painter. The reason to consider it is the combination of different brush sizes and useful supporting tools in one purchase.
I would begin with a middle-sized brush and learn how much pigment it releases before switching through every size. A kit can give you options, but spending a few minutes with one brush tells you more than constantly changing tools.
Pros
Five brush sizes; includes a dampening pad and soap; rounded heads suited to exploring drybrushing techniques.
Cons
I have no hands-on durability comparison yet; no texture palette is listed with this package.
Who I would recommend it for
Worth comparing if you want several sizes and brush-care accessories together. My tested complete-kit recommendation remains Notts.
8. Golden Maple Six-Piece Drybrush Set — A broader selection of dedicated drybrushes
Researched option; not tested by me
Six drybrushes in assorted sizes, according to the linked listing.
If your projects jump from small figures to monsters and scenery, a wider selection of drybrush sizes can make sense. This Golden Maple set offers six dedicated drybrushes, giving you more brushes to rotate through a session.
That can also be convenient when changing colors. You can set a washed brush aside to dry and continue with another. I would still check the actual head dimensions on the listing; size names do not translate reliably from one brand to another.
I have not tested these Golden Maple drybrushes. Any experience with the brand’s pointed miniature brushes would be a separate comparison. Here, I am selecting this set for its range of drybrushes, with the feel and long-term wear still to be established.
Pros
Six dedicated drybrushes; a range of sizes; spare brushes can be useful during color changes.
Cons
More brushes to store and clean; I cannot yet assess shedding, consistency, or lifespan.
Who I would recommend it for
A candidate for painters who know they want several drybrushes available. A smaller set is easier to justify when starting out.
9. Vallejo Large Dry Brush — A single larger brush for textured surfaces
Researched option; not tested by me
Vallejo’s Large Dry Brush, reference B07003. Product image from Amazon.
One large natural-hair drybrush; reference B07003.
Sometimes there is one gap in your brush collection: everything you own is too small for the terrain piece in front of you. The Vallejo Large Dry Brush is the single-brush option I would look at for that situation.
Vallejo identifies natural hair in this drybrush range. The Large B07003 is the version linked here. I would consider it for stonework, broad areas of fur, and other textured surfaces where a small head makes the job slow.
I have not tested this particular Vallejo brush, so its actual stiffness and paint release are still open questions for me. My reason for including it is simple: you can add a larger dedicated tool without buying another whole set.
Pros
One larger brush; natural hair specified by Vallejo; fills a size gap without adding a full kit.
Cons
Less suited to tight areas; no accessories; performance and wear are untested by me.
Who I would recommend it for
A focused purchase to consider if larger textured models are becoming a regular part of your painting.
10. The Army Painter Hobby Drybrush — A simple flat synthetic option
Researched option; not tested by me
One flat-topped nylon drybrush; Hobby range, BR7015.
The Army Painter also makes a basic Hobby Drybrush with a flat top and nylon bristles. It deserves a separate look because the shape and material differ from the Masterclass brushes earlier in this list.
A flat edge gives you a clear contact area for brushing across raised texture. I would consider this design for straightforward work on bases, stone, or similar surfaces where I want to control the direction of a stroke.
My hands-on Army Painter comments above refer to the Masterclass range. I have not tested this Hobby model, and I would not assume that it feels the same. It is here as a simple synthetic option for someone who wants to try this brush shape without purchasing a set.
Pros
Single-brush purchase; nylon bristles; flat working edge for directional strokes.
Cons
Only one size in this purchase; different construction from Masterclass; I have no firsthand durability result.
Who I would recommend it for
A sensible option to compare if you specifically want a flat synthetic drybrush.
Drybrush comparison at a glance
| Brush or set | Why consider it | My experience |
|---|---|---|
| The Army Painter Masterclass Drybrush Set | A versatile three-brush set | Used in my painting rotation |
| Notts Hobbies Complete Drybrush Set | Brushes and preparation tools together | Reviewed on miniatures |
| Citadel Medium Drybrush | One brush for everyday miniatures | Used on hundreds of models |
| Transon Miniature Drybrush Set | Controlled highlights and a versatile medium brush | Tested after my first-look article |
| Princeton Select Artiste Oval Mop | A compact synthetic brush for smaller models | Recommended in my drybrushing tutorial |
| EcoTools Enhancing Eye Brush Set | Trying softer brush heads | Previously linked; exact set not reviewed |
| ARTIFY Drybrush Set | Five brush sizes with accessories | Researched option; not tested by me |
| Golden Maple Six-Piece Drybrush Set | Keeping several sizes or colors ready | Researched option; not tested by me |
| Vallejo Large Dry Brush | Broad areas on larger models and scenery | Researched option; not tested by me |
| The Army Painter Hobby Drybrush | Trying a flat brush for raised texture | Researched option; not tested by me |
How I would choose a drybrush
If I were buying a first dedicated set today, I would choose Army Painter Masterclass for the useful range of sizes, or Notts if I wanted the supporting tools as well. For one familiar workhorse, I would be happy with the Citadel Medium. Transon deserves a close look too, particularly if responsive bristles and a rounded head appeal to you.
For the four researched additions, I would compare the actual package and sizes against the gap in my own collection. A larger number of brushes is only useful when those brushes have a job.
A few drybrushing habits that help
Load a little paint, then work most of it out on a suitable preparation surface before touching the model. Make a light test stroke. If the brush lays down a broad wet mark, it needs more preparation.
Start gently and build up the highlight. On rough stone or fur, the raised texture does a lot of the work for you. Smooth armor and curved surfaces ask for more care because uneven marks are easier to see.
A dampening sponge can help manage the feel of the bristles, but use very little moisture and test the brush afterward. You still need control over how much paint reaches the model. My step-by-step drybrushing guide covers the process with examples.
Clean the bristles after painting, rinse out the soap, reshape them gently, and let the brush dry before putting it away. Dried paint accumulating near the ferrule makes the next session harder. A short cleanup is usually worth it.
Can you use an old brush or a makeup brush
Yes. Cosmetic brushes can be useful, and an old painting brush is a perfectly reasonable way to try drybrushing. The shape and condition of the bristles will affect the result. A badly split brush may leave uneven marks, so test it before working on a miniature you care about.
My guide to inexpensive synthetic brushes has more ideas for tools you can use for rough work. Save your favorite fine tip for the jobs where that tip matters.
Which drybrush is best for Slapchop
I would begin with a rounded medium brush from Army Painter, Notts, or Transon. It gives you a manageable starting point for building lighter areas over a dark base. Keep the recesses dark and check how the highlight reads across the whole model before adding transparent color.
You can follow my Slapchop painting walkthrough for more detail on the underpainting stage. The preparation of that light-and-dark foundation has a lot to do with the final result.
Final thoughts
A good drybrush is a small pleasure. The bristles catch the raised detail, the shape of the model becomes clearer, and a little progress appears right in front of you. I still enjoy that.
Choose a brush that fits the miniatures you paint, give yourself a spare base or model to practice on, and pay attention to what happens when you change the pressure. A familiar tool makes those little adjustments easier.
For brushes to handle the rest of the paint job, take a look at my top ten brushes for painting miniatures. And if you have a drybrush you keep reaching for, let me know which one and what you use it to paint. Happy painting!
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By Andrew M. Tan
Andrew is a commissioned miniature painter with more than 20 years of hands-on experience painting tabletop miniatures, photographing models, and testing hobby tools in real-world use. Read his full bio.