Brushes for Priming, Varnishing & Gilding
Discover our collection of brushes used for priming, varnishing, gilding, signwriting, specialist effects, and more.
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Brushes for Priming, Varnishing & More: Popular Questions from Artists
At Jackson’s, we offer a wide range of specialist brushes for fine art, decorating and restoration. As well as traditional brushes for painting, our range includes these special brushes that are used for priming, varnishing, gilding, and more.
Our selection of specialist brushes are made to suit the viscosity of the material you’re working with, whether that’s thick gesso or sticky adhesive. Most of these brushes have lacquered handles and seamless ferrules for ease of use and longevity.
Artists have prepared and protected their surfaces for centuries. Gesso priming dates back to Renaissance panel painting, while varnishing has been used since oil painting’s rise in the 15th century. Gilding has an even longer history, seen in Byzantine iconography, manuscript illumination, and religious altarpieces.
At Jackson’s, we stock all types of specialist brushes for priming, varnishing, gilding and more, from leading brands like Da Vinci, Escoda, Gamblin, and Borciani e Bonazzi, as well as our own Jackson’s brush ranges.
We’re proud to offer excellent customer service, eco-conscious packaging, and thousands of five-star reviews.
Shop Specialist Brushes for Priming, Varnishing, and Gilding at Jackson’s
Browse our range online and find the right tool for your projects. Need help? Visit our Help & Advice or Contact Us pages.
Should I use a particular type of brush for oil gilding and water gilding?
Yes. Oil gilding uses thicker adhesives, so a soft, round brush works well. Water gilding requires a squirrel or goat hair brush for its delicate application.
How can artists achieve a smooth finish while priming a canvas?
Use a wide, flat brush for priming and apply multiple thin layers. Lightly sand between coats for an even surface.
Can I use a varnish brush for acrylic painting?
Yes, these brushes can often be used with artists' paints, as they are made of the same components. Painting with bigger brushes can encourage a loose style, which helps to shape your composition.
Which brush is best for varnishing a canvas?
A flat varnish brush with soft bristles is ideal. This will allow for smooth application across both oil and acrylic surfaces.