10 Practical Tips to Save Money on Oil Painting Brushes

Published on 31 July 2023 8 min read

Purchase brush sets rather than individual brushes
Care for your brushes properly
Opt for synthetic brushes
Shop at discount art supply stores
Buy brushes in bulk
Reuse old brushes
Avoid high-end brushes
Compare prices online
Try other painting tools
Join art supply membership programs

Oil painting can be an expensive hobby, especially when it comes to purchasing high-quality brushes. However, with a bit of savvy shopping and some smart tactics, you can significantly reduce your expenses. Here are our top ten practical tips on how to save money on paint brushes for oil painting, so you can focus more on creating beautiful art.

Purchase brush sets rather than individual brushes

Buying a set of brushes instead of individual ones is a smart way to cut costs. This strategy is a real game-changer if you're looking for ways to save money on paint brushes for oil painting. Let's see why:

Value for Money: Brush sets usually offer a variety of brush sizes and shapes at a fraction of the cost if bought separately. This means you get more brushes for your money.
Variety: With a set, you'll have an array of options at your disposal. Whether you need a flat brush for large areas or a fine-tipped brush for detailed work, you'll have it all in one set.
Convenience: Sets are generally packaged in a handy case, making it easier for you to store and transport your brushes. This also helps in maintaining the quality of your brushes for a longer time.

Remember, while the upfront cost of a brush set might be higher than a single brush, in the long run, it's a smarter investment. So, next time you're shopping for brushes, consider going for a set. It's a simple yet effective way to save money on paint brushes for oil painting.

Care for your brushes properly

Well-cared-for brushes can last for years, which translates into considerable savings over time. By taking good care of your brushes, you can extend their lifespan and save money on paint brushes for oil painting. Here are a few vital tips:

Clean them regularly: Always clean your brushes immediately after use. This prevents paint from drying on the bristles and ruining them.
Don't leave brushes standing in water or solvent: This can cause the bristles to become misshapen, and it may also damage the handle. Instead, lay them flat to dry.
Store brushes properly: When not in use, store your brushes with the bristles facing upwards to prevent them from bending and losing their shape.

Taking care of your brushes doesn't require a lot of time or effort but can save you a great deal of money in the long run. Remember, every brush you don't have to replace is money saved. So why not make brush care a part of your painting routine?

Opt for synthetic brushes

When it comes to painting, we often believe that natural bristle brushes are the best. But have you considered synthetic brushes? They can be an effective way to save money on paint brushes for oil painting. Synthetic brushes are usually less expensive than their natural counterparts, but they still offer good results for many types of oil painting.

Here's the scoop:

Durability: Synthetic brushes are known for their durability. They can withstand the rigors of oil painting and are less likely to shed bristles over time.
Easy to clean: Synthetic brushes are typically easier to clean than natural brushes. This means you can spend less money on brush cleaners and more time creating art.
Consistent performance: Synthetic brushes hold their shape well and provide consistent performance, making them a reliable choice for your oil painting projects.

While synthetic brushes may not have the same prestige as natural brushes, they're a practical and cost-effective choice for many artists. Next time you're out shopping for brushes, why not give synthetic ones a shot?

Shop at discount art supply stores

Ever thought about how to save money on paint brushes for oil painting? One practical step is to shop at discount art supply stores. These stores often offer similar products to what you'd find in high-end art shops but at a fraction of the cost. Here's why this method rocks:

Lower prices: It's simple math. Discount stores generally offer products at lower prices than regular stores. If you're on a budget, this can be a lifesaver.
Great selection: Don't think that because it's a discount store, the selection will be poor. Many discount art supply stores offer a wide range of brushes, from synthetic to natural bristles, in various sizes and shapes. You're likely to find exactly what you need.
Regular sales: Discount stores often have sales or offer loyalty programs, providing you with even more opportunities to save money on your oil painting brushes.

So, next time you need to stock up on brushes, why not check out your local discount art supply store? You might be surprised at the gems you can find without breaking the bank!

Buy brushes in bulk

Remember those times when you needed a specific brush but couldn't find one, and you thought about how to save money on paint brushes for oil painting? Well, buying brushes in bulk can solve both problems. Here's why:

Cost-effective: When you buy in bulk, the price per brush often ends up being lower than if you were to buy them individually. So, you get more bang for your buck!
Always ready: Having a good stock of brushes on hand means you're always ready to paint, no matter the inspiration. No more frustrating moments searching for the right brush or waiting for a new one to arrive in the mail.
Less wastage: Bulk packs usually come in protective packaging, reducing the risk of damage to brushes while in storage. This means fewer brushes going to waste, saving you more money in the long run.

The next time you need to replenish your brush collection, consider buying in bulk. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have a ready supply of brushes whenever you need them. Now, isn't that a win-win situation?

Reuse old brushes

Do you have a collection of old brushes lying around collecting dust? If so, don't toss them out just yet. There's still life left in them! Here are some ways you can breathe new life into your old brushes and save money on paint brushes for oil painting.

Reshape: Sometimes all a brush needs to get back in action is a good reshaping. You can use your fingers to gently mold the bristles back into shape. Remember—brushes are made to be used, not retired at the first sign of wear.
Repurpose: Think beyond the canvas. Old brushes can serve a variety of purposes, like applying glue, mod podge, or even using the handle end for scratch art. Who knew saving old brushes could open a whole new world of creativity?
Recondition: Using a brush conditioner can restore the softness and flexibility of your brushes. It's like a spa day for your brushes, and it can extend their life significantly.

So, before you throw away those old brushes, think about how they can be reused. It's not only a great way to save money on paint brushes for oil painting, but also a creative challenge to view your tools in a new light.

Avoid high-end brushes

Alright, let's talk about high-end brushes. Sure, they might seem tempting—who doesn't want to feel like a pro with those fancy shmancy brushes? But here's the thing: when it comes to oil painting, it's not always about the price tag on your brushes.

Quality over Brand: Some high-end brushes are worth the price, but not all. It's not uncommon to find lower-priced brushes that can do the job just as well, if not better. Keep an eye out for brushes that hold their shape well and don't shed bristles, no matter what the price is.
Experiment: Before committing to a pricey set of brushes, experiment with some less expensive options. You might be surprised at what you can achieve without breaking the bank. Plus, experimenting allows you to figure out what you like in a brush without burning a hole in your pocket.
Skill over Tools: Remember, the artist makes the art, not the tools. A pricy brush won't magically make you a better painter. Practice, patience, and passion are the real keys to great oil painting.

So, next time you're shopping for brushes, don't just look at the price. Consider what you really need from your brushes, and don't be afraid to go for a less expensive option. This is an effective strategy on how to save money on paint brushes for oil painting.

Compare prices online

Now, this might sound like an obvious tip, but you'd be surprised how many people overlook it. Comparing prices online is one of the easiest ways to save money on paint brushes for oil painting.

Not All Stores Are Created Equal: Some online stores can offer better deals than others. This could be due to various factors, such as stock levels, supplier relationships, or simply different pricing strategies. So, don't just stick to one store—browse around!
Watch Out for Sales: Online stores often have sales and discounts that physical stores don't. Keep an eye on your favorite art supply websites for these deals. You could save a substantial amount on your brushes.
Shipping Costs: Don't forget to consider shipping costs. A brush might look like a bargain until you add on the cost of delivery. Always factor this in when comparing prices online.

So, before you click that 'Buy Now' button, make sure you've done your homework. It could save you a pretty penny and offer a solution on how to save money on paint brushes for oil painting!

Try other painting tools

Believe it or not, brushes aren't the only tools you can use for oil painting. In fact, some of the best painters in the world have been known to mix it up a bit.

Palette Knives: These tools are often used to mix paint colors, but they can also create unique effects on your canvas. The best part? They're typically cheaper than brushes and easier to clean!
Sponges: Yes, even your standard kitchen sponge can be a great painting tool. They're perfect for creating texture and blending colors. Plus, they're a lot cheaper than most high-quality brushes.
Old Toothbrushes: Don't throw away your old toothbrush just yet—it might be your next favorite painting tool! Toothbrushes can create interesting splatter effects. It's another easy and cheap way to save money on oil painting tools.

So, don't limit yourself to brushes alone. Experiment with different tools and see what works best for you. You might just discover a new favorite—and save some money in the process.

Join art supply membership programs

If you're a regular at your local art supply store, or if you often find yourself shopping online for new brushes and art materials, joining an art supply membership program could be a game-changing move for you.

Many art supply stores—both physical and online—offer membership programs. When you join, you often get access to special discounts, sales, and promotions. This means you could score your oil painting brushes at a significantly lower price!

But wait, there's more! Some of these programs also offer reward points for every purchase. You can accumulate these points over time and later exchange them for discounts or even free items. Imagine getting a brand new set of oil painting brushes without spending a dime. Now that's what I call a win!

So, the next time you're at your favorite art supply store or shopping online, ask about their membership programs. It might be the key to saving big bucks on your oil painting brushes.

If you enjoyed learning about saving money on oil painting brushes, you might be interested in exploring unconventional painting methods. Check out the workshop 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. In this workshop, you'll discover how to create unique and beautiful abstract paintings using items you already have at home, further saving you money and expanding your creative horizons.