Choosing the right brush size for miniature painting directly impacts precision and efficiency, with different tasks requiring specific tools. The most common recommendations center around sizes 0, 1, and 2 for general detailing, while ultra-fine work like eyes or pupils often demands smaller sizes like 0/2, 3/0, or even 5/0. Larger brushes (sizes 3-8) excel at base coating and broad strokes, whereas specialized techniques like dry brushing may require flat or makeup-style brushes. Quality matters as much as size, with Kolinsky Sable brushes frequently cited for their superior point retention and paint capacity, even allowing a size 2 to perform like a 3/0 in skilled hands.

Key findings from the sources include:

• Size 0 brushes are the gold standard for fine details like eyes, teeth, and intricate linework, with some painters preferring 0/2 for even sharper control ^[1][2].
• Larger brushes (sizes 1-3) are ideal for base coating, layering, and general painting, with size 2 being the most versatile for beginners ^[4][6].
• Ultra-fine sizes (3/0 to 5/0) handle microscopic details but require steady hands and high-quality brushes to avoid frustration ^[5][8].
• Brush material and care significantly affect performance, with natural Kolinsky Sable outperforming synthetics for most miniature work, though modern synthetics like Monument Hobbies Pro are gaining traction ^[3][7].

Brush Size Guide for Miniature Details

Fine Detail Work: Eyes, Pupils, and Intricate Lines

For the most precise tasks—such as painting eyes, pupils, or razor-thin lines—smaller brushes are essential, but the exact size depends on the painter’s skill level and the miniature’s scale. A size 0 brush is the most universally recommended for these tasks, offering a balance between control and paint capacity. As noted in the Miniature Paint Brushes Guide: "The size 0 is the smallest brush I use and recommend. You would use a size 0 for things like eyes, pupils, teeth, and other very fine detail work" ^[2]. However, some painters prefer even smaller sizes for specific applications:

• Size 0/2 is favored for drawing clean lines and dots, such as pupils, where a Reddit user emphasizes its superiority over larger brushes: "Much easier than with the larger brush" ^[1].
• Size 3/0 or 5/0 appears in comprehensive sets like the Golden Maple Detail Brushes, designed for "fine detailing" and microscopic work, though these require a steady hand and are often reserved for experienced painters ^[8][10].
• Kolinsky Sable brushes in these sizes outperform synthetics due to their ability to hold a sharper point, with some artists noting that "a quality Kolinsky Sable brush will come to such a good point that a size 2 can have as sharp as a tip as a size 3/0" ^[6].

The choice between these sizes often comes down to personal comfort. Beginners may struggle with sizes smaller than 0, while advanced painters might use a 3/0 for ultra-fine work without issue. Proper brush care—such as avoiding paint buildup in the ferrule and using brush cleaners—extends the life of these delicate tools, ensuring consistent performance ^[3][9].

General Painting: Base Coating, Layering, and Broad Strokes

For broader tasks like base coating, layering colors, or painting large surface areas, mid-sized brushes (1-3) are the workhorses of miniature painting. These sizes strike a balance between precision and paint capacity, reducing the need for constant reloading. The Paint Like a Pro: Brushes 101 article recommends beginners start with "4-5 brushes of various sizes," highlighting the importance of a size 2 brush for general work: "With brushes such as a detail brush, [and] a size 2 for layering, you’ll cover most needs" ^[4]. Key uses for these sizes include:

• Size 1 brushes are ideal for mid-level details like facial features, armor trim, or small clothing patterns, offering more control than a size 2 while still holding enough paint for efficient work ^[6].
• Size 2 brushes dominate base coating and blocking in colors, with many painters keeping duplicates for blending or wet palette work. As noted in Brushes 101, having "duplicates of the same brush type" prevents downtime during sessions ^[4].
• Size 3 brushes excel for larger miniatures (e.g., vehicles, monsters) or dry brushing techniques, where a broader stroke is advantageous. Some painters also repurpose old size 3 brushes for texturing or weathering effects ^[4].
• Flat brushes (often size 2 or 3) are specifically recommended for dry brushing, as their shape allows for better control over highlight placement on raised edges ^[3].

Material choice remains critical here, with natural hair brushes (Kolinsky, Sable) preferred for their paint-holding capacity, though high-end synthetics like those from Monument Hobbies are gaining popularity for their durability and ethical appeal ^[7]. Proper technique—such as loading paint only halfway up the bristles and maintaining a wet palette—enhances the performance of these brushes, regardless of size ^[9].