Reliable, budget-friendly brushes that punch above their weight for most painters.
If your current brushes leave streaks, split at the tip, or shed on your canvas, you know the pain. A good brush set can change how your paint lays down and how you feel at the easel. In this Robert Simmons paint brush set review, I break down the popular Simply Simmons sets so you know which bundle actually suits your work. Whether you paint miniatures, landscapes, mixed media, or large acrylic pieces, I’ll help you zero in on the right fit without wasting a dime—or a stroke.
Robert Simmons Simply Simmons Long…
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Robert Simmons Simply Simmons Value…
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Robert Simmons Simply Simmons Value…
Includes a flat shader 10-filbert 6-flat shader 2- round 1 and liner 1 Designed for use with all paints Superior quality at an economical price Ideal for students-amateurs and professionals…
Simply Simmons Long Handle Synthetic Set, 5 pcs
This long-handle synthetic set is built for painters who work at an easel. The handles give you room to stand back and see your whole composition. The synthetic filaments deliver a clean edge and a steady snap, which is key for acrylics and oils. You get a balanced mix of shapes for blocking in, blending, and edge work.
In testing for this Robert Simmons paint brush set review, the bristles kept a true line after load and release. I noticed even paint flow with little drag. Cleanup was quick with mild soap. The set makes sense for beginners who want control and for hobbyists who need a tough daily-driver set.
Pros:
- Long handles offer better reach and posture at the easel
- Good snap and edge for acrylic and oil techniques
- Versatile mix of shapes for base coats and detail
- Easy to clean; bristles resist swelling and fray
- Solid value for a five-brush set
Cons:
- Synthetics won’t hold as much fluid as natural hair
- Not ideal for ultra-delicate glazing with soft mediums
- Minor splaying can occur if scrubbed aggressively
My Recommendation
If you paint on canvas with acrylics or oils, start here. The reach and control are strong for the price. In the context of a Robert Simmons paint brush set review, this bundle hits the sweet spot for most painters who want reliability and shape retention. It also pairs well with specialty texture brushes if you layer landscapes or abstracts.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Acrylic and oil on canvas | Firm snap, crisp edges, and long-handle balance |
| Intermediate learners | All-round shapes to grow technique and control |
| Daily studio practice | Durable synthetics that clean fast and keep shape |
Simply Simmons Devilish Detail Set, 5 pcs
When tiny lines and micro-shapes matter, this set shines. The tips form tight points that track where you place them. I laid fine whiskers, rigging lines, and miniature armor seams with steady flow. The filaments spring back well, which reduces tip curl when you load, drag, and lift.
For this Robert Simmons paint brush set review, I used thin acrylic and light-bodied gouache. The points stayed crisp through multiple sessions. Capacity is modest, which is normal for detailers, but the flow feels even. If you work on miniatures, hand-lettering, or eyelashes in portraits, this set adds control without stress.
Pros:
- Ultra-fine points for micro details and lining
- Good spring to prevent tip curl
- Works with acrylic, gouache, and ink
- Balanced handles that reduce hand strain
- Strong value compared with single premium liners
Cons:
- Small paint load; frequent reloads for long lines
- Not suited for big washes or coverage
- Tips can fatigue if used on rough, gritty grounds
My Recommendation
This is the detail kit for precision tasks. I recommend it to miniature painters, calligraphers, and illustrators who need a clean, fine point. In any honest Robert Simmons paint brush set review, a dedicated detail bundle earns a spot because it solves a distinct problem: tight control on small marks.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Miniature painting | Sharp points lay micro lines with steady flow |
| Lettering and line art | Consistent spring helps maintain stroke width |
| Portrait finishing touches | Clean edges for lashes, brows, and hair flyaways |
Simply Simmons “Everything” Set, 5 pcs
This pack is a starter toolbox for many media. Expect a spread of core shapes that handle base coats, edges, and soft blending. It is ideal for craft projects, sketchbook painting, and class kits. The set also suits kids who want real tools that can grow with them.
In hands-on checks for this Robert Simmons paint brush set review, the “Everything” mix covered a weekend of varied tasks. I primed a small board, detailed a watercolor card, then blocked in an acrylic still life. The brushes rinsed fast and kept their form. If you need one simple set to learn with, this is it.
Pros:
- Well-rounded selection for most basic techniques
- Good entry price for students and hobbyists
- Handles feel smooth and balanced
- Works across acrylic, watercolor, and gouache
- Easy cleaning with mild soap and water
Cons:
- Not a pro-tier line; expect student-grade feel
- Capacity is moderate for expansive washes
- Shape assortment may vary by batch
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want one set that “just works” for many tasks. It is a reliable classroom or first-studio bundle. In a real-world Robert Simmons paint brush set review, this set wins for convenience and breadth, not for extreme specialization. Great as a gift or a backup kit.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Beginners and students | All-round shapes help learn the basics fast |
| Mixed-media dabblers | Works with acrylics, watercolor, and craft paints |
| Classroom kits | Budget-friendly and easy to maintain |
Simply Simmons Grass & Grain Set, 3 pcs (78231)
Texture lovers, this is your trio. The set targets natural effects like tall grass, grain heads, fur, bark, and foliage. With light pressure, I pulled clustered blades. With a tap and twist, I got broken textures that read as bark and scrub. It speeds up landscape work in a big way.
During this Robert Simmons paint brush set review, I tested with slightly thinned acrylic and a dry-brush gouache pass. The tools layered believably with little fuss. Raked filaments made grass in seconds, while a fan gave soft clumps and tree edges. If you paint outdoors or from photo refs, this kit reduces fussy strokes.
Pros:
- Purpose-built for natural textures and foliage
- Quick coverage with realistic, broken edges
- Works for hair, fur, bark, and grasses
- Plays well with dry-brush and scumble methods
- Saves time in landscape and wildlife painting
Cons:
- Niche use; not a full everyday set
- Raked tips can wear faster on rough canvas
- Less control for tight, geometric shapes
My Recommendation
Get this as a supplement to your core kit. It is perfect for landscapes, pet portraits, and any piece that needs organic texture. In my Robert Simmons paint brush set review tests, the time savings alone justify the set for environment painters.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Landscape artists | Fast grass, leaves, bark, and scrub textures |
| Wildlife and pet art | Natural fur clumps and hair groupings |
| Speed painting | Complex textures in fewer strokes |
Simply Simmons Long Handle Synthetic Set, 4 pcs
This four-piece long-handle set is a leaner version of the five-brush kit. You still get core shapes for blocking, blending, and edge work. The synthetics keep a crisp profile under pressure. They also lift clean with a simple rinse and wipe.
In my studio tests for this Robert Simmons paint brush set review, the set handled thick acrylic gel and medium-bodied oils. I liked the control on edges and the feel of the handles. If you want fewer brushes and tighter packing in a plein air bag, this is a smart choice.
Pros:
- Long handles for better posture and sight lines
- Strong edge control for acrylic and oil
- Smaller set is easy to pack and manage
- Good snap; keeps its chisel point
- Budget-friendly for a long-handle bundle
Cons:
- Fewer sizes; may need add-ons for fine detail
- Less ideal for desk painting due to handle length
- Synthetics have modest fluid capacity
My Recommendation
Pick this if you paint with a slim kit. It is great for travel, workshops, or small studios where space is tight. In a practical Robert Simmons paint brush set review, this four-pack offers the essentials without bulk.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Plein air acrylics | Compact set with solid edge control |
| Workshop kits | Simple, reliable shapes with long handles |
| Budget-conscious painters | Core tools at a friendly price point |
FAQs Of Robert Simmons paint brush set review
Are Simply Simmons brushes good for beginners?
Yes. They balance control, value, and easy care. This Robert Simmons paint brush set review shows they suit class and home use.
Do these brushes work with watercolor?
They can, but they are stiffer than sable. Use them for details, small washes, and gouache accents.
How do I clean and maintain them?
Rinse right after use. Use mild soap and lukewarm water. Shape tips and dry flat or bristle-up.
Will the bristles shed?
New brushes may shed a few hairs at first. After a few sessions, shedding should stop with proper care.
Are long handles better than short handles?
For easel work, long handles help with reach and sighting. For desk work, short handles give closer control.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Simply Simmons Long Handle Synthetic Set (5 pcs) is the best all-round pick. It hits the mark for control, value, and range. This Robert Simmons paint brush set review shows it suits most acrylic and oil work.
Need micro lines? Choose the Devilish Detail Set. Want textures? Grab Grass & Grain. For one-and-done variety, the “Everything” Set works. That wraps this Robert Simmons paint brush set review with clear picks for every style.
