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Brush sets are where most painters start, and where most painters waste money. A box of thirty brushes looks generous until you realize twenty of them are nearly identical small rounds. Anyone reading a Blick paint brush set review is really trying to avoid that trap: will a retailer’s house-brand set give a sensible mix of shapes and sizes, or is there a better-planned set for the same budget?
Blick’s own brush sets are sold mainly through Blick stores and its website, and none were among the Amazon listings we checked in October 2026. So this review takes a different angle. It shows you how to audit any brush set, Blick or not, in a few minutes, then applies that audit to seven multi-purpose sets currently listed on Amazon.
Quick answer: The Fuumuui 25-piece set is the most complete alternative to a Blick paint brush set, with nine distinct shapes, a palette knife and a canvas roll. For a smaller, well-chosen set, the Benicci 12-piece set focuses on flat, round, fan and filbert. If you mainly paint details, rocks or miniatures, the Phinus 20-piece set gives two full packs of fine-tipped brushes at the lowest tier.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Fuumuui 25-Piece, 9-Shape Set — Best overall alternative to a Blick brush set
- Benicci 12-Piece Artist Set — Best focused set for beginners
- Amazon Basics 24-Count Multi-Shape Set — Best high-count budget set
- Artstorys 20-Piece Set — Best two-pack for sharing
- Phinus 20-Piece Detail Set — Best for detail and miniatures
- AROIC 10-Piece Set — Best ultra-budget starter
- GETHPEN 12-Piece Filbert Set — Best add-on for blending
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuumuui 25-pc | Complete kit | 24 brushes, 9 shapes, knife, roll | Most distinct shapes | $$ |
| Benicci 12-pc | Focused beginner set | Flat, round, fan, filbert | No wasted brushes | $ |
| Amazon Basics 24-ct | Classrooms, heavy use | Polyester/nylon, multi-shape | High count, container | $ |
| Artstorys 20-pc | Two painters or backups | 2 packs of 10 sizes, 5/8 to 2/0 | UV-coated long handles | $ |
| Phinus 20-pc | Detail and minis | 2 packs, 10 sizes, round-pointed | Fine tips, lowest tier | $ |
| AROIC 10-pc | First brushes | 10 sizes, nylon | Very low cost | $ |
| GETHPEN filbert 12-pc | Blending add-on | Filberts sizes 1–12 | Complete filbert run | $ |
How We Chose
These picks are based on Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, on how well each set’s shape and size mix suits general painting, and on how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We have not painted with these sets. Product details come from the listings, and the advice reflects common studio practice.
- Distinct shapes — how many genuinely different brush shapes a set includes.
- Size spread — whether there is at least one large brush and one fine detail brush.
- Construction — ferrule type, crimping and handle finish.
- Storage — roll, case or container.
- Fit for the medium — synthetic fibers for acrylic and multi-media use.
Blick Paint Brush Set Review: How to Audit Any Brush Set
Before comparing brands, run any set through these four checks. They take a minute with the listing open and tell you more than the brush count does.
1. Count distinct shapes, not brushes
Flat, round, filbert, angle, fan, liner, dagger and bright are different tools. A set with five shapes in twelve brushes usually beats a set with two shapes in thirty.
2. Check the extremes
Find the largest and smallest brush. Without a wide flat you will spend hours on backgrounds; without a fine round or liner you cannot paint detail.
3. Look for duplicates
Two-pack sets intentionally double every size. That is useful for sharing or keeping a backup, less so if you paint alone.
4. Inspect the ferrule description
Double-crimped, nickel, copper or seamless ferrules suggest a brush that will survive washing. Vague listings are a warning sign.
Where a retailer house-brand set fits
House-brand sets from retailers like Blick are generally aimed at students and everyday painters who want dependable synthetic brushes at a fair price. The sets below cover the same ground; the audit helps you see which ones are actually well planned.
Best Paint Brush Set Alternatives Reviewed
1. Fuumuui 25-Piece, 9-Shape Set — Best for a complete kit
Run the audit and this set scores best: nine distinct shapes (large wide flat, flat, filbert, fan, dagger, cat tongue, round, angle, rigger) across 24 brushes, plus a palette knife. The large wide flat handles backgrounds, and the rigger handles fine lines, so both extremes are covered.
Double-crimped copper ferrules, birch handles and a waterproof canvas roll with individual pockets complete it. The flagged synthetic bristles are listed for acrylic, oil and watercolor.
Best suited for: Painters who want one set that covers nearly every technique.
Key features:
- 24 brushes in 9 shapes
- Palette knife
- Copper ferrules
- Waterproof canvas roll
Pros:
- Most distinct shapes
- Both a wide flat and a rigger
- Excellent storage
Cons and limitations:
- Sizes not itemized
- More shapes than some beginners need
Buying consideration: The easiest “buy once” set for a new painter or a returning one.
2. Benicci 12-Piece Artist Set — Best for a focused beginner set
Benicci deliberately keeps the mix tight: flat, round, fan and filbert, covering backgrounds, blending, texture and detail. High-grade nylon bristles are described as holding shape and not shedding, and ergonomic wooden handles reduce fatigue.
The listing frames it as a middle option between cheap sets and premium tools, for acrylic, oil, watercolor and mixed media on canvas, fabric, wood and board.
Best suited for: Beginners who prefer fewer, more useful brushes.
Key features:
- 12 brushes: flat, round, fan, filbert
- Nylon bristles
- Ergonomic wooden handles
Pros:
- No wasted shapes
- Good balance for learning
- Low tier
Cons and limitations:
- No liner or angle
- Sizes not itemized
Buying consideration: Add a liner later and this set covers nearly everything.
3. Amazon Basics 24-Count Multi-Shape Set — Best for classrooms and heavy use
A high-count set of 24 brushes in a variety of shapes and sizes, with polyester and nylon fiber sealed in aluminum ferrules. A carrying container is included.
It is a practical choice where brushes get heavy use or go missing, such as classrooms and family craft tables.
Best suited for: Teachers, families and painters who need many brushes.
Key features:
- 24 brushes, multiple shapes
- Polyester/nylon
- Aluminum ferrules
- Carrying container
Pros:
- High count for the tier
- Easy to clean
Cons and limitations:
- Shape mix not itemized
- Not aimed at fine finishing
Buying consideration: Good as a utility set alongside a few better brushes.
4. Artstorys 20-Piece Set — Best for two painters or backups
Artstorys sells two packs of ten sizes each: 5/8, 8, 6, 4, 5, 3, 2, 2, 1 and 2/0, so the range runs from a 5/8 inch flat down to a 2/0 detail brush. Handles are 6.9 to 7.7 inches, UV coated and water resistant, with nickel ferrules double crimped.
Care instructions recommend warm soapy water, reshaping and drying tip-up in the carrying container.
Best suited for: Two painters sharing, or one painter who wants backups.
Key features:
- 2 packs x 10 sizes
- Sizes 5/8 in to 2/0
- UV-coated wood handles
- Nickel ferrules, double crimped
Pros:
- Itemized sizes
- Covers broad to fine
- Duplicates for sharing
Cons and limitations:
- Duplicates reduce shape variety
Buying consideration: A practical buy for parent-and-child painting or classroom pairs.
5. Phinus 20-Piece Detail Set — Best for detail and miniatures
Phinus also offers two packs of ten sizes (5/8, 8, 6, 4, 5, 3, 2, 2, 1, 2/0), described as round-pointed brushes for precise detail, tight dots and small work. Handles are 6.5 to 7.5 inches.
Synthetic nylon bristles, rust-resistant nickel ferrules and double crimping round out the build. It is listed for miniatures, models, rocks and illustrations.
Best suited for: Miniature painters, rock painters and detail work.
Key features:
- 2 packs x 10 sizes
- Round-pointed tips
- Nickel ferrules
- Lowest tier
Pros:
- Very low cost
- Fine tips for detail
Cons and limitations:
- Not suited to large areas
Buying consideration: Perfect as a dedicated detail kit kept separate from your main brushes.
6. AROIC 10-Piece Set — Best for first brushes
AROIC’s ten brushes come in ten sizes with various shapes, anti-falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrules and solid wood handles. It is listed for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic and crafts.
It is the least expensive set here, good for a first try or a child’s kit.
Best suited for: Absolute beginners and kids.
Key features:
- 10 brushes, 10 sizes
- Nylon bristles
- Nickel ferrules
- Wood handles
Pros:
- Ultra-low cost
- Simple
Cons and limitations:
- Limited shapes
- Basic construction
Buying consideration: Fine for experimenting; upgrade once you know you enjoy painting.
7. GETHPEN 12-Piece Filbert Set — Best for blending add-on
If your set lacks filberts, this fills the gap with sizes 1 through 12 in soft synthetic nylon, aluminum crimped ferrules and short white handles, plus a storage container.
Filberts are the most versatile blending shape for acrylic and oil.
Best suited for: Anyone whose set is short on blending brushes.
Key features:
- 12 filberts, sizes 1–12
- Soft nylon
- Storage container
Pros:
- Complete filbert range
- Low tier
Cons and limitations:
- Single shape only
Buying consideration: Pair with Benicci or Phinus to round out a kit.
Brush Sizes Explained
Brush set listings mix several sizing systems, which makes comparison confusing. Here is how to read them.
Numbered sizes
Most rounds, filberts and small flats use numbers. Higher numbers mean larger brushes, but there is no universal standard, so a size 6 from one maker can be noticeably different from another’s. Compare sizes within a set rather than across brands.
Zero sizes
Below size 1 come 0, then 2/0 (also written 00), 3/0 and smaller. These are detail brushes for eyes, lettering, whiskers and highlights. The Artstorys and Phinus sets both include a 2/0.
Inch and millimeter widths
Wide flats, washes and specialty brushes are often sized by the width of the head, such as 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch or 40 mm. These are the brushes that cover large areas quickly.
What a balanced spread looks like
For most painters, a useful set includes something around 5/8 to 1 inch wide, several medium sizes in the 4 to 10 range, and one or two brushes at size 1 or smaller. If a set skips the large end, add a single wide flat; if it skips the small end, add a liner.
Brush Fibers in Multi-Purpose Sets
Every set on this page uses synthetic fibers, described variously as nylon, polyester or synthetic bristle. That is the right choice for a multi-purpose kit, for three reasons.
Acrylic compatibility
Synthetic fibers do not absorb water and swell the way natural hair can, so they hold their shape in acrylic and clean up with soap and water.
Durability
Synthetics tolerate rough surfaces such as canvas, wood, stone and fabric better than fine natural hair, which matters for crafts and rock painting.
Consistency and cost
Manufactured filaments behave consistently from brush to brush and cost far less than natural hair, which is why large, affordable sets are possible at all.
The trade-off is that soft synthetics hold less water than natural squirrel or sable for watercolor washes, and the softest synthetics struggle to move very thick oil or heavy body acrylic. Flagged synthetic bristles, like those in the Fuumuui set, split at the tips to hold more paint and narrow that gap.
Matching a Set to the Way You Paint
Canvas painting in acrylic or oil
Prioritize a wide flat, two filberts and a round. Fuumuui or Benicci plus GETHPEN filberts works well.
Watercolor and gouache
Multi-purpose sets work, but a dedicated watercolor set with soft hair holds more water.
Crafts, rocks and miniatures
Fine rounds and liners matter most. Phinus and Artstorys suit this.
Groups and classrooms
Count and durability matter more than finesse. Amazon Basics or Artstorys fit.
Making Any Brush Set Last Longer
- Rinse often and never let paint dry in the ferrule.
- Wash with mild soap after every session.
- Reshape tips and dry flat or tip-up.
- Keep detail brushes separate from scrubbing brushes.
- Store in a roll or container so tips are not crushed.
When to Upgrade Beyond a Set
A good set carries most painters through their first year or two. Signs it is time to add individual, better brushes:
- You reach for the same two or three brushes in every painting and they are wearing out.
- Your detail brush no longer comes to a clean point, even after careful washing.
- You want a size the set does not include, usually a very wide flat or a long liner.
- You have settled on one medium and want fibers tuned to it, such as hog bristle for oil or soft squirrel-style hair for watercolor.
At that point, buy single brushes in the shapes you use most and keep the set for underpainting, texture and experiments.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Paint Brush Set
Prioritize shape variety
Five or more distinct shapes beats a high count of one shape.
Confirm at least one large brush
A 1/2 to 1 inch flat saves time on backgrounds.
Confirm a true detail brush
A 0, 2/0 round or a liner is essential for fine lines.
Check ferrules and handles
Crimped metal ferrules and sealed handles last longer.
Consider storage
Rolls and containers protect tips between sessions.
Decide on duplicates
Two-packs are great for sharing; single sets give more variety per dollar.
Learn the Brushwork
Once you have a set, put the fine brushes to work with our guide on how to use a liner brush for detail work. For choosing the right size, see what size brush to use for detail acrylic work, and for a fun technique, try how to paint dots with a round brush.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Judging a set by brush count instead of shape variety.
- Buying only small brushes and struggling with backgrounds.
- Using the same brushes for crafts and fine art finishing.
- Letting acrylic dry in the bristles.
- Throwing brushes loose in a drawer where tips bend.
FAQs
Are Blick paint brush sets sold on Amazon?
Blick sells its own brush sets mainly through its stores and website. None appeared in our October 2026 Amazon check, so this review compares listed sets.
How many brushes should a beginner set have?
Ten to twelve well-chosen brushes across four or five shapes are plenty to start.
What brush shapes are most important?
Flat, round and filbert first, then a liner and an angle.
Can one brush set work for acrylic, oil and watercolor?
Synthetic multi-purpose sets can, but keep separate brushes for each medium if possible and clean thoroughly.
Are cheap brush sets worth it?
Yes for practice, crafts and rough work. Keep a few better brushes for details.
Why do two-pack brush sets repeat sizes?
They are designed for sharing or as backups, which is handy for families and classrooms.
Final Recommendation
If you were considering a Blick paint brush set, the Fuumuui 25-piece set is the most complete alternative, passing every step of the audit. Benicci is the focused beginner choice, Amazon Basics and Artstorys suit groups, Phinus is the detail specialist, AROIC is the cheapest way to start, and GETHPEN filberts round out any set that lacks blending brushes.
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