Princeton Neptune Series 4750 Synthetic Squirrel Set (4-Piece)
Neptune is the synthetic that genuinely mimics natural squirrel: it drinks up a huge load of water and pigment, releases it.
View on Amazon →The Best Watercolor Brushes
Researched by Johnny Alto · Updated October 12, 2026
Research pick: Based on product documentation and owner discussions. How we research →
Short answer: Our top pick is the Princeton Neptune Series 4750 Synthetic Squirrel Set (4-Piece). Neptune is the synthetic that genuinely mimics natural squirrel: it drinks up a huge load of water and pigment, releases it in a smooth controlled.
Top pickPrinceton Neptune Series 4750 Synthetic Squirrel Set (4-Piece)View offer →
Top pick
Princeton Neptune Series 4750 Synthetic Squirrel Set (4-Piece)
Neptune is the synthetic that genuinely mimics natural squirrel: it drinks up a huge load of water and pigment, releases it in a smooth controlled flow for washes, and still snaps to a.
Hair typeShape by jobSizes are not standardized
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Product image.
The real decision in watercolor brushes is natural Kolinsky sable (best point and snap, but pricey and animal-hair) versus modern synthetic squirrel (huge water load, great value, cruelty-free, slightly less spring). This is for beginners and improvers who want one brush or a small set that carries washes and detail without spending 30-plus dollars on a single sable. Here is the value pick, the pro sable, and how to choose shapes.
Top picks at a glance
Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable, Round Size 6
The reference-standard sable, with superb spring, point, and wash-to-detail range.
View on Amazon →Escoda Reserva 1212 Kolinsky Sable, Round Size 8
Handmade pure Kolinsky at roughly half the Series 7 price, with excellent water capacity and shape retention.
View on Amazon →Princeton Neptune 4750 Travel Round Set (4-Piece)
Protective travel caps and all-round sizes make it ideal for plein-air and sketchbook use.
View on Amazon →What should you look for in watercolor brushes?
A few things separate a good watercolor brushes from a frustrating one: hair type, shape by job, sizes are not standardized, and care sets lifespan. Weigh these before you buy.
- Hair type: Kolinsky sable gives the best point and spring but is pricey and animal-derived; synthetic squirrel (Neptune) holds enormous water at low cost; synthetic sable is springier for detail.
- Shape by job: rounds are the all-purpose workhorse; a mop or oval wash holds water for big flat washes; a rigger makes long thin lines.
- Sizes are not standardized: a size 8 differs between brands, so judge by belly diameter and hair length, not the number.
- Care sets lifespan: never store a brush point-down in water; reshape the tip and store flat or upright.
Sable or synthetic?
Natural Kolinsky sable still holds the crown for the finest point and the springiest snap, which is why detail painters pay for it, but it is expensive and made from animal hair. Modern synthetic squirrel like the Neptune line has closed most of the gap: it holds a genuinely huge load of water for smooth washes and cruelty-free at a fraction of the price, giving up only a little spring for crisp dry-brush work. For most people one good synthetic round plus a wash brush covers everything; buy a single sable later if you find yourself wanting a sharper point for detail.
What are the best alternatives?
Best pro sable
Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable, Round Size 6
The reference-standard sable, with superb spring, point, and wash-to-detail range. Expensive, sold as single brushes, and it needs careful cleaning and storage.
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Best value sable
Escoda Reserva 1212 Kolinsky Sable, Round Size 8
Handmade pure Kolinsky at roughly half the Series 7 price, with excellent water capacity and shape retention. Still a premium single-brush price, and natural sable needs gentle care.
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Best travel set
Princeton Neptune 4750 Travel Round Set (4-Piece)
Protective travel caps and all-round sizes make it ideal for plein-air and sketchbook use. Rounds only (no dedicated wash brush), so you will want a separate mop.
View on AmazonBottom line: the Princeton Neptune set is the best value and a complete starter kit; step up to Winsor and Newton Series 7 or an Escoda for a pro sable point. Match brush shape to whether you are laying washes or fine lines. Pair it with our masking fluid and colored pencil guides.
Our top pickPrinceton Neptune Series 4750 Synthetic Squirrel Set (4-Piece)
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best watercolor brushes?
Princeton Neptune Series 4750 Synthetic Squirrel Set (4-Piece). Neptune is the synthetic that genuinely mimics natural squirrel: it drinks up a huge load of water and pigment, releases it in a smooth controlled flow for washes, and still snaps to a workable point, all at a fraction of sable prices with no shedding or animal-hair concerns.
What should you look for in watercolor brushes?
Focus on hair type, shape by job, sizes are not standardized, and care sets lifespan.
What is a good alternative to the Princeton Neptune Series 4750 Synthetic Squirrel Set (4-Piece)?
The Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable, Round Size 6. The reference-standard sable, with superb spring, point, and wash-to-detail range. Expensive, sold as single brushes, and it needs careful cleaning and storage.
Related buying guides
This is a research-based buying guide, not a personal hands-on review. Product details, prices, and availability can change; confirm the current listing on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
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