Dry-brush blending with a filbert

For soft gradients, load the brush with less water than usual and work two colours into each other at their edge using light, circular strokes — the rounded tip naturally softens the line where the colours meet. Too much water at this stage causes the colours to bleed into mud rather than blend cleanly.

Caring for your brushes

Rinse brushes in clean water immediately after use and reshape the rounded tip before it dries. A gentle brush soap helps lift dried paint from the ferrule without damaging the bristles. Store brushes flat or bristle-up to keep their shape between events.

Want the full loading technique for split cakes and solid colours? Read our guide How to Load a Face Paint Brush and Sponge.