Dry Brush Techniques: When and How to Use Them

Dry brushing is a technique that uses minimal paint on a dry brush to create texture, highlights, and subtle detail. It is commonly used in both painting and mixed media.

What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing involves loading a brush with paint and then wiping most of it off before applying it lightly to the surface. The paint catches only on raised areas, creating broken, textured marks.

When to Use Dry Brushing

Dry brushing works best for:

• highlighting texture
• weathered or aged effects
• foliage, wood grain, fabric, and stone

It is particularly effective over textured surfaces or previous layers of paint.

Tools and Paint Choice

Stiff bristle brushes work best for dry brushing. Acrylic paint is commonly used, but oils can also be applied using this method. Paint should be thick and undiluted.

Common Mistakes

Using too much paint or pressing too hard defeats the purpose of dry brushing. The effect should remain subtle and controlled.

Dry brushing adds depth and realism when used sparingly and intentionally.