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Gesso and varnish brushes are typically big and have relatively short bristles that can spread large amounts of material over your canvas with strength and efficiency. It’s important to find a good-quality gesso brush that won’t leave behind bristles or texture the canvas surface too much. We’ve picked our favorite gesso brushes to help you make a good choice; peruse our reviews below.

These brushes are made of synthetic fibers, which ensures a smooth stroke and an even finish. While they’re ideal for priming or applying gesso, you can also use them with acrylic or oil paints. They have sanded wooden handles and come in a pack of three, which includes 1-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch-wide brush heads.

These brushes measure 1, 2, and 3 inches across, making them ideal for gesso or priming projects. The bristles are short enough for these brushes to also be used for blending or softening pigments and glazes. They are crafted from goat hair and have wooden handles. While the natural fiber bristles are ideal for heavy media like gesso, they do require a good wash before use to ensure that none of the bristles shed during painting.

This strong and durable brush is perfect for priming your canvas, able to gracefully and evenly distribute even the heaviest mixtures over your painting surface. The bristles are 2 inches wide. It is recommended that you wash this brush before use so you don’t wind up with any loose bristles on your primed canvas.

If you’re looking for a no-frills gesso brush that will get the job done, consider this unfinished wood-handled product. The 2-inch-wide brush is made of natural bristles that are strong enough to handle even the heaviest of gesso mixtures. Though it’s certainly not the top of the line, it’s reliable and affordable , great for both the artist on a budget and the painter who likes to buy brushes in quantity.

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