The next stage is the painting of the general patterns and detail onto your watercolour, which can be applied over a dry or slightly wet wash. One should choose pure squirrel or sable brushes, wich combine capillarity (capacity to retain water and colour) and responsiveness. Different varieties are available such as Russian or Chinese sable. Their basic characteristics are similar, however they do not allow the diversity of painting of a pure Kolinsky sable brush.

Fine brushes must be properly maintained for them to work properly and to ensure they have a long life. The cleaning method depends on the type of paint used and the nature of the hair or fibre.

Watercolour and gouache: watercolour brushes made out of fine Kolinsky sable or squirrel hair may simply be cleaned with tap water. Traces of colour can also be removed with soap, followed by rinsing with clean water.