Q&A for How to Make a Paintbrush

Any fiber bunched up will hold paint by capillary action. The quality of the fiber will affect the durability of the brush, how well it maintains a crisp line as you paint, how quickly the paint flows from the brush, etc.

Might be a little big but if you clean it should work. Don't use it again on your face, though.

Dried tails from deer, goat, squirrel, or other animals. In addition, fly-tying materials from sporting goods stores.

Yes. You can take any brush with bristles and wrap thin metal (like heavy aluminum foil) part way down on the bristles. Then, squeeze it flat. If you are very careful, you can take an existing brush and carefully flatten the metal by the bristles with a hammer.

Yes. A feather will apply the paint evenly on your work.

It should cost less than $20.

You could, but regular string would probably not be firm enough for most applications.

If you want your painting to turn out realistic, there isn't really a great substitute, but if you're painting something abstract you can use your fingers, fabric, fine threads, feathers, absorbent fur, etc.

It all depends on the quality of the glue and how well you bind it. It could last anywhere from a week to a year.

You can use grass or pine needles. Or, if you want, you could even use the bridles from a makeup brush.

You can buy them at a local crafts store, an online crafts store, from any large variety store that sells craft and hardware products and possibly from cheap stores that sell everything, like dollar or pound stores.

Yes. Cotton swabs will work because they can absorb the paint. However, they may cause smudges and smearing, so use with care.